A next-generation military communications satellite will make its second launch attempt from Cape Canaveral at 8:31 p.m. Friday, the Air Force confirmed today. The United Launch Alliance Atlas V rocket, carrying the Boeing-built Global Wideband SATCOM-2 spacecraft, was given the go-ahead for launch after replacement and testing of an oxidizer valve in the Centaur upper stage.
The valve leaked during a first attempt March 17 from Launch Complex 41 at Cape Canaveral Air Force Station, causing the launch to be scrubbed.
Friday's launch window extends a little over an hour, until 9:33 p.m.
The Air Force had advised mariners to stay clear of a specified Launch Hazard Area between 6:30 p.m. and 10:30 p.m. EDT, or face
fines of up to $50,000.
Click here to see a map of the area and coordinates, and read the official advisory here.
Today's forecast from the 45th Space Wing's Weather Squadron shows a 40 percent chance of conditions suitable for launch on Friday, and a 70 percent chance if it's delayed until Saturday.
Read the forecast here.
And click here for more background on the WGS program.
Friday's payload is the second of three WGS communications satellites that are intended to replace the Department of Defense's existing constellation.
The first WGS satellite launched successfully from the Cape in October 2007 on an Atlas V, and the third is targeted for launch this summer on a ULA Delta IV.
IMAGE NOTE: Click to enlarge the picture above of a United Launch Alliance Atlas V rocket, carrying the Air Force's Wideband Global SATCOM-2 satellite, as it rolled out to Launch Complex-41 launch pad on March 16.
1 comment:
"Friday's payload is the second of three WGS communications satellites that are intended to replace the Department of Defense's existing constellation. "
Second of six actually.
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