BY SPACEFLIGHT NOW

May 18, 2001 -- Follow the countdown and launch of a Boeing Delta 2 rocket with the U.S. National Reconnaissance Office's GeoLITE satellite. Reload this page for the very latest on the mission.

FRIDAY, MAY 18, 2001

A $130 million experimental laser communications spacecraft testbed launched Friday could pave the way for quicker transmission of reconnaissance information from U.S. spy satellites back to Earth. Read our full launch story

1816 GMT (2:16 p.m. EDT)

T+plus 31 minutes. SPACECRAFT SEPARATION! The National Reconnaissance Office's Geosynchronous Lightweight Technology Experiment satellite has been released from the Delta rocket's third stage following launch today from Cape Canaveral.

The TRW-built craft is designed to test a futuristic laser communications package and relay intelligence information via its onboard ultra-high frequency payload.

The NRO says it will take about a week for the craft to maneuver from its current egg-shaped geosynchronous transfer orbit to achieve a geostationary orbit with the firing of its onboard kick motor. About three weeks of testing will follow before the $130 million satellite becomes operational.

1812 GMT (2:12 p.m. EDT)

T+plus 27 minutes. Now about three-and-a-half minutes from deployment of GeoLITE from the spent third stage rocket motor.

1811 GMT (2:11 p.m. EDT)

T+plus 26 minutes. TECO. The third stage burn out confirmed, completing the powered phase of today's launch.

1809 GMT (2:09 p.m. EDT)

T+plus 24 minutes, 30 seconds. The solid-fueled third stage is now firing to propel GeoLITE into geosynchronous transfer orbit. This is an 86-second burn.

1809 GMT (2:09 p.m. EDT)

T+plus 24 minutes. The third stage has spun up and separated from the spent second stage. Standing by for third stage ignition.

1808 GMT (2:08 p.m. EDT)

T+plus 23 minutes. SECO 2. The second stage has shut down as planned. The vehicle has been accelerated about 17,000 miles per hour.

1807 GMT (2:07 p.m. EDT)

T+plus 22 minutes. Second stage engine is now up and firing again. This is a 69-second burn. Live data from the rocket is being relayed through the Takoradi, Ghana downrange tracking station.

1805 GMT (2:05 p.m. EDT)

T+plus 20 minutes. Delta is now approaching the western coast of Africa. Coming up on second stage ignition in just under two minutes.

1759 GMT (1:59 p.m. EDT)

T+plus 14 minutes. The vehicle is out of range from ground stations as it coasts above the Central Atlantic Ocean. The next telemetry relay will come via the Takoradi, Ghana site for restart of the second stage.

1756 GMT (1:56 p.m. EDT)

T+plus 11 minutes. The Delta rocket is now in a coast period that will last another 10 minutes before the second stage restarts at T+plus 21 minutes, 37 seconds.

1755 GMT (1:55 p.m. EDT)

T+plus 10 minutes, 40 seconds. SECO 1. Confirmation that the second stage engine has cut off as planned and the Delta 2 rocket with GeoLITE have arrive in a preliminary orbit around Earth.

1754 GMT (1:54 p.m. EDT)

T+plus 9 minutes. Second stage engine continues to fire. Cutoff coming up in about 90 seconds.

1752 GMT (1:52 p.m. EDT)

T+plus 7 minutes.

1750 GMT (1:50 p.m. EDT)

T+plus 5 minutes. The protective payload fairing enclosing the GeoLITE satellite atop the rocket has separated with no recontact detected.

1749 GMT (1:49 p.m. EDT)

T+plus 4 minutes, 45 seconds. MECO. The first stage main engine cutoff confirmed, the stage has been jettisoned and second stage engine ignition has occurred. Clean separation as GeoLITE heads to space.

1749 GMT (1:49 p.m. EDT)

T+plus 4 minutes. The Delta 2 rocket continues climbing into the upper atmosphere and out of the gravity well. First stage main engine producing about 230,000 pounds of thrust.

1748 GMT (1:48 p.m. EDT)

T+plus 3 minutes. First stage engine continues to burn normally.

1747 GMT (1:47 p.m. EDT)

T+plus 2 minutes, 20 seconds. The three air-start solid rocket boosters have burned out and separated. The rocket continues its trek to orbit on the power of the first stage liquid-fueled main engine.

