Sun, Feb 27, 2011
Problem Seems To Be Coming From The Vehicle Interface Control
Console
Preparations for the launch of NASA's Glory mission from
Vandenberg Air Force Base in California have been suspended
temporarily. Engineers continue to troubleshoot a malfunction in
ground support equipment associated with the Taurus XL rocket.
On Feb. 23, a false indication was received about the rocket's
status after commands were sent approximately 15 minutes before
launch to activate the Taurus. "We had an indication that a
'hold-fire' command was sent when indeed it had not," said Omar
Baez, NASA launch director.
The commands originated from the Vehicle Interface Control
Console in the mobile launch support van stationed a few miles from
the launch pad. The problem has not yet been isolated, and
troubleshooting continues. Managers are evaluating possible Glory
launch opportunities in early to mid-March.
"The Glory spacecraft is doing fine," reported Bryan Fafaul,
Glory project manager from NASA's Goddard Space Flight in
Greenbelt, MD. "We are continuing to slow charge the battery until
we have a new launch date."
The Glory satellite will be launched aboard a Taurus on a
mission to improve our understanding of how the sun and tiny
atmospheric particles called aerosols affect Earth's climate. Glory
launch management is provided by NASA's Launch Service Program at
the agency's Kennedy Space Center in Florida. Orbital Sciences
Corp. is providing the Taurus XL launch vehicle and is responsible
for spacecraft operations.
More News
Aero Linx: Model Aeronautical Association of Australia MAAA clubs are about fun flying, camaraderie and community. For over 75 years, the MAAA has been Australia’s largest fl>[...]
Touchdown Zone Lighting Two rows of transverse light bars located symmetrically about the runway centerline normally at 100 foot intervals. The basic system extends 3,000 feet alon>[...]
“Discovery and innovation are central to our mission at Virgin Galactic. We’re excited to build on our successful record of facilitating scientific experiments in subor>[...]
How To Get A Story On Aero-TV News/Feature Programming How do I submit a story idea or lead to Aero-TV? If you would like to submit a story idea or lead, please contact Jim Campbel>[...]
Student Pilot Reported That During Rotation, “All Of A Sudden The Back Of The Plane Kicked To The Right..." Analysis: The student pilot reported that during rotation, “>[...]