U.S. Air Force Navigation Satellite Launch Scrubbed

CAPE CANAVERAL AIR FORCE STATION, Fla., Nov. 9, 2000 — The U.S. Air Force and the Boeing Delta II launch team scrubbed todayís launch attempt of an Air Force Global Positioning Satellite.

The launch has been postponed until tomorrow (Friday, Nov. 10) so the launch team can confirm the correct installation of a locking nut on a fuel line for one of the rocketís vernier engines. There are two vernier engines on the Delta II rocket that are used to steer the vehicle. During a standard review of close-out photos of the rocket, the installation of the nut was called into question.

The launch team will use the remainder of today to return to the launch pad and check the nut. Even if the nut must be re-installed, the rocket will be ready for another launch attempt tomorrow.

Tomorrowís launch window opens at 12:14 p.m. EST and closes at 12:40 p.m. EST. Boeing will broadcast tomorrowís launch attempt through these coordinates: Galaxy 4R, Transponder 12, C-band. Bars and tone will be broadcast from noon to 12:05 p.m. EST, with the live broadcast immediately following.