1746 GMT (1:46 p.m. EDT)

T+plus 1 minute, 15 seconds. All six ground-start solid rocket boosters have burned out and separated. The three air-lit solids have ignited.

1745 GMT (1:45 p.m. EDT)

T+plus 60 seconds. Vehicle has passed through maximum dynamic pressure.

1745 GMT (1:45 p.m. EDT)

T+plus 40 seconds. Rocket has passed Mach 1. A smooth flight reported so far.

1745 GMT (1:45 p.m. EDT)

T+plus 20 seconds. Vehicle has rolled to the proper trajectory.

1745 GMT (1:45 p.m. EDT)

LIFTOFF! Liftoff of Delta 285 with GeoLITE to test the next generation of communications satellite technology for the National Reconnaissance Office. And the rocket has cleared the tower.

1744 GMT (1:44 p.m. EDT)

T-minus 30 seconds. Hydraulics and electronics reported go.

The launch ignition sequence will begin at T-minus 2 seconds when a Boeing engineer triggers the engine start switch. The process begins with ignition of the two vernier engines and first stage main engine start. The six ground-start solid rocket motors then light at T-0 for liftoff. At launch, the rocket will produce over 750,000 pounds of thrust and embark on a 95-degree flight azimuth.

1744 GMT (1:44 p.m. EDT)

T-minus 1 minute. The Range has given its final clear-to-launch. The Delta 2 rocket's second stage hydraulic pump has gone to internal power after its pressures were verified acceptable.

1743 GMT (1:43 p.m. EDT)

T-minus 2 minutes. The first stage liquid oxygen vents are now being closed so the LOX tank can be repressurized for this launch attempt. Puffs of vapor from a relief valve on the rocket will be seen in the remainder of the countdown as the tank pressure stabilizes.

1742 GMT (1:42 p.m. EDT)

T-minus 2 minutes, 30 seconds. The National Reconnaissance Office reports the GeoLITE spacecraft is again "go" for launch.

1741 GMT (1:41 p.m. EDT)

T-minus 4 minutes and counting. After an aborted attempt earlier this hour, the countdown has resumed for a second shot at launching the Boeing Delta 2 rocket with GeoLITE spacecraft. Liftoff is now set for 1:45 p.m. EDT from pad 17B at Cape Canaveral Air Force Station in Florida.

1738 GMT (1:38 p.m. EDT)

A poll of the launch team has verified everyone is ready to pick up the countdown at 1:41 p.m. EDT from the T-minus 4 minute mark. Liftoff is targeted for 1:45 p.m. EDT.

1735 GMT (1:35 p.m. EDT)

The Range is now "go" for launch. The boat has been cleared. And the launch team has set 1:45 p.m. EDT as the new liftoff time.

1730 GMT (1:30 p.m. EDT)

The Air Force and Coast Guard are attempting to contact the boat intruding into the launch danger area to get it out of the restricted zone.

1725 GMT (1:25 p.m. EDT)

HOLD EXTENDED! The Range is "no go" for launch because of a boat in the restricted area in the Atlantic Ocean. The countdown will remain holding at T-minus 4 minutes. There is no estimation on how long this extra delay might last.

1724 GMT (1:24 p.m. EDT)

All the recycling work is complete. The launch team reports it is ready to pick up the countdown as planned at 1:26 p.m.

1721 GMT (1:21 p.m. EDT)

Now five minutes away from resuming the countdown from T-minus 4 minutes. Liftoff is nine minutes away. The GeoLITE spacecraft is being switched back to internal battery power for launch. It was tranferred to external power after the hold was called.

1717 GMT (1:17 p.m. EDT)

Boeing Launch Conductor George Stout has announced the countdown will resume from the T-minus 4 minute mark at 1:26 p.m. with liftoff at 1:30 p.m. EDT.

1716 GMT (1:16 p.m. EDT)

Boeing Flight Director Rich Murphy has received word from the NRO that the GeoLITE satellite is "go" for another launch attempt. The earlier telemetry concern that caused a hold in the countdown is being resolved.

1712 GMT (1:12 p.m. EDT)

The first stage liquid oxygen tank is being topped off to replace the cyrogenics that have naturally boiled away as the countdown clock is reset to T-minus 4 minutes and holding. No word yet if the GeoLITE telemetry error problem can be resolved in order for the Delta 2 to be cleared for liftoff today. The launch team has until 2:26 p.m. EDT to get the rocket airborne or else scrub for 24 hours.

