KSC-2009-1954

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – In the Astrotech payload processing facility in Titusville, Fla., the top of the shipping container is moved away from the Geostationary Operational Environmental Satellite, or GOES-O, wrapped in a protective cover. The satellite will undergo final testing of the imaging system, instrumentation, communications and power systems. 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. Photo credit: NASA/Kim Shiflett