The Atlas II Centaur rocket hurtles into space from Pad A at Complex 36 on Cape Canaveral Air Force Station.

Seconds after liftoff, the Atlas II/Centaur rocket carrying the NASA/NOAA weather satellite GOES-L hurtles into space from Pad A at Complex 36 on Cape Canaveral Air Force Station. Liftoff occurred at 3:07 a.m. EDT. The primary objective of the GOES-L is to provide a full capability satellite in an on-orbit storage condition, in order to assure NOAA continuity in services from a two-satellite constellation. Launch services are being provided by the 45th Space Wing. Once in orbit, the spacecraft is to be designated GOES-11 and will complete its 90-day checkout in time for availability during the 2000 hurricane season