page_title: GOES 4
section_title: Limited lifespan
hierarchical_section_title: GOES 4 / Limited lifespan
caption_attribution_description: The launch of GOES-D aboard Delta Launch Vehicle 152. Upon attaining orbit and becoming operational was designated GOES 4.
context_page_description: GOES-4, known as GOES-D before becoming operational, was a geostationary weather satellite which was operated by the United States National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration as part of the Geostationary Operational Environmental Satellite system. Launched in 1980, it was used for weather forecasting in the United States, and later in Europe. Following its retirement it became the first satellite to be sent into a graveyard orbit.
context_section_description: GOES-4 was built by Hughes Space and Communications, and was based around the HS-371 satellite bus. At launch it had a mass of 660 kilograms (1,460 lb), with an expected operational lifespan of around seven years. It was the first HS-371 based GOES satellite.
caption: Launch of GOES-D on a Delta 3914
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