The Geostationary Operational Environmental Satellite-N (GOES-N) to be launched into orbit for NASA aboard a Boeing Delta IV rocket will be the focus of a prelaunch press conference to be held on Thursday, July 28. The event will start at 3 p.m. EDT at the NASA Kennedy Space Center Press Site.
GOES-N, set to launch on Friday, July 29, is the first in the GOES N-P series of spacecraft that will continuously observe and measure meteorological phenomena in real time. The series will provide the meteorological community and the atmospheric scientist improved observational and measurement data of the North, Central and South Americas and surrounding oceans.
GOES-N joins a system of weather satellites that provide timely environmental information to meteorologists and the public. The GOES system graphically displays the intensity, path and size of storms. Early warning of impending severe weather enhances the public’s ability to take shelter and protect property.
Participating in the prelaunch press conference will be:
- Steve Kirkner, GOES-N Program Manager
NOAA - Rick Navarro, Delta IV Launch Director
Boeing Expendable Launch Systems - Kris Walsh, Boeing Director of NASA Programs
Boeing Expendable Launch Systems - Mark Spiwak, NASA and NOAA Programs Director
Boeing Space and Intelligence Systems - David Mitchell, NASA GOES-N Project Manager
Goddard Space Flight Center - Bart Hagemeyer, Meteorologist in Charge
National Weather Service, Melbourne, Fla. - Joel Tumbiolo, Delta Launch Weather Officer
45th Weather Squadron, Cape Canaveral Air Force Station
NASA Television will carry the prelaunch press conference beginning at 3 p.m. EDT. Audio of the conference will be carried on the NASA “V” circuits, which may be accessed by dialing 321/867-1260 or 321/867-7135.
Should the planned launch of STS-114 on July 26 be postponed for 24 or 48 hours, the launch of GOES-N and the prelaunch press conference will move in tandem with Space Shuttle Discovery’s launch date. The GOES-N Prelaunch Press Conference will continue to be scheduled for L-1 day.
GOES-N is currently scheduled for launch on Friday, July 29, during a 38-minute launch window that extends from 6:23 to 7:01 p.m. EDT.
STS-114 media badges will be honored for access to KSC to cover the press conference. Unbadged media who need press accreditation must complete the accreditation process via the Web by Wednesday, July 27. Go to:
For further information, contact the KSC News Center at 321/867-2468.
