NASA Aura Launch Postponed

The launch of NASA’s Aura spacecraft atop a Boeing Delta
II rocket from California has been delayed for at least 24
hours. Launch will occur no earlier than Wednesday, July 14,
with a three-minute window at 6:01:59 a.m. EDT (3:01:59 a.m.
PDT).

During the final T-20 minute hold before the scheduled launch
this morning, spacecraft engineers decided they could not
resolve an outstanding issue with a solid-state recorder. The
mission management team will convene this afternoon at 6 p.m.
EDT to confirm the new launch date of July 14.

On launch day, programming on NASA Television will begin at 4
a.m. EDT (1 a.m. PDT) for the start of fueling of the Delta
II. The launch commentary will begin at 4:30 a.m. EDT (1:30
a.m. PDT).

Media covering the launch should meet at the main gate of
Vandenberg Air Force Base, Calif., at 2 a.m. PDT Wednesday,
July 14, for escort to the Delta press site on north
Vandenberg. Media needing accreditation for the launch should
call Air Force Lt. Michelle Mayo at 805/606-3595 of the 30th
Space Wing Public Affairs Office.

An Aura recorded launch status for the news media is
available by dialing 805/734-2693.