The Platform

The GOES is spin-stabilized and revolves at 100 rpm about an axis aligned with that of the Earth's rotation. Ideally, two such satellites will be in operation at any time. Both would be located above the Equator, one at 75 W (GOES-EAST) and the other at 135 W (GOES-WEST), which would give good coverage of the western hemisphere up to latitudes of about 60. Currently, however, only one is in operation, and this has been moved to a central location. Rao et al. (1990) provide a fuller technical description.