NOAA 95-41

STATUS REPORT ON GOES-9

                                                  

CONTACT:  Janet Amber                    FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
          NOAA Headquarters              6/12/95
          (202) 482-6090                 
          Ernie Shannon
          NASA/Goddard Space Flight Center
          (301) 286-6256

GOES-9 SENDS FIRST VISIBLE ENGINEERING TEST IMAGE

Satellite controllers with the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration and the National Aeronautics and Space Administration have received the first visible engineering test image from the nation's newest Geostationary Operational Environmental Satellite, GOES-9, which was launched from Cape Canaveral Air Station on May 23.

"The first image was an engineer's dream come true--sharp, crisp and clear," said Gary Davis, director of satellite operations for NOAA. "All our expectations for this first image have been met. We are very pleased."

This image shows cloud cover over North and South America. The new satellite is being tested at 90 degrees West longitude overlooking the central part of the United States.

The first infrared images from GOES-9 are scheduled to be taken June 17.

GOES-9 was built for NOAA under technical guidance and project management by NASA's Goddard Space Flight Center.

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NOTE TO EDITORS: The images can be obtained by calling the numbers above.