Originally built as a ground spare,[1] GOES-H was launched in 1987 due to delays with the next series of satellites.

[4] The launch had originally been scheduled for late 1986, but was delayed after GOES-G failed to achieve orbit.

[7] Following launch, GOES-7 was positioned in geostationary orbit at a longitude of 75° West,[8] where it underwent on-orbit testing before being activated in the GOES-EAST slot of the constellation.

Due to the loss of GOES-G, and delays in the development of the GOES-I series spacecraft, no reserve satellites were available in the late 1980s and early 1990s.

In 1992, Meteosat 3 was leased from Eumetsat to take over GOES-EAST operations, allowing GOES-8 to be moved 112° West.