1709 GMT (1:09 p.m. EDT)

Boeing launch commentator Walt Rice says the telemetry error was with the spacecraft.

1708 GMT (1:08 p.m. EDT)

The count is being recycled to T-4 minutes. We are awaiting further word on the cause of the problem and whether it can be resolved before today's launch window closes at 2:26 p.m. EDT (1826 GMT).

1706 GMT (1:06 p.m. EDT)

HOLD! HOLD! HOLD! A telemetry error occurred at approximately T-18 seconds.

1706 GMT (1:06 p.m. EDT)

T-minus 30 seconds. Hydraulics and electronics reported go.

The launch ignition sequence will begin at T-minus 2 seconds when a Boeing engineer triggers the engine start switch. The process begins with ignition of the two vernier engines and first stage main engine start. The six ground-start solid rocket motors then light at T-0 for liftoff. At launch, the rocket will produce over 750,000 pounds of thrust and embark on a 95-degree flight azimuth.

1706 GMT (1:06 p.m. EDT)

T-minus 1 minute. The Range has given its final clear-to-launch. The Delta 2 rocket's second stage hydraulic pump has gone to internal power after its pressures were verified acceptable.

1705 GMT (1:05 p.m. EDT)

T-minus 90 seconds. At the telemetry receiving areas where data from the rocket will be transmitted, the data recording charts have gone to high speed as the liftoff nears.

1705 GMT (1:05 p.m. EDT)

T-minus 2 minutes. The first stage liquid oxygen vents are now being closed so the LOX tank can be pressurized for launch. Puffs of vapor from a relief valve on the rocket will be seen in the remainder of the countdown as the tank pressure stabilizes.

1704 GMT (1:04 p.m. EDT)

T-minus 2 minutes, 30 seconds. The National Reconnaissance Office has declared the GeoLITE spacecraft "go" for launch today to begin its mission to test a futuristic laser communications package and relay intelligence information from U.S. spy satellites via its onboard ultra-high frequency payload.

1704 GMT (1:04 p.m. EDT)

T-minus 3 minutes. The safety destruct safe and arm devices are being armed.

1703 GMT (1:03 p.m. EDT)

T-minus 4 minutes and counting. Now in the final phase of the countdown as Delta launch vehicle systems begin transferring to internal power. All systems are now ready for launch of the 285th Delta at 1:07 p.m. EDT from pad 17B at Cape Canaveral Air Force Station in Florida.

1702 GMT (1:02 p.m. EDT)

Now five minutes from launch! All parties reported "ready" to resume the countdown for an on-time launch. The team is now receiving a final briefing of procedures.

1659 GMT (12:59 p.m. EDT)

The launch team has been polled by Boeing Launch Conductor George Stout.

1657 GMT (12:57 p.m. EDT)

Now 10 minutes away from the scheduled launch time. The trickle charge to the GeoLITE spacecraft atop the Delta rocket should be stopping at this point, and the satellite switched to internal power for flight.

1653 GMT (12:53 p.m. EDT)

T-minus 4 minutes and holding. The countdown has entered the final planned hold point for today's launch attempt. During this planned 10-minute hold, officials will poll the various team members behind the scenes, in the "soft blockhouse", Range Operations Control Center and Mission Directors Center.

Weather in the Cape Canaveral area have been verified "go" for launch. And aside from the second stage nitrogen system temperature measurement that is being watched closely, there are no other problems being reported.

1649 GMT (12:49 p.m. EDT)

The first stage fuel tank vent is being closed and the tank is being pressurized for launch. And shortly the third stage and spacecraft safe and arm devices will be armed.

Also, the latest computer program based upon upper level winds have been uploaded to the Delta 2 rocket's guidance computer. The information tells the computer what wind conditions to expect during the climb to orbit today.

1647 GMT (12:47 p.m. EDT)

T-minus 10 minutes and counting. The countdown is heading to T-minus 4 minutes for a 10-minute planned hold. Liftoff the Boeing Delta 2 rocket from Cape Canaveral Air Force Station is still slated to occur at 1:07 p.m. EDT with the GeoLITE spacecraft.

