NASA SCISAT-1/Atmospheric Chemistry Experiment Launch Status Report 4 Jun 2003

MISSION: SCISAT-1/Atmospheric Chemistry Experiment

• LAUNCH VEHICLE: Pegasus XL
• LAUNCH FACILITY: Vandenberg Air Force Base, California
• LAUNCH DATE: NET July 25, 2003
• LAUNCH TIME: 10:36:55 p.m. – 11:34:04 p.m. PDT

The SCISAT spacecraft is completing final testing at the Canadian
Space Agency’s David Florida Laboratories. Arrival of the spacecraft at
Vandenberg Air Force Base is currently scheduled for June 18.

SCISAT-1 weighs approximately 330 pounds and will be placed in a
400-mile-high polar orbit to investigate processes that control the
distribution of ozone in the upper atmosphere.

Meanwhile, the Pegasus XL rocket is undergoing prelaunch
preparations at Vandenberg Air Force Base in California by Orbital Sciences
Corporation.

The scientific mission of SCISAT-1/ACE (Atmospheric Chemistry
Experiment) mission is to measure and understand the chemical processes that
control the distribution of ozone in the Earth’s atmosphere, particularly at
high altitudes. The data from the satellite will provide Canadian and
international scientists with improved measurements relating to global ozone
processes and help policy makers assess existing environmental policy and
develop protective measures for improving the health of our atmosphere,
preventing further zone depletion. The mission is designed to last two
years.