Atlas 5 Launch Scrubbed Due to Valve Issue
United Launch Alliance (ULA) postponed the scheduled Atlas 5 rocket launch Wednesday night because of a valve problem that could not be fixed within the launch window. The rocket was set to carry a communications satellite for the California-based company Viasat.
Details of the Scrub
“An issue encountered while cycling the booster liquid oxygen tank valve during final checkouts” forced the launch team to stand down and reschedule for the following day.
The launch was planned from Space Launch Complex 41 at Cape Canaveral Space Force Station. Liftoff was scheduled for 10:16 p.m. EST (0316 UTC) within a 44-minute window. The rocket was expected to head east after liftoff from Florida’s Space Coast.
Satellite and Orbit Information
The 6-metric-ton communications satellite will be placed into a geosynchronous transfer orbit. Deployment is anticipated approximately 3.5 hours after liftoff.
Weather Conditions
The 45th Weather Squadron forecasted a 95 percent chance of favorable weather during the launch window on Tuesday. There was a minor chance of disturbance from cumulus clouds.
“High pressure will bring fair weather to the Space Coast on both the primary and backup days,” launch weather officers explained. “For the primary window, a ridge axis over Central Florida will develop light, onshore winds and partly cloudy skies.”
Rocket Configuration
ULA is conducting this mission using an Atlas 5 rocket configured in the 551 variant.
Summary
This launch delay underscores the technical challenges in rocket operations, despite optimal weather conditions and meticulous planning.