Science Forums 2

[Mercedes Benzene]

The launch of GOES-O was a success, tonight at 22:51 UTC (6:51 pm local time).
It's currently in a coast phase for approximately 4 hours, after which there will be a final burn with satellite separation.

A little about the program: GOES = Geostationary Operational Environmental Satellite, started in 1975. GOES satellites are assigned a letter designation (this one is "O") until orbit, at which point it is assigned a numerical value corresponding to the order of launch.
This makes GOES-O (GOES-14) the 14th satellite in the program. GOES-1 through GOES-9 are all decommissioned. Once GOES-O reaches final orbit, 10-14 will be in operation.
The satellites are responsible for providing some of the visible light images that residents of the Unites States see in their meteorological reports, and provide data used in making weather predictions for the National Weather Service (part of NOAA).
Here's a fact sheet for the GOES-O instruments and operations.

GOES-O was carried into space by a Delta-IV (medium) rocket, which is a 2-stage expendable launch vehicle. The main first stage engine is manufactured by Rocketdyne, and is powered by LOX and LH2. The first stage lift is assisted by two strap-on solid rocket graphite-epoxy motors built by Alliance Techsystems. The second stage is powered by a Pratt and Whitney liquid hydrogen engine. The payload sits on top of the second stage.

EDIT: Here's a photo of the launch.