# GOES-5

> American geostationary weather satellite

**Wikidata**: [Q3813721](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q3813721)  
**Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/GOES_5)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/goes-5

## Summary
GOES-5 was an American geostationary weather satellite launched in 1981 as part of the Geostationary Operational Environmental Satellite (GOES) program. It operated in geostationary orbit to monitor weather and climate patterns. The satellite was retired from service in 1990 after nearly a decade of operation.

## Key Facts
- Launched on May 22, 1981, at 22:29 UTC from Cape Canaveral Space Launch Complex 17
- Operated by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) and NASA
- Mass of 660 kilograms at takeoff
- Had an orbital period of 1435.2 minutes (approximately 24 hours)
- Achieved an apoapsis of 35,801.1 kilometers and periapsis of 35,749.8 kilometers
- Operated in geostationary orbit with an inclination of 14.6 degrees
- Retired from service on July 18, 1990
- Part of the GOES satellite series, following GOES-4 and preceding GOES-6
- Launched using a Delta 3000 launch vehicle

## FAQs
### Q: What was the purpose of GOES-5?
A: GOES-5 was designed to monitor weather and climate patterns from geostationary orbit, providing continuous observation of atmospheric conditions over specific regions of Earth.

### Q: When was GOES-5 launched and how long did it operate?
A: GOES-5 was launched on May 22, 1981, and operated until July 18, 1990, providing nearly 9 years of weather monitoring service.

### Q: Who operated GOES-5?
A: GOES-5 was operated jointly by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) and NASA as part of the GOES program.

## Why It Matters
GOES-5 represented a significant advancement in weather monitoring capabilities for the United States. As part of the GOES program, it provided continuous, real-time weather data that was crucial for meteorological forecasting, severe weather warnings, and climate research. The satellite's geostationary position allowed it to maintain constant observation of specific regions, enabling meteorologists to track developing weather systems, monitor atmospheric conditions, and provide timely warnings for severe weather events. This capability was particularly important for protecting lives and property through early warning systems for hurricanes, tornadoes, and other dangerous weather phenomena. The data collected by GOES-5 also contributed to long-term climate studies and improved our understanding of atmospheric processes. Its successful operation demonstrated the value of geostationary weather satellites and helped establish the foundation for the modern weather monitoring infrastructure that continues to evolve today.

## Notable For
- First GOES satellite to carry the Visible Infrared Spin-Scan Radiometer Atmospheric Sounder (VAS) instrument
- Operated for nearly a decade, providing continuous weather data from 1981 to 1990
- Launched using the Delta 3000 series rocket, demonstrating the reliability of this launch vehicle
- Maintained precise geostationary orbit with minimal inclination drift
- Contributed to the development of automated weather tracking systems

## Body
### Technical Specifications
GOES-5 was a geostationary weather satellite with a mass of 660 kilograms at launch. It was launched aboard a Delta 3000 rocket from Cape Canaveral Space Launch Complex 17. The satellite achieved a geostationary orbit with an apoapsis of 35,801.1 kilometers and a periapsis of 35,749.8 kilometers, maintaining an orbital period of 1435.2 minutes.

### Operational History
The satellite was launched on May 22, 1981, at 22:29 UTC and began its operational mission shortly thereafter. It was designated as GOES-E and operated under the joint management of NOAA and NASA. The satellite's primary mission was to provide continuous weather monitoring and data collection from its geostationary position.

### Instrumentation and Capabilities
GOES-5 was equipped with advanced weather monitoring instruments for its time, including the Visible Infrared Spin-Scan Radiometer Atmospheric Sounder (VAS). This instrument allowed the satellite to collect both visible and infrared data, enabling comprehensive atmospheric monitoring regardless of daylight conditions.

### Mission Duration and Retirement
The satellite operated successfully for nearly nine years before being retired from service on July 18, 1990. During its operational lifetime, GOES-5 provided valuable weather data that contributed to improved forecasting accuracy and severe weather warning systems.

### Program Context
As part of the GOES program, GOES-5 followed GOES-4 and was succeeded by GOES-6. The satellite represented the fifth in the series of Geostationary Operational Environmental Satellites, which continues to be a cornerstone of U.S. weather monitoring capabilities.

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## References

1. Jonathan's Space Report