Mission Status
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The Atlas 3 rocket has successfully placed the Mobile Broadcasting Satellite into orbit.
This was the 70th consecutive successful Atlas launch.
Check the status center for complete coverage.
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Mission Briefing
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Launch timeline - Chart with times and descriptions of events to occur during the launch.
Weather forecast - The latest forecast for launch day conditions.
Launch hazard area - The restricted area during liftoff.
Ground track - See the trajectory the rocket will follow during its flight.
Orbit insertion - Illustration of MBSAT's trek to geostationary orbit.
MBSAT - Overview of the MBSAT spacecraft and mobile broadcasting system.
Atlas 3A vehicle data - Description of rocket being used in this launch.
The RD-180 - Facts and figures about the Russian-built engine to power Atlas 3 and 5.
Atlas directory - See our coverage of previous Atlas rocket flights.
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Launch weather forecast
Posted: March 12, 2004
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for Saturday, March 13 |
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Issued: Friday, March 12
Launch Weather Officer: Johnny Weems, 45th Weather Squadron
Synoptic Discussion: "High pressure with weak winds and dry stable conditions across the local area lead to no weather concerns through late Saturday. Increasing onshore flow over the weekend and another approaching cold front will increase the chance of clouds and precipitation by Sunday night."
Clouds: Scattered at 3,000 feet with 1-2/8ths sky coverage and tops at 5,000 feet; and Scattered at 26,000 feet with 1-2/8ths sky coverage and tops at 29,000 feet
Visibility: 7 miles
Launch Pad Winds: Light and variable becoming west-northwesterly from 290 degrees at 5 to 8 knots
Temperature: 57 degrees F
Relative Humidity: 70 percent
Weather: None
Solar Activity: Low
Probability of Violating Weather Constraints: Zero percent
Concerns: None
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| Forecast for Sunday and Monday |
Sunday's Probability of Violating Constraints: 10 percent
Concerns: Clouds and isolated coastal showers
Monday's Probability of Violating Constraints: 30 percent
Concerns: 90-foot level winds and increasing low clouds and showers
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Apollo 12 tribute DVD set
New!
Featuring the jovial crew of Pete Conrad, Dick Gordon and Alan Bean, the Apollo 12 mission was struck by lightning shortly after liftoff but proceeded on the second successful exploration voyage to the lunar surface. This three-disc DVD brings the mission to life with extraordinary detail.
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Fallen Heroes special patch
 This special 12-inch embroidered patch commemorates the U.S. astronauts who made the ultimate sacrifice, honoring the crews of Apollo 1, Challenger and Columbia.
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Women in Space
 Women of Space: Cool Careers on the Final Frontier is for girls, young women, and anyone else interested in learning about exciting careers in space exploration. Includes CD-ROM.
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Mars rover poster
 This new poster features some of the best pictures from NASA's amazing Mars Exploration Rovers Spirit and Opportunity.
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