# GOES-2

> American geostationary weather satellite

**Wikidata**: [Q5514056](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q5514056)  
**Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/GOES_2)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/goes-2

## Summary
GOES-2 was an American geostationary weather satellite launched in 1977 as part of the Geostationary Operational Environmental Satellite (GOES) program. It operated for 24 years, providing continuous weather monitoring and data collection from geostationary orbit. The satellite was manufactured by Ford Aerospace and launched aboard a Delta 2000 rocket from Cape Canaveral.

## Key Facts
- Launched on June 16, 1977, at 10:51 UTC from Cape Canaveral Space Launch Complex 17
- Operated for 24 years until service retirement on May 5, 2001, at 21:08 UTC
- Mass of 295 kilograms at takeoff
- Maintained geostationary orbit with an orbital period of 24 hours
- Orbital inclination of 13.7696 degrees
- Operated by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA)
- Part of the Geostationary Operational Environmental Satellite (GOES) program
- Also known by the alias GOES-B
- COSPAR ID: 1977-048A
- NSSDCA ID: 1977-048A

## FAQs
### Q: What was the primary purpose of GOES-2?
A: GOES-2 was designed to monitor weather patterns and climate conditions from geostationary orbit, providing continuous data for weather forecasting and meteorological research.

### Q: How long did GOES-2 operate in space?
A: GOES-2 operated for 24 years, from its launch in 1977 until its retirement in 2001, making it one of the longest-serving weather satellites of its time.

### Q: Who manufactured GOES-2 and what launch vehicle was used?
A: GOES-2 was manufactured by Ford Aerospace and launched aboard a Delta 2000 rocket from Cape Canaveral Space Launch Complex 17.

## Why It Matters
GOES-2 represented a significant advancement in weather monitoring technology and operational meteorology. As part of the GOES program, it provided continuous, real-time weather data that revolutionized weather forecasting capabilities in the United States and beyond. The satellite's 24-year operational lifespan demonstrated the durability and reliability of geostationary weather satellites, setting a precedent for future missions. Its data contributed to improved severe weather warnings, climate research, and atmospheric studies. GOES-2's success helped establish the foundation for modern weather satellite operations, enabling meteorologists to track storm systems, monitor environmental changes, and provide more accurate forecasts that save lives and protect property.

## Notable For
- One of the longest-operating weather satellites in history at 24 years
- First GOES satellite to demonstrate the reliability of geostationary weather monitoring
- Provided continuous weather data coverage for nearly a quarter-century
- Successfully operated well beyond its expected lifespan
- Part of the pioneering GOES program that established modern weather satellite operations

## Body
### Technical Specifications
GOES-2 was a geostationary weather satellite with a mass of 295 kilograms at launch. It maintained a geostationary orbit with an orbital period matching Earth's rotation at 24 hours. The satellite operated at an orbital inclination of 13.7696 degrees, allowing it to maintain its position relative to Earth's surface while providing continuous coverage of specific geographic regions.

### Mission Timeline
The satellite launched on June 16, 1977, aboard a Delta 2000 rocket from Cape Canaveral Space Launch Complex 17 at 10:51 UTC. After reaching geostationary orbit, GOES-2 began its operational mission, providing weather data and imagery to meteorologists and researchers. The satellite exceeded its expected operational lifetime, continuing to function for 24 years until its service retirement on May 5, 2001, at 21:08 UTC.

### Operational Capabilities
As part of the GOES program, GOES-2 was equipped with sensors and instruments designed to monitor atmospheric conditions, cloud formations, and weather patterns. The satellite's geostationary position allowed it to continuously observe the same geographic area, providing real-time data for weather forecasting and severe storm tracking. Its data contributed to improved understanding of atmospheric dynamics and helped establish the foundation for modern weather satellite operations.

### Program Context
GOES-2 was the second satellite in the Geostationary Operational Environmental Satellite series, following GOES-1 and preceding GOES-3. The GOES program, operated by NOAA, represented a significant investment in weather monitoring technology and established the United States as a leader in meteorological satellite operations. The success of GOES-2 and its sister satellites demonstrated the value of geostationary weather monitoring and paved the way for future generations of weather satellites.

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## References

1. Jonathan's Space Report
2. [Source](https://nssdc.gsfc.nasa.gov/nmc/spacecraft/display.action?id=1977-048A)