GOES-18 will take over as the operational GOES-West satellite in early January 2023.
Once GOES-18 takes over as GOES-West, GOES-17 will move into on-orbit storage at 105 degrees west.
GOES-T will be renamed GOES-18 if it is successfully launched.
GOES-18 will be rushed into service to replace GOES-17 because GOES-17’s Advanced Baseline Imager experienced problems.
GOES-T will be renamed GOES-18 once it reaches geostationary orbit.
Once operational and in service, GOES‑18 will operate in tandem with GOES‑16, which occupies the GOES‑East position.