The United Launch Alliance Atlas V rocket is rolled from the Vertical Integration Facility to the pad at Space Launch Complex 41 at Cape Canaveral Air Force Station in Florida. The launch vehicle will send NOAA’s Geostationary Operational Environmental Satellite (GOES-S) into orbit. The GOES series is designed to significantly improve the detection and observation of environmental phenomena that directly affect public safety, protection of property and the nation’s economic health and prosperity. GOES-S is slated to lift off atop the Atlas V rocket March 1 at 5:02 p.m. EST.
Meteorologists with the U.S. Air Force 45th Space Wing are predicting an 80 percent chance of favorable weather for liftoff of the Atlas V rocket. On launch day, the primary weather concern is cumulus clouds and strengthening ground winds.
Join WeatherNation’s Meteorologist Meredith Garofalo and John Van Pelt as they cover the GOES-S launch LIVE on air and online.
RIGHT NOW – In a little more than 24 hours, this #AtlasV rocket will soar into space carrying @NOAASatellites #GOESS weather satellite. Our own @GarofaloWX & @JVPStorm talk with some of the people who made this launch possible. Watch for more interviews leading up to it! #GOES17 pic.twitter.com/1shwoWW6R3
— WeatherNation (@WeatherNation) February 28, 2018
Linda Herridge – NASA
Photo credit: NASA/Ben Smegelsky