The Range is green for launch at this time. There are some boats in the Atlantic Ocean. However, the Air Force says there are clear the restricted area. The Air Force says it has made contact with the boats will allow some of them to pass through the launch danger area since they'll be clear by launch time.

Also, the launch team is looking at the second stage nitrogen system temperature. It is a little high but is cooling off and expected to be acceptable in the next 20 minutes.

For this launch, the Boeing model 7925-9.5 Delta 2 rocket. The expendable launch vehicle consists of three stages, nine strap-on solid rocket boosters and a 9.5-foot diameter payload fairing. The rocket stands 126 feet tall. See our rocket fact sheet for more.

1644 GMT (12:44 p.m. EDT)

Checks are now under way of the Range Safety command destruct receivers that would be used to destroy the Delta rocket should a problem arise during the launch. A little earlier, the Range completed RF link checks with the rocket.

1637 GMT (12:37 p.m. EDT)

T-minus 20 minutes and counting. Typically the countdown for a Delta 2 rocket enters a planned hold period at this time to allow the launch team a chance to work any problems. However, officials opted to delete this hold from the countdown given the lengthy 79-minute launch window available today.

Engineers have just completed gimbal checks of the nozzles on the first stage main engine and twin vernier engines and second stage engine. This test is performed to ensure the engines will be able to steer the rocket during launch.

1627 GMT (12:27 p.m. EDT)

T-minus 30 minutes and counting. Countdown clocks continue ticking along for liftoff at 1:07 p.m. EDT today. The count will pause for a 10-minute built-in hold at T-minus 4 minutes.

Over the next few minutes, the "slew" or steering checks of the first and second stage engines will be performed and RF link tests between the Range and rocket are scheduled.

1616 GMT (12:16 p.m. EDT)

Launch Weather Officer Johnny Weems just briefed officials on the current conditions and the forecast for liftoff today. All weather rules are within limits with no concerns.

The Delta rocket is now fully fueled for launch 60 minutes from now carrying the NRO's GeoLITE advanced communications technology satellite.

The vehicle's first stage was successfully loaded with RP-1 kerosene fuel and liquid oxygen this morning. The second stage was loaded with its storable nitrogen tetroxide and Aerozine 50 fuels early this week; and the third stage and strap-on booster rockets are solid-propellant.

1608 GMT (12:08 p.m. EDT)

The Delta 2 rocket's first stage liquid oxygen tank has been topped off at 100 percent. The tank will be replenished through the remainder of the countdown to replace the liquid oxygen that naturally boils away.

1559 GMT (11:59 a.m. EDT)

The normal layer of thin ice and frost is forming on the bottom half of the Delta 2 rocket's first stage where the liquid oxygen tank is located. Conditions are currently green for both surface weather and upper level winds.

1553 GMT (11:53 a.m. EDT)

Loading of liquid oxygen continues. Now 10 minutes into this approximate 25-minute process.

1543 GMT (11:43 a.m. EDT)

Cryogenic liquid oxygen, chilled to Minus-298 degrees F, is now flowing from a storage tank at pad 17B, through plumbing and into the bottom of the Boeing Delta 2 rocket. The LOX will be consumed by the first stage main engine along with RP-1 kerosene loaded aboard the vehicle over the past hour.

The countdown continues to progress on schedule this morning for launch of the NRO's GeoLITE satellite at 1:07 p.m. EDT from Cape Canaveral, Florida. There are no major problems being worked by the launch team and the weather conditions are near-perfect today.

1512 GMT (11:12 a.m. EDT)

The first stage fuel tank of the Boeing Delta 2 rocket has been fully loaded for today's planned 1:07 p.m. EDT liftoff from Cape Canaveral Air Force Station in Florida. The tank was filled with 9,937 gallons of a highly refined kerosene, called RP-1. The operation took 19 minutes and 13 seconds.

The next major task in the countdown will be loading super-cold cryogenic liquid oxygen into the first stage starting at about 11:45 a.m. EDT.

1509 GMT (11:09 a.m. EDT)

Now just over 15 minutes into the fueling process. The first stage fuel tank has been loaded with 9,000 gallons so far. Flow rate currently 573 gallons per minute. Once the tank is filled with 9,725 gallons, or 98 percent, the "rapid load" valve will be closed and the slower "fine load" phase will top off the tank to 9,937 gallons for launch.

