GOES (Geostationary Operational Environmental Satellites)

The GOES-S satellite completed deployment of the Stage 1 solar array that will generate electricity for the spacecraft during its mission. GOES-S is in a geosynchronous transfer orbit above the Earth, its systems are in good health and it is operating on its own.

We have spacecraft separation. Cheers and applause can be heard from the launch teams as the GOES-S spacecraft separates from the United Launch Alliance Centaur upper stage to fly freely for the first time. Next up is solar array deployment. GOES-S currently is in a geosynchronous transfer orbit above the Earth.

The Centaur stage of a United Launch Alliance Atlas V rocket is firing its small thrusters to position itself and the GOES-S payload into the proper position to fire its main engine for the final time during the mission. NASA TV will resume coverage at 8:15 p.m. EST. Spacecraft separation is set to occur at approximately 8:31:55 p.m.

To view on the agency's website go to http://www.nasa.gov/live

For more information on the mission, visit: http://www.nasa.gov/goes

The Centaur stage is firing its small thrusters to position itself and the GOES-S payload into the proper position to fire its main engine for the final time during the mission. Everything remains on schedule for the flight.

Booster ignition and liftoff of the United Launch Alliance Atlas V rocket at 5:02 p.m. EST, from Space Launch Complex 41 at Cape Canaveral Air Force Station in Florida, carrying NOAA's GOES-S satellite. The rocket is on its way, carrying NOAA's second in a series of four next-generation weather satellites.

About four minutes into flight, a series of key events occurs in rapid succession: Atlas booster engine cutoff, separation of the booster from the Centaur upper stage, ignition of the Centaur main engine for its first of two burns, then jettison of the payload fairing.

The launch countdown has entered a T-4 minute hold. This hold will last 15 minutes. Weather remains at 90 percent chance for favorable weather at liftoff. The constraint for cumulus clouds has been removed.