SpaceX Falcon Heavy Launches GOES-U

Kennedy Space Center, FL. – After a short pause in the countdown, a SpaceX Falcon Heavy lifted off from launch Complex 39- A. At 5:26 PM EDT, the 27 engines ignited and the NOAA GOES-U satellite was carried into space headed for a Geo-stationary orbit roughly 22,235 miles above earth. This GOES satellite was the last in this series of advanced weather satellites. GOES stands for Geostationary Operational Environmental Satellite and can provide continuous weather coverage over the Earth’s Western Hemisphere.

In a statement from NASA: “As communities across the country and the world feel the effects of extreme weather, satellites like GOES-U keep a close watch to monitor weather in real time,” said NASA Administrator Bill Nelson. “NASA and NOAA have worked together for several decades to bring critical data back down to Earth to prepare for severe storms, fire detection, and much more. This fleet of advanced satellites is strengthening resilience to our changing climate, and protecting humanity from weather hazards on Earth, and in space.”

People across the Space Coast witnessed the massive Falcon Heavy take to the skies and about eight minutes after launch, the rockets two side core boosters made a successful return to Landing Zones 1 and 2 at the Cape Canaveral S.F.S, letting all those witnessing a loud double sonic boom.  Story by Graham Smith  Image Credits:  Michael Seeley and Graham Smith