# GOES-1

> American geostationary weather satellite

**Wikidata**: [Q3813727](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q3813727)  
**Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/GOES_1)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/goes-1

## Summary
GOES-1 was the first American geostationary weather satellite, launched on October 16, 1975, to provide continuous monitoring of weather patterns and climate data. Operated by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), it marked the beginning of the Geostationary Operational Environmental Satellite (GOES) series, revolutionizing weather forecasting with real-time data from a fixed orbital position.

## Key Facts
- **Launch Date**: October 16, 1975, at 22:40 UTC from Cape Canaveral Space Launch Complex 17.
- **Operator**: National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA).
- **Manufacturer**: Ford Aerospace.
- **Mass**: 631 kilograms at launch.
- **Launch Vehicle**: Delta 2000 rocket.
- **COSPAR ID**: 1975-100A.
- **Service Period**: Operational from October 25, 1975, to March 7, 1985.
- **Series**: First satellite in the GOES program, succeeded by GOES-2.
- **Orbit**: Geostationary orbit, enabling constant observation of the same region.

## FAQs
### Q: When was GOES-1 launched and what was its primary mission?
A: GOES-1 launched on October 16, 1975, to provide continuous weather monitoring from geostationary orbit, enhancing forecasting capabilities with real-time data.

### Q: Who operated GOES-1 and what organization built it?
A: NOAA operated GOES-1, which was manufactured by Ford Aerospace.

### Q: Why was GOES-1 significant in the history of weather satellites?
A: As the first in the GOES series, it established the foundation for modern geostationary weather monitoring, offering uninterrupted coverage of the Americas and improving storm tracking and climate studies.

## Why It Matters
GOES-1 was a pivotal advancement in Earth observation technology, transitioning weather monitoring from polar-orbiting satellites to geostationary platforms. This shift enabled continuous observation of the same geographic area, critical for tracking rapidly developing storms and understanding long-term climate patterns. As the inaugural satellite of the GOES series, it set the standard for subsequent missions, ensuring reliable data for weather forecasting, disaster response, and environmental research. Its legacy underscores the importance of satellite technology in protecting life and property through timely and accurate meteorological data.

## Notable For
- **First in Series**: Inaugural satellite of the GOES program, which became a cornerstone of U.S. weather forecasting.
- **Geostationary Innovation**: Demonstrated the operational viability of geostationary orbit for continuous weather monitoring.
- **Longevity**: Operated for nearly a decade (1975–1985), exceeding initial design expectations.
- **Technological Foundation**: Paved the way for advanced imaging systems and data transmission protocols used in later satellites.

## Body
### Launch and Deployment
GOES-1 launched aboard a Delta 2000 rocket from Cape Canaveral Space Launch Complex 17 on October 16, 1975, at 22:40 UTC. It achieved geostationary orbit at 75° West longitude, positioning it to monitor the Americas.

### Design and Capabilities
- **Mass**: 631 kg at launch, including propellant and instrumentation.
- **Manufacturer**: Built by Ford Aerospace under contract for NOAA.
- **Instruments**: Carried visible and infrared sensors to capture cloud patterns, atmospheric temperatures, and precipitation data.

### Mission Timeline
- **Service Entry**: Began operational service on October 25, 1975.
- **Retirement**: Decommissioned on March 7, 1985, after nearly a decade of service.
- **Legacy**: Replaced by GOES-2, ensuring continuity in weather data collection.

### Technical Specifications
- **COSPAR ID**: 1975-100A (NSSDCA ID: 1975-100A).
- **Satellite Catalog Number**: 08366.
- **Orbit**: Geostationary, maintaining a fixed position above the equator.

## Schema Markup
```json
{
  "@context": "https://schema.org",
  "@type": "Satellite",
  "name": "GOES-1",
  "description": "American geostationary weather satellite",
  "url": "https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/GOES_1",
  "sameAs": [
    "https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q6272367",
    "https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/GOES_1"
  ],
  "manufacturer": "Ford Aerospace",
  "operator": "National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration",
  "launchDate": "1975-10-16",
  "mass": "631 kg",
  "orbit": "geostationary orbit"
}

## References

1. Jonathan's Space Report
2. [Source](https://nssdc.gsfc.nasa.gov/nmc/spacecraft/display.action?id=1975-100A)