Status Report

Ariane Flight 137 has been postponed 24 hours due to weather conditions.

By SpaceRef Editor
January 9, 2001
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Wind conditions forced the postponement of Arianespaceís first launch of 2001, which had been scheduled for today at 7:08 p.m. Kourou time.

The winds did not meet launch safety conditions both at altitude and along the French Guiana coastline.

Jacques Rossignol, Arianespace Chief Operating Officer, said a special weather balloon was launched after the initial hold (which occurred at six minutes before liftoff) to determine if conditions had changed for the better.

ìLooking at the data from the balloon, it was clear that wind conditions remained ëredí and the decision was made to postpone the launch for tonight,î Rossignol explained to guests and officials at the Spaceport.

A new assessment of weather conditions will be made tomorrow afternoon, which will determine whether the countdown for Flight 137 is to be resumed for a liftoff in the evening.

The Eurasiasat satellite to be carried by Flight 137 is one of the most powerful spacecraft produced in Europe and has a liftoff mass of approximately 3,535 kg. It will be orbited by an Ariane 44P version of the workhorse Ariane 4 family.

SpaceRef staff editor.