NASA Spacecraft and Expendable Launch Vehicles Status Report 19 October 2005

Mission: Cloud-Aerosol Lidar and Infrared Pathfinder Satellite Observations and CloudSat (CALIPSO/CloudSat)
Launch Vehicle: Boeing Delta 7420 with Dual Payload Attach Fitting
Launch Pad: Space Launch Complex 2, Vandenberg Air Force Base, Calif.
Launch Date: NET Nov. 7, 2005
Launch Window: 5:01:18 a.m. EST (2:01:18 a.m. PST)

NASA, Boeing and the U.S. Air Force are working on the problem encountered while testing batteries used for the flight termination system of the Delta II. CALIPSO and CloudSat are installed within the Dual Payload Attach Fitting. CloudSat will continue to undergo final battery charging through Saturday. On Sunday, the combination will be placed in an environmentally-controlled canister and installed on the payload transporter in preparation for the trip to the launch pad. Delta II preparations at Space Launch Complex 2 continue, as the launch vehicle awaits arrival of the payloads for installation on the second stage Oct. 24.

Mission: New Horizons
Launch Vehicle: Lockheed Martin Atlas V 551 (AV-010)
Launch Pad: Complex 41, Cape Canaveral Air Force Station, Fla.
Launch Date: NET Jan. 11, 2006
Launch Window: 2:07 to 4:07 p.m. EST

The New Horizons spacecraft is undergoing mission simulation testing through Friday. Spacecraft cleaning and blanket closeouts are scheduled for next week. The spacecraft test team is reviewing contingency plans due to the threat from Hurricane Wilma. At Launch Complex 41, the erection of the first of five solid rocket boosters for the Atlas V began today.

The second booster is scheduled for mating tomorrow. All of the boosters should be attached by mid-November. Lockheed Martin is assessing the schedule for the remaining boosters based on preparations which may be necessary for Hurricane Wilma. The Centaur stage was hoisted atop the Atlas booster on Oct. 11, and mating to the Atlas was completed on Sunday.