Atlas V/WGS Launch Delayed at Least 24 Hours
From: Warren, Kenneth E Civ 45 SW/PA
Sent: Monday, October 08, 2007 8:52 AM
Subject: Atlas V/WGS Launch Delayed at Least 24 Hours
Memo to Correspondents/Oct. 8, 2007
The Atlas V launch of the WGS SV-1 satellite is being delayed by one day from Oct. 9 to Oct. 10. A review of data from previous Delta IV missions noted a data signature that differs from other flight experience. The difference has raised a question for Atlas V given the Atlas and Delta launch vehicles have some common or similar components. The additional time will allow engineers time to sufficiently understand the data signature and ensure that there are no mission success implications for the Atlas V/WGS SV-1 launch. The Atlas V launch of WGS SV-1 is now scheduled for October 10th. The launch window remains 8:22-9:33 p.m. (EDT).
All media activities (including the L-1 pre-launch news conference) associated with the launch as noted in below advisory will accordingly slip 24 hours. The pre-launch news conference is now set for Tuesday, Oct. 9 at 2 p.m. at the Space Florida Auditorium.
The weather forecast for an Oct. 10 launch attempt: The primary concerns for launch day are cumulus clouds and disturbed weather with isolated showers off the Atlantic.
The primary concerns for a 24-hour delay are cumulus clouds, disturbed weather, and thick cloud with an encroaching frontal boundary.
Overall probability of violating weather constraints: 30% Primary concern(s): Cumulus clouds, disturbed weather
Overall probability of violating weather constraints for 24-hour delay: 30% Primary concern(s): Cumulus clouds, disturbed weather
High pressure to the North and a broad area of low pressure to the South will result in winds gusting in the mid 20s (230 feet) and isolated coastal showers today. For MLP roll on Tuesday, high pressure remains in place with a reducing pressure gradient. Winds should be gusting in the upper teens to near 20 kts with isolated coastal showers. On launch day, high pressure remains in place with an encroaching frontal boundary in the Southeast. Winds are east-northeasterly gusting in the upper teens. Isolated coastal showers persist with the continued Easterly flow. The primary concerns for launch day are cumulus clouds and disturbed weather associated with an isolated shower coming in from the Atlantic. In the event of a 24 hour delay, a frontal boundary in the big bend area and low pressure to the South results in a slight increase in cloud cover and isolated showers. The primary concern for a 24-hour delay are disturbed weather, thick cloud, and cumulus clouds.
Ken Warren
