Atlas V launch from Florida’s Space Coast to carry new weather satellite

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – Rocket launch fans, mark your calendars.

The United Launch Alliance plans to launch an Atlas V rocket carrying the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration’s Geostationary Operational Environmental Satellite-T this week from the Cape Canaveral Space Force Station.

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The launch is scheduled for Tuesday, March 1, at 4:38 p.m. with a two-hour launch window from Space Launch Complex-41.

The 45th Weather Squadron said Monday the launch forecast has increased from 60% to 70% go.

ULA said the GOES-T will improve weather forecasts in Alaska, Hawaii, and the western U.S. The mission will also provide NASA and NOAA with solar imaging and space weather measurements.

This comes just over a month after a ULA Atlas V rocket carrying two GSSAP satellites for the U.S Space Systems Command launched from the Space Coast on Jan. 21.