Question 1

What rocket is launching GOES-U?

Accepted Answer

GOES-U is launching on the Falcon Heavy.

Question 2

Who is launching GOES-U?

Accepted Answer

GOES-U is being launched by SpaceX, a commercial launch provider founded in 2002.

Question 3

Where is GOES-U launching from?

Accepted Answer

GOES-U is launching from Launch Complex 39A at Kennedy Space Center, FL, USA.

Question 4

What orbit is GOES-U heading to?

Accepted Answer

GOES-U is heading to Geostationary Transfer Orbit (GTO).

Question 5

Is the Falcon Heavy reusable?

Accepted Answer

Yes — the Falcon Heavy is designed to be reused, with boosters that can fly multiple missions.

Question 6

How many times has the Falcon Heavy flown?

Accepted Answer

The Falcon Heavy has launched 12 times to date, with 12 successful flights.

Question 7

What is the GOES-U mission?

Accepted Answer

The Geostationary Operational Environmental Satellite-U (GOES-U) is the fourth of the next generation of geostationary weather satellites, known as the GOES-R series. The four satellites of the series provide advanced imaging with increased spatial resolution and faster coverage for more accurate forecasts, real-time mapping of lightning activity, and improved monitoring of solar activity. Once GOES-U reaches orbit, it will be renamed GOES-19.

Question 8

Where is the Kennedy Space Center?

Accepted Answer

NASA's John F. Kennedy Space Center is on Merritt Island, Florida, immediately north of Cape Canaveral. Named for President Kennedy in 1963, it has been the United States' primary human-spaceflight launch site since the 1960s.

Question 9

Which rockets launch from the Kennedy Space Center?

Accepted Answer

SpaceX leases Launch Complex 39A for Falcon 9, Falcon Heavy and crewed Dragon missions, while NASA launches the Space Launch System for the Artemis Moon programme from Launch Complex 39B.

Question 10

Did Apollo and the Space Shuttle launch from Kennedy?

Accepted Answer

Yes — the Launch Complex 39 pads sent every Apollo Moon mission and every Space Shuttle crew on their way, including Apollo 11 in 1969 and the first shuttle flight, STS-1, in 1981.

Question 11

What's the difference between the Kennedy Space Center and Cape Canaveral?

Accepted Answer

They are separate, neighbouring sites. Kennedy is NASA's centre on Merritt Island; Cape Canaveral Space Force Station, just to the south, is run by the U.S. Space Force. Together they make up Florida's Space Coast.

Question 12

Can you watch a launch from the Kennedy Space Center?

Accepted Answer

The closest public viewing is from the ticketed Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex, which runs launch-day bus packages. Free off-site views are best from Playalinda Beach and the Titusville riverfront.

GOES-U

Flight Timeline

Overview

Mission details

Launch Window

Launch Complex 39A

Kennedy Space Center, FL, USA

Frequently asked questions