NASA Launches NOAA’s 4th & Final Weather Satellite ‘GOES-U’ on SpaceX’s Falcon Heavy Rocket

Current Context: On June 25, 2024, a SpaceX Falcon Heavy rocket blasted off from Kennedy Space Center, carrying NOAA's GOES-U weather satellite into orbit.

• GOES-U is the final addition to the successful GOES-R series, providing crucial weather monitoring for the Western Hemisphere.
• This launch marked a significant milestone for both weather forecasting and space exploration.
• Here are some highlights:
• Advanced Weather Monitoring: GOES-U will track weather patterns and environmental hazards across much of North and South America.
• SpaceX Falcon Heavy: This powerful rocket successfully delivered GOES-U to its designated orbit.
• New Technology: GOES-U carries a novel instrument to study the faint solar atmosphere, improving space weather predictions.
• GOES-U is expected to reach its final position within two weeks and will be renamed GOES-19 upon reaching its operational orbit.
• This mission is a collaborative effort between NASA and NOAA, ensuring continued advancements in weather prediction and environmental monitoring.

Question:

1. What is the primary purpose of the GOES-U satellite?

• A) Military surveillance
• B) Communications
• C) Weather monitoring and environmental hazards tracking
• D) Space tourism

Answer: C) GOES-U will track weather patterns and environmental hazards across much of North and South America.