ViaSat-3 F2 Launch Delayed
ViaSat’s latest satellite, the second in its planned fleet expansion, ViaSat-3 F2, has had its launch postponed by 24 hours.
Original Launch Plans
The satellite was scheduled to launch late on November 5th from Complex 41 at Cape Canaveral aboard United Launch Alliance’s Atlas V rocket.
Reason for Delay
ULA Launch Director James Whelan announced the countdown would be halted due to an issue during final checkouts. The booster liquid oxygen tank vent valve experienced a problem during cycling.
"We will not continue with countdown operations."
New Launch Window
The launch is rescheduled for November 6th at 10:16 p.m. EST, opening a 44-minute window for liftoff.
Mission Timeline
After launch, the rocket will take about three and a half hours to reach geostationary transfer orbit. There, the satellite will undergo tests before moving to its final orbital position.
Author's summary: Launch of ViaSat-3 F2 has been delayed by 24 hours due to a technical issue with the booster’s vent valve, with the new launch set for November 6th at 10:16 p.m. EST.