UPDATE: The launch took place at 6:42 p.m., which was the last possible time in the hour-long window.

Weather enthusiasts and meteorologists from across the country gathered at Kennedy Space Center today for the GOES-R satellite launch.

  • GOES-R satellite will help with weather forecasting
  • The satellite will also carry lightning mapper
  • Launch window opened at 5:42 p.m.

The Geostationary Operational Environmental Satellite will provide images of weather patterns and severe storms every five minutes—something weather forecasters haven’t be able to do until now.

“We’re going to get more clues into how storms are developing and where they’re going,” said News 13 meteorologist Maureen McCann. “Ultimately that data is going to be more effective to provide increase warnings for people so they can know where these storms are going and they can take shelter and prepare.” 

The multi-billion dollar satellite will even carry the very first operational lightning mapper.

The GOES-R satellite will eventually be joined by other satellites that will provide an east to west scan of the entire northern hemisphere.

The satellite is set to launch on a United Launch Alliance Atlas V rocket from Cape Canaveral Air Force Station.

The hour-long launch window opened at 5:42 p.m.