Videos: Spacecraft Development

This section contains videos highlighting the development of the GOES-R spacecraft and instruments.

LATEST VIDEO: GOES-T Completes Solar Array Deployment Test

GOES-T Completes Solar Array Deployment Test

On March 3, 2021, engineers completed a successful test deployment of the GOES-T solar array as part of a series of tests to prepare the satellite for a planned December 2021 launch. This critical test verified that the satellite's large, five-panel solar array — which is folded up when the satellite is launched — will properly deploy when GOES-T reaches geostationary orbit. The solar array will convert energy from the sun into electricity to power the satellite in orbit. Download Video | Transcript Credit: Lockheed Martin/NOAA

GOES-T Environmental Testing

NOAA’s GOES-T satellite has completed a series of rigorous tests to ensure it can withstand the harsh conditions of launch and orbiting 22,236 miles above Earth. This video highlights thermal vacuum, acoustics, and vibration testing. GOES-T is preparing for a scheduled December 2021 launch. Download Video | Transcript Credit: Lockheed Martin

GOES-R Development Progress

This time-lapse video follows the development of the GOES-R satellite, from delivery of modules, to module mate, instrument integration, solar wing deployment and environmental testing. Download Video Credit: Lockheed Martin

GOES-R Solar Array Deployment

This video shows a successful deployment of the GOES-R satellite solar array wing. On May 5, 2015, technicians at Lockheed Martin Space Systems near Denver conducted a deployment test to verify that the large five-panel solar array and the sun-pointing platform of the satellite will properly deploy in space once the satellite is launched. Photovoltaics in the solar panel array will power the entire satellite including all of the instruments, computers, data processors, attitude-control sensors and actuators, and telecommunications equipment. The solar array will generate more than 4,000 watts of power for the satellite. Download Video | Transcript Credit: NASA Goddard Media Studio

GOES-R Spacecraft Module Mate

What happens during a spacecraft mate? This time-lapse video from GOES-R spacecraft developer Lockheed Martin highlights the process that brought together the two primary subassemblies of the satellite. The GOES-R satellite system module and core module were successfully mated in September 2014, merging the elements that form the “brain” and the “body” of the satellite. The activities shown in the video took place over a three-hour period. Download Video Credit: Lockheed Martin

GOES-R Magnetometer Boom Hot Thermal Deployment

This video demonstrates a successful deployment of the Magnetometer boom that will fly on the GOES-R satellite. This is a demonstration of a deployment of the boom at hot temperature (+55°C), to simulate the conditions in space. The Magnetometer boom will deploy after the GOES-R spacecraft launches, separates from its launch vehicle, and undergoes a series of orbit raising maneuvers. The GOES-R Magnetometer boom completed development and testing in July 2014. Download Video Credit: Lockheed Martin

 Magnetometer Boom Deployment

This video demonstrates a successful boom deployment from the GOES-R Magnetometer Engineering Development Unit. The Magnetometer boom will deploy after the GOES-R spacecraft launches, separates from its launch vehicle, and undergoes a series of orbit raising maneuvers. Download Video Credit: Lockheed Martin