1503 GMT (11:03 a.m. EDT)

Now 10 minutes into the fueling procedure with over 6,000 gallons of RP-1 propellant aboard the Delta 2 rocket. The flow rate is about 553 gallons per minute.

1458 GMT (10:58 a.m. EDT)

Now five minutes into this approximate 20-minute process to load the rocket's first stage with nearly 10,000 gallons of refined kerosene. The tank has been filled with 3,000 gallons thus far. The flow rate is currently 618 gallons per minute as the "rapid load" phase of fueling continues. The rate will be decreased once the tank is 98 percent full.

1453 GMT (10:53 a.m. EDT)

FUELING BEGINS. RP-1 fuel, a refined kerosene, is now being pumped into the first stage of the Boeing Delta 2 rocket as the countdown continues at Cape Canaveral Air Force Station in Florida for liftoff today at 1:07 p.m. EDT.

1432 GMT (10:32 a.m. EDT)

Valves are being configured in preparation for flowing about 10,000 gallons of propellant from a storage tank into the Boeing Delta 2 rocket's first stage this morning at Cape Canaveral's pad 17A.

Called RP-1, the highly refined kerosene will be guzzled along with liquid oxygen (to be pumped into the rocket a little later this morning) by the first stage Rocketdyne RS-27A main engine and twin vernier steering thrusters during the initial four-and-a-half-minutes of flight.

1427 GMT (10:27 a.m. EDT)

T-minus 150 minutes and counting. The terminal countdown has begun for the launch of the 285th Delta rocket and the GeoLITE spacecraft for the National Reconnaissance Office. Over the next three hours, the launch team will ready the three-stage Boeing rocket, payload and ground support systems for the planned 1:07 p.m. EDT (1707 GMT) blastoff from pad 17B at Cape Canaveral Air Force Station in Florida.

With the countdown underway, the Complex 17 area will be cleared of workers as a safety precaution. A warning horn will be sounded at the seaside complex to alert personnel to depart and head back to road blocks.

Upcoming in the next few minutes, launch team members in the Delta Operations Building, or "soft blockhouse", located about eight miles west of the pad will oversee the pressurization of helium and nitrogen storage tanks inside the rocket's first and second stages; and the second stage fuel and oxidizer tanks will be pressurized for launch. In addition, the Delta's onboard guidance computer -- called the Redundant Inertial Flight Control Assembly or RIFCA -- will be turned on and configured for the mission.

The loading of 10,000 gallons of RP-1 fuel into the first stage is scheduled to start in about 20 minutes.

1150 GMT (7:50 a.m. EDT)

The 12-story mobile service tower enclosing the Boeing Delta 2 rocket at Cape Canaveral's pad 17B has been retracted as final hours tick down for launch at 1:07 p.m. EDT (1707 GMT) today.

The metal cocoon-like structure is used to assemble the rocket on the seaside pad and provide weather protection. Rollback of the tower is a major milestone on the road to prepare for launch.

Workers will now get the tower secured into its launch position and configure the pad for liftoff. The Terminal Countdown remains scheduled to begin at 10:27 a.m. EDT.

0401 GMT (12:01 a.m. EDT)

A Boeing Delta 2 rocket is set for launch from Cape Canaveral today carrying an experimental spacecraft to test laser communications for the National Reconnaissance Office -- the agency that controls the U.S. spy satellite fleet.

The three-stage vehicle fitted with nine strap-on solid rocket motors will have a 79-minute window -- beginning at 1:07 p.m. EDT (1707 GMT) -- to make it off the launch pad with the Geosynchronous Lightweight Technology Experiment satellite, or GeoLITE.

Workers plan to retract the 12-story mobile service tower from around the rocket at around 7 a.m. EDT as the final preparations for liftoff begin in earnest.

The Terminal Countdown is slated to start at 10:27 a.m. EDT at the T-minus 150 minute mark.

With the count underway, the launch team will immediate begin work to pressurize the rocket's first and second stage helium and nitrogen systems and second stage fuel tanks, and the vehicle's Redundant Inertial Flight Control Assembly -- or RIFCA -- guidance computer will be turned and configured for launch.

The loading of nearly 10,000 gallons of RP-1 fuel -- a highly refined kerosene -- into the first stage will commence at about 10:47 a.m. EDT.

