Update #1: The GOES-18 Hydrazine Bipropellant Thruster (HBT) Flush is scheduled for tonight, January 30, 0310 UTC

Topic:  GOES-18 Hydrazine Bipropellant Thruster (HBT) Flush Scheduled for January 30, 2026 0310 UTC 

Date/Time Issued: January 20, 2026 1850 UTC

Product(s) or Data Impacted: GOES-18 GLM, SUVI, and EXIS potential product degradation.

Date/Time of Initial Impact: January 30, 2026 0310 UTC

Date/Time of Expected End: January 30, 2026 0320 UTC

Length of Degradation: 10 minutes

Details/Specifics:

HBTs are used for large satellite maneuvers and must be flushed periodically to assure nominal performance. A GOES-18 HBT Flush will be performed on January 30, 2026 0310 UTC. During this maneuver, all instruments will continue operating. The maneuver could cause degradation to EXIS products, SUVI products' INR performance, and has caused severe GLM “throttle-limited”, false events. Product navigation may be degraded for up to 10 minutes after the conclusion of the HBT flush. 

Contact Information for Further Information: Please email User Services at spsd.userservices@noaa.gov

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