Wednesday, January 14, 2009

Faulty Valve Scrubs Rocket Launch

Tonight's planned Delta IV Heavy launch has been scrubbed.

Another attempt from Cape Canaveral Air Force Station's Launch Complex 37 will be made Thursday at 7:41 p.m.

Technicians are working to resolve a problem with a gaseous nitrogen valve in a piece of ground support equipment, according to United Launch Alliance.

The valve purges air from rocket compartments so super-cold fuels don't cause water in the air to condense.

Today's delay was the second in as many days.

The first attempt on Tuesday was put off after inspectors discovered minor damage to insulating foam on an access door between the rocket's first two stages. Weather would not have cooperated anyway.

Launch controllers identified the valve issue early this afternoon but continued their countdown clock.

The launch window extended from 7:45 p.m. to 11:45 p.m., but a decision to stop the countdown and cancel tonight's attempt came just after 6 p.m.

ULA officials hope the valve issue can be fixed in time to launch Thursday.

Forecasts by Air Force meteorolgists show a 70 percent chance of favorable weather conditions Thursday.

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