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.