GOES 8

USA

Also known as Goes I

Launch data:

Designation:	23051 / 94022A
Launch date	13 Apr 1994
Launch site	CC, LC-36B
Launch vehicle	Atlas-1 (AC-73)
Mission	Meteorology
Geostationary orbit on 16 May 2004:
Perigee / Apogee	36160 / 36188 km
Inclination	0.95°
Period	1455.94 min

Location

Begin	End	Position
L: 13 Apr 1994	1995	90°W
1995		75°W
03 May 2004		164°E

On board were instruments for high resolution visible and UV imagers, and "sounders" for temperature and moisture profiles. Also on board were energetic particle detectors and a magnetometer.

The satellite experienced loss of attitude control on 9 Jan 1997. One of the two momentum wheels was lost due to a tachometer failure. Goes 8 is now using its functioning momentum wheel in concert with the reaction wheel to maintain attitude control.
GOES 8 was manoeuvred off-station over 164°E on May 3, 2004 and has entered retirement orbit. (see parameters)

Ref: #3(SD383), #15, #237 - update: 26.09.10