A weather briefing is scheduled at 11:22 a.m. EDT to give officials the latest insight into local conditions before allowing liquid oxygen loading to begin. At this time the weather is expected to be near-perfect with a 90 percent chance of acceptable conditions. The only slight worry is a rain shower or thunderstorm developing near the pad.

If there are no problems, super-cold cryogenic liquid oxygen should begin flowing into the Delta's first stage at 11:42 a.m. EDT.

Once the rocket is fully fueled for flight, the rest of the countdown will be filled with system checks and engine nozzle steering tests. A 10-minute planned hold is built into the count at the T-minus 4 minute point.

In the final minutes the rocket will switch to internal power and controllers of the GeoLITE spacecraft will confirm the craft is "go" for launch.

At T-minus 2 seconds the first stage Rocketdyne RS-27A main engine and twin vernier steering thrusters will ignite. The six Alliant TechSystems-built ground-start solid motors will fire to life at T-minus 0.25 seconds to lift the vehicle off Cape Canaveral Air Force Station's pad 17B, beginning the 285th flight of a Delta rocket.

The launch will follow a standard first stage profile with the three air-lit motors igniting at T+plus 66 seconds and separation of the six spent casings by T+plus 67 seconds. The air-lits will burn out and be jettisoned at T+plus 2 minutes, 12 seconds.

The first stage main engine cutoff is expected at T+plus 4 minutes, 23 seconds, with stage separation eight seconds later.

The Aerojet AJ10-118K second stage engine ignites at T+plus 4 minutes, 37 seconds for the first of two firings needed to place the upper stage and GeoLITE satellite into the proper orbit. The rocket's nose cone -- or payload fairing -- will be jettisoned during the second stage burn at T+plus 4 minutes, 52 seconds.

The first shutdown of the second stage engine -- known as SECO 1 -- comes at T+plus 10 minutes, 32 seconds. Preliminary pre-flight projections show the orbit achieved at the point of SECO 1 will have a low point of 85 nautical miles, high point of 197 nautical miles and inclination of 28.3 degrees to the equator.

The rocket will now begin a quiet coast period for about 11 minutes before the second stage engine is restarted for a short 69-second firing that will raise the orbit to approximately 89 by 1,265 nautical miles with a lowered inclination of 28.0 degrees to the equator.

Over the next minute, tiny thrusters on the side of the rocket will be fired to spin up the vehicle in preparation for stage separation at T+plus 23 minutes, 39 seconds.

The Thiokol-built Star 48B solid-fueled third stage begins its 86-second firing at T+plus 24 minutes, 16 seconds to propel the GeoLITE spacecraft into geosynchronous transfer orbit. At stage burnout the orbit achieved is expected to be about 100 by 19,379 nautical miles inclined 27 degrees.

Separation of GeoLITE to complete the launch is targeted for T+plus 30 minutes, 31 seconds after liftoff.

GeoLITE will maneuver itself into geostationary orbit 22,300 miles above the equator. But its final orbital parking slot remains a secret.

The $130 million mission of GeoLITE will be test an advanced laser communications package. The National Reconnaissance Office wants to experiment with the system on this relatively low-cost spacecraft before being incorporated on future spy satellites.

GeoLITE also carries an ultra-high frequency communications package that will be used to relay intelligence data from operating NRO reconnaissance satellites.

TRW developed, built and prepared GeoLITE for launch. The craft is first to be based upon the company's new T-310 lightweight composite satellite bus. Massachusetts Institute of Technology's Lincoln Laboratory was responsible for the laser communications payload; and Boeing Satellite Systems built the UHF package.

Spaceflight Now will have comprehensive live coverage during the countdown and launch. Watch this page for the latest updates.

THURSDAY, MAY 17, 2001
2030 GMT (4:30 p.m. EDT)

With new hoses successfully installed on the Delta 2 rocket, Boeing has given approval for launch tomorrow from Cape Canaveral Air Force Station in Florida. Liftoff is set for 1:07 p.m. EDT (1707 GMT), a day later than planned because of the need to replace three hoses on the first stage main engine after engineers became concerned they might leak like two others did in the factory this month.

Senior officials held the final launch readiness reviews today and no further troubles were brought up.

The weather forecast remains promising with a 90 percent chance of meeting the launch rules. The only constraint might be an isolated shower or thunderstorm in