KSC-05pd-0186

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - At the Delta Operations Center in Cape Canaveral, Fla., the Boeing Delta IV second stage is lifted by an overhead crane. The element is being moved to a transporter for transfer to the Horizontal Integration Facility for further processing. The Delta IV is the launch vehicle for the GOES-N satellite. Geostationary Operational Environmental Satellites (GOES) are sponsored by the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) and the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA). GOES-N is the first in the next series of GOES satellites, N-P. The multi-mission GOES series N-P will be a vital contributor to weather, solar and space operations and science. The GOES N-P series will aid activities ranging from severe storm warnings to resource management and advances in science. GOES-N is scheduled to launch May 4 from Cape Canaveral Air Force Station, Fla.