NOAA's GOES-U Completes Solar Array Deployment Test

Washington DC (SPX) May 04, 2023 - GOES-U, the fourth and final satellite in NOAA's GOES-R Series, recently completed a successful test deployment of its solar array to ensure it will function properly in space.

This critical test verified that the satellite's large, five-panel solar array - which is folded up when the satellite is launched - will properly deploy when GOES-U reaches geostationary orbit 22,300 miles above the Earth. The test was conducted at the Las Vegas-based satellite manufacturing facility of Lockheed Martin, the company responsible for building GOES-U.

GOES-U Solar Array Deployment Test

The solar array deployment test is a critical step in the manufacturing process of a satellite, as it ensures that the solar array will be able to generate the power necessary for the satellite to operate in space. During the test, the solar array was unfolded and deployed in a vacuum chamber, which simulated the environment of space. The test was monitored by engineers from NOAA, Lockheed Martin, and the U.S. Air Force.

The test was a success, and the solar array was able to deploy properly. This is a major milestone for the GOES-U mission, as it means the satellite is now ready to be shipped to its launch site in Florida. GOES-U is scheduled to launch in early 2024, and will join its three predecessors in providing advanced weather and environmental monitoring services to the United States and its territories.

Benefits of GOES-U

GOES-U will provide a variety of benefits to the United States. It will be able to monitor severe weather events such as hurricanes, tornadoes, and floods in near real-time, allowing for more accurate and timely warnings to be issued. It will also be able to monitor space weather, providing advanced warning of solar storms that could disrupt communications and power grids. Finally, GOES-U will be able to monitor environmental conditions such as air quality, providing valuable data for scientists and policymakers.

In addition to its scientific and operational benefits, GOES-U will also be a major boost to the economy. The satellite was built by Lockheed Martin in Las Vegas, creating jobs and stimulating the local economy. The launch of the satellite will also create jobs and generate revenue for the state of Florida, where it will be launched.

Conclusion

GOES-U is an important satellite for NOAA and the United States. Its successful solar array deployment test is a major milestone for the mission, and it is now ready to be shipped to its launch site in Florida. Once launched, GOES-U will provide a variety of benefits, from improved weather and environmental monitoring to economic stimulus for the states of Nevada and Florida.