A United Launch Alliance Atlas V rocket carried the GOES-T spacecraft for the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration into orbit yesterday. This marked ULA’s 149th launch with 100% mission success.
“This successful launch adds to the GOES-R series, the Western Hemisphere’s most sophisticated weather observation and environmental monitoring system,” said Gary Wentz, ULA vice president of government and commercial programs. “The Atlas V delivered GOES-T directly to a geosynchronous transfer orbit. The orbital delivery accurately placed the spacecraft closer to its final destination, which conserves the satellite’s fuel supply and enables a longer mission life.”
ULA makes the Atlas V rocket at its Decatur facility. The Atlas V 541 configuration rocket first flew in November 2011 and has launched multiple missions including one in 2020. Aerojet Rocketdyne provided the RL 10C-1 engine for the Centaur upper stage and Northrop Grumman provided the Graphite Epoxy Motor (GEM) 63 solid rocket boosters. Both Aerojet Rocketdyne and Northrop Grumman have locations in Alabama, as well.
This mission was launched in partnership with NASA’s Launch Services Program from Cape Canaveral Space Force Station.
