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Atlas 3 rocket launch postponed until Wednesday BY JUSTIN RAY SPACEFLIGHT NOW Posted: December 15, 2003
Officials called the scrub at 9:23 p.m. EST as countdown clocks passed the T-minus 30 minute mark. The liftoff had been pushed back earlier in the evening due to a valve problem at Cape Canaveral's pad 36B. It was shortly after the hold to fix the valve issue when launch team members reported that the Atlas first stage liquid oxygen fill and drain valve bolt-cutter's temperature had gone below the acceptable limit. Engineers reviewing the situation determined that the bolt-cutter had been subjected to temperatures colder than it was qualified to handle. To ensure the bolt-cutter operates as designed for a successful liftoff, officials made the decision to postpone the launch. The device likely will be removed and replaced with a spare. Here is how the scrub decision was announced: Anomaly Resolution Team: "The Anomaly Team has researched the bolt-cutter anomaly...The temperatures that it had dropped to is below the qualification temperature. At this time, we are recommending we stand down for tonight's operation." Launch conductor: "Roger, concur." Launch conductor: "Launch director, LC." Launch director: "Go ahead." Launch conductor: "Recommend we scrub tonight's operation." Launch director: "Copy and concur, and let's make sure we have a spare ready to go to replace the bolt-cutter." A few hours after the scrub, it was announced that the mission would be reset for Wednesday night during a window of 9:30 to 11:30 p.m. EST. The Navy's Ultra-High Frequency Follow-On F11 communications satellite, built by Boeing, will be deployed into geosynchronous transfer orbit by the Atlas 3B rocket. The spacecraft and rocket is valued at $193 million. UHF F11 will be stationed over the Western Pacific to provide communications for U.S. military forces and government officials. See our Mission Status Center page for live play-by-play updates. |
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Flight data file Vehicle: Atlas 3B (AC-203) Payload: UHF Follow-On F11 Launch date: Dec. 17, 2003 Launch window: 9:30 to 11:30 p.m. EST (0230-0430 GMT on 18th) Launch site: Complex 36B, Cape Canaveral, Florida Satellite broadcast: Galaxy 3, Transponder 5, C-band  Pre-launch briefing Launch preview - Our story looking at this Atlas 3 rocket launch of the UHF F11 satellite. 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 UHF F11's trek to geostationary orbit. UHF satellites - Overview of the U.S. Navy's UHF Follow-On communications constellation. Atlas 3B 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. 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.  Choose your store:U.S. - U.K. - E.U. - Worldwide 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.Choose your store:U.S. - U.K. - E.U. - Worldwide 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.Choose your store:U.S. - U.K. - E.U. - Worldwide Mars rover poster  This new poster features some of the best pictures from NASA's amazing Mars Exploration Rovers Spirit and Opportunity.Choose your store:U.S. Get e-mail updates Sign up for our NewsAlert service and have the latest news in astronomy and space e-mailed direct to your desktop (privacy note: your e-mail address will not be used for any other purpose).
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