<b>Atlas IIA Centaur rocket with GOES-L weather satellite, Cape Canaveral (May 3, 2000)</b> - The Atlas II/Centaur rocket carrying the NASA/NOAA weather satellite GOES-L is revealed after the tower was rolled back before launch. The primary objective of the GOES-L is to provide a full capability satellite in an on-orbit storage condition, in order to assure NOAA continuity in services from a two-satellite constellation. Launch services are being provided by the 45th Space Wing. Liftoff is targeted to occur at the opening of a launch window extending from 2:27 - 5:53 a.m. EDT, a duration of three hours and 27 minutes. Launch will occur from Pad A at Complex 36 on Cape Canaveral Air Force Station.
NASA
Taken on 3 May 2000
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