ULA Scrubs ViaSat-3 F2 Launch Due to Technical Issue
The United Launch Alliance (ULA) has called off the planned launch of its Atlas V rocket carrying the ViaSat-3 F2 satellite after encountering a technical issue late in the final checks.
The scrub occurred due to an issue with cycling the booster’s liquid oxygen vent valve during final checkouts.
The team will take additional time to troubleshoot the problem and is preparing for a 24-hour recycle before attempting another launch. The mission is set to lift off from Space Launch Complex-41 at Cape Canaveral Space Force Station in Florida.
Rescheduled Launch Window
The new launch opportunity is planned for Thursday evening, beginning at the opening of a 44-minute window. Weather forecasters report a 95 percent chance of favorable conditions at launch time.
Mission Overview
The Atlas V rocket will deliver the ViaSat-3 Flight 2 (F2) communications satellite for Viasat, a global technology company specializing in broadband and connectivity services.
- Launch vehicle: ULA Atlas V
- Payload: ViaSat-3 Flight 2 (F2)
- Launch site: Space Launch Complex-41, Cape Canaveral Space Force Station
- Planned lift-off: 10:24 p.m. EST
- Weather probability: 95% favorable
Fuel Loading Operations
Preparations for the next attempt include filling Atlas V’s first stage with RP-1 propellant and, closer to launch, loading cryogenic liquid hydrogen and oxygen. The rocket will use these propellants to power its main engine during ascent.
Officials noted that they are closely monitoring conditions related to the Cumulus Cloud Rule to ensure compliance with launch safety requirements.
Author’s Summary
ULA postponed the ViaSat-3 F2 launch after detecting a technical fault in the rocket’s oxygen system, planning a retry within 24 hours pending weather and system readiness.