[1] Launched in 1980, it was used for weather forecasting in the United States, and later in Europe.

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),[2] with an expected operational lifespan of around seven years.

[6] The launch successfully placed GOES-D into a geosynchronous transfer orbit, from which it raised itself to geostationary orbit by means of an onboard Star-27 apogee motor.

[9] This was accomplished on 9 November 1988, using remaining propellent in the satellite's station-keeping thrusters.