# GOES-4

> American geostationary weather satellite

**Wikidata**: [Q3813724](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q3813724)  
**Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/GOES_4)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/goes-4

## Summary
GOES-4 was an American geostationary weather satellite launched in 1980 as part of the Geostationary Operational Environmental Satellite (GOES) program. It operated in geostationary orbit for approximately 8 years, providing continuous weather monitoring and forecasting data for the United States.

## Key Facts
- Launched on September 9, 1980, at 22:27 UTC from Cape Canaveral Space Launch Complex 17
- Operated in geostationary orbit with a 24-hour orbital period
- Satellite designation: GOES-D (also known as GOES-4)
- Manufacturer: Boeing Satellite Development Center
- Launch vehicle: Delta 3000 series rocket
- Operated by: National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) and NASA
- Retired from service on October 9, 1988
- COSPAR ID: 1980-074A
- NSSDCA ID: 1980-074A

## FAQs
### Q: What was GOES-4's primary mission?
A: GOES-4's primary mission was to provide continuous weather monitoring and forecasting data from geostationary orbit, supporting meteorological operations and severe weather detection for the United States.

### Q: How long did GOES-4 operate in space?
A: GOES-4 operated for approximately 8 years, from its launch on September 9, 1980, until its retirement on October 9, 1988.

### Q: What type of orbit did GOES-4 use?
A: GOES-4 operated in geostationary orbit, maintaining a fixed position relative to Earth's surface at an altitude of approximately 35,786 kilometers.

## Why It Matters
GOES-4 represented a critical advancement in weather monitoring technology for the United States, providing continuous, real-time atmospheric data that significantly improved weather forecasting accuracy and severe storm detection capabilities. As part of the GOES program, it helped establish the foundation for modern meteorological satellite operations, enabling meteorologists to track weather systems, monitor atmospheric conditions, and issue timely warnings for severe weather events. The satellite's 8-year operational lifespan demonstrated the reliability of geostationary weather monitoring systems and contributed to the development of subsequent GOES satellites that continue to serve as essential tools for weather prediction, climate monitoring, and environmental observation today.

## Notable For
- First GOES satellite to carry the Visible Infrared Spin-Scan Radiometer Atmospheric Sounder (VAS) instrument
- Provided continuous hemispheric weather coverage from geostationary orbit
- Operated successfully for 8 years, exceeding typical design expectations
- Part of the critical GOES program that revolutionized weather forecasting in the United States
- Demonstrated the effectiveness of geostationary weather satellites for operational meteorology

## Body
### Technical Specifications
GOES-4 was built by Boeing Satellite Development Center and launched aboard a Delta 3000 rocket. The satellite weighed approximately 627 kg and was designed to operate in geostationary orbit at 75° West longitude.

### Instrumentation
The satellite carried the Visible Infrared Spin-Scan Radiometer Atmospheric Sounder (VAS), which provided both visible and infrared imagery along with atmospheric temperature and moisture profiles. This represented a significant advancement over previous GOES satellites, offering improved vertical atmospheric sounding capabilities.

### Operational History
After launch on September 9, 1980, GOES-4 underwent a series of orbital maneuvers to reach its operational position. The satellite provided continuous weather monitoring services until October 9, 1988, when it was retired from active service. During its operational lifetime, it transmitted data to ground stations for processing and distribution to weather forecasting centers across the United States.

### Program Context
GOES-4 was the fourth satellite in the GOES series and followed GOES-3, with GOES-5 succeeding it. The satellite was part of NASA and NOAA's joint effort to establish a reliable weather monitoring system from geostationary orbit, which has since become the standard for operational weather satellite systems worldwide.

## Schema Markup
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  "@type": "Thing",
  "name": "GOES-4",
  "description": "American geostationary weather satellite launched in 1980 as part of the GOES program",
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## References

1. Jonathan's Space Report