NASA Expendable Launch Vehicle Status Report 20 July 2007

Mission: Phoenix
Location: Payload Hazardous Servicing Facility
Launch Pad: 17-A
Launch Vehicle: Delta II 7925
Launch Date: Aug. 3, 2007
Launch Time: 5:35:18 a.m. EDT

Mating of Phoenix to the upper-stage booster occurred Tuesday, July 17.

Spacecraft engineers installed the heat shield onto the cruise stage Thursday, July 19. This was the last major milestone in spacecraft processing before going to the launch pad.

Technicians are installing the integrated Phoenix payload into the payload transportation canister today.

Phoenix will be transported to Pad 17-A for mating to the Delta II on Monday, July 23.

At Pad 17-A, a simulated flight test of the Delta II was performed on Tuesday, July 17. This is an electrical and mechanical test of all events that the first and second stage of the vehicle will perform during ascent.

A “LOX leak check” was conducted on Wednesday, July 18. This involves loading the Delta II first stage with liquid oxygen to verify its integrity and also serves as a countdown certification for the launch team.

Mission: Dawn
Location: Pad 17-B
Launch Pad: 17-B
Launch Vehicle: Delta II 7925-H
Launch Timeframe: September

Dawn remains atop the Delta II launch vehicle at Pad 17-B. The spacecraft will be removed from the launch vehicle on Saturday, July 21, and returned to the Astrotech payload processing facility near NASA’s Kennedy Space Center.

A firm date for launch is still being determined based on the launch window for the science of the mission, the availability of the Eastern Range and the necessary tracking, data and telemetry support. The launch opportunity extends from Sept. 7 to Oct. 15.

Previous status reports are available on the Web at:

http://www.nasa.gov/centers/kennedy/launchingrockets/status/2007