NASA Expendable Launch Vehicle Status Report 9 November 2005

Mission: Cloud-Aerosol Lidar and Infrared Pathfinder Satellite Observations and CloudSat
Launch Vehicle: Boeing Delta 7420 with Dual Payload Attach Fitting
Launch Pad: Space Launch Complex 2, Vandenberg Air Force Base, Calif.
Launch Date: TBD
Launch Window: 5:01 a.m. EST

The satellites are installed within the Dual Payload Attach Fitting at the payload processing facilities. The payload combination will be placed in an environmentally-controlled canister and installed on a transporter for the trip to the launch pad. Delta II preparations are on hold until the payloads arrive for installation. Launch preparations will resume once two issues are resolved: the Boeing technicians’ strike and the problem encountered while testing batteries used for the flight termination system of the Delta II.

Mission: New Horizons
Launch Vehicle: Lockheed Martin Atlas V 551 (AV-010)
Launch Pad: Complex 41, Cape Canaveral Air Force Station, Fla.
Launch Date: Jan. 11, 2006
Launch Window: 2:07 to 4:07 p.m. EST

The fit check of the Radioisotope Thermo-electric Generator power system with the spacecraft was performed this week. The generator will be installed at the launch pad. The spacecraft was weighed this week, and it will undergo a “dry” spin balance test Nov. 13-15. Hydrazine fuel for attitude control and course correction maneuvers will be loaded Nov. 17-19. A “wet” spin balance test with fuel aboard is set for Nov. 22-24. Two solid rocket boosters were attached to the Atlas V this week. Four of the five are mated. The last booster will be erected in December.