The Air Force today reported a problem that will delay a recently launched communications satellite from reaching its final orbit. The first Advanced Extremely High Frequency spacecraft, called AEHF-1, launched Saturday, Aug. 14, from Cape Canaveral Air Force Station atop a United Launch Alliance Atlas V rocket.
The Lockheed Martin Corp.-built spacecraft separated as planned 51 minutes into flight, and was expected to settle in a geosynchronous orbit more than 22,000 miles over the equator within about three months.
The Military Satellite Communications Systems Wing at Los Angeles Air Force Base today said a "concern" had arisen during early orbit raising and would delay the process. Three engine burns were planned.
"As a result, engineers are examining possible changes to the planned orbit raising process," a statement said. "The satellite is safe and all subsystems are stable."
The Air Force expects to pay $6.5 billion to build, launch and operate the first three AEHF satellites.
IMAGE: Artist's rendering of an AEHF spacecraft in orbit. Credit: Air Force.
1 comment:
Whoops , 2 billion dollars !
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