NASA said earlier this week that its Geostationary Operational Environmental Satellite-N (GOES-N) is ready for launch. The mission is scheduled for July 29 aboard a Boeing Delta 4 from Cape Canaveral Air Force Station, Fla. The launch window opens at 6:23 p.m. and will remain open for 38 minutes.

GOES-N joins a system of weather satellites that provide environmental information to meteorologists and the public. The GOES system graphically displays the intensity, path and size of storms. Early warning of impending severe weather enhances the public’s ability to take shelter and protect property.

Once in orbit, the GOES-N will be renamed GOES-13 and will serve as an in-orbit spare to be activated should GOES-10 or -12 fail or exhaust their fuel supplies.