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.