A launch date for the geostationary operational environmental satellite (GOES-O) spacecraft onboard the Delta IV rocket has been scheduled on 26 June 2009.

The GOES-O belongs to the new generation of environmental satellites for the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) built by Boeing with support from Nasa.

The weather satellite provides continuous imaging and sounding for applications such as weather monitoring and prediction models, ocean temperatures as well as moisture locations and climate studies.

The information gathered will also be used for cryosphere (ice, snow, glaciers) detection and extent, land temperatures and crop conditions.

The final spacecraft battery charging and spacecraft closeouts are underway at the launch complex.

Once operational, the satellite will be turned over to NOAA after an in-orbit checkout by Nasa and Boeing.