GOES 6 (14050)

COSPAR: 1983-041A | Alt Name: GOES 6

Image
GOES 6 Satellite Image
Additional Sources
Launch Details

Launch Date

April 28, 1983

Launch Pad

LC17A

Launch Vehicle

Delta 3914

Orbital Elements

NORAD ID

14050

International Designator

1983-041A

Epoch

Fri, 03 Jul 2026 11:36:39 GMT

Apogee

Calculating...

Perigee

Calculating...

Inclination

10.17°

Right Ascension

321.15°

Eccentricity

Calculating...

Argument of Perigee

252.35°

Period

1436.53 min

Mean Motion

1.00 rev/day

Latitude

Calculating...

Longitude

Calculating...

Altitude

Calculating...

Velocity

Calculating...

Polar Plot
3D Visualization
Basic Satellite Info

Name

GOES 6

Alternative Name

GOES 6

Type

Payload

Status

Non-operational

Owner

NOAA

Country

United States

Constellation

N/A

Related Satellites

Major Events

N/A

Latest TLEs
1 14050U 83041A   26184.48379160  .00000060  00000-0  00000-0 0  9991
2 14050  10.1662 321.1480 0001502 252.3468 113.0243  1.00241220216189

Source: Celestrak

Summary
GOES 6, also known as GOES F, is a meteorological satellite launched by NASA on April 28, 1983, from Launch Complex 17A at the Atlantic Missile Range using a Delta 3914 launch vehicle. The spacecraft measures 3.7 meters in length with a diameter of 2.2 meters and a span of 4.4 meters. It has a dry mass of 296 kilograms and was equipped with an improved VISSR (Visible Infrared Spin Scan Radiometer). Its power system consists of body-mounted solar cells and batteries. The satellite is cylindrical in shape, manufactured by HSES for the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), and its primary purpose is meteorological observation.
Physical Characteristics

Length

3.7

Diameter

2.2

Span

4.4

Dry Mass

296

Launch Mass

399

Shape

Cyl

Radar Cross Section

1.9952

Visual Magnitude

Unknown

Color

Unknown

Material Composition

Unknown

Technical Details

Payload

GOES F

Purpose

Meteorology

Mission

Meteorology

Manufacturer

HSES

Life Expectancy

Unknown

Bus

HS-371

Configuration

HS-371

Motor

Star 27

Equipment

improved VISSR,

Power System

Solar cells (body mounted), batteries

ADCS

Unknown

Transmitter Frequency

Unknown

Map
This tool will help you track the satellite's position and predict its upcoming passes over your location. Simply input the coordinates or click the geolocation button to get started.
Next Pass
Azimuth Elevation Time (Local)
Start Azimuth
Max Elevation
Stop Azimuth
Time Until
Pass Duration

Satellite Articles

View All Posts »

Learn more about satellites and other related topics.

Space Brief 1 Jul 2025

Space Brief 1 Jul 2025

Key developments in the space sector include new partnerships for satellite surveillance, strategic shifts from the Defense Department impacting weather forecasting, and the Space Force's focus on agile satellite technologies.

NASA Declares MAVEN Dead; Eastern Range Damage Assessment Underway | KeepTrack Space Brief

NASA Declares MAVEN Dead; Eastern Range Damage Assessment Underway | KeepTrack Space Brief

NASA officially ended the MAVEN Mars orbiter mission after months of radio silence following an anomaly. Space Force assessing Eastern Range damage from separate incident affecting launch cadence.

The Day Humanity's First Modular Space Station Reached Orbit

The Day Humanity's First Modular Space Station Reached Orbit

Thirty-nine years ago, a Proton rocket carried the core of the Mir space station into orbit, launching an unprecedented era of continuous human presence in space and international cooperation

Space Brief 16 Aug 2025

Space Brief 16 Aug 2025

Today's brief covers ULA's new mission for the US Space Force, China's moon rocket test, delays in the DARC radar system, and SpaceX's Starlink launches.

The Day Soviet Women Reached for the Stars

The Day Soviet Women Reached for the Stars

Sixty-three years ago, the Soviet Union selected the world's first female cosmonaut training group, launching a new era in human spaceflight that would transform our understanding of gender equality in space exploration

Dragon Delivers 6,500 lbs to ISS; Zenk Space Eyes June Orbital Debut | KeepTrack Space Brief

Dragon Delivers 6,500 lbs to ISS; Zenk Space Eyes June Orbital Debut | KeepTrack Space Brief

SpaceX Dragon berthed ISS with 6,500 pounds of cargo May 17. China's Zenk Space raised $26M, targeting June for Zhihang-1 rocket's orbital debut.

Space Brief 27 Feb 2025

Space Brief 27 Feb 2025

Today's highlights include Rocket Lab's progress on the Space Force's VICTUS HAZE mission, BlackSky's new government contract, and AEI's policy recommendations for Space Force restructuring.

X Report 22 Jun 2025

X Report 22 Jun 2025

Key updates include the impending Falcon 9 launch for Transporter-14, insights on Starship's explosion, and a last-minute abort of the Starlink 10-23 mission.