KSC-2009-1939

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – In the Astrotech payload processing facility in Titusville, Fla., the latest Geostationary Operational Environmental Satellite, or GOES, is lowered onto the floor. Developed by NASA for the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, or NOAA, the GOES-O satellite is targeted to launch April 28 onboard a United Launch Alliance Delta IV expendable launch vehicle. Once in orbit, GOES-O will be designated GOES-14, and NASA will provide on-orbit checkout and then transfer operational responsibility to NOAA. GOES-O will be placed in on-orbit storage as a replacement for an older GOES satellite. The satellite will undergo final testing of the imaging system, instrumentation, communications and power systems. Photo credit: NASA/Kim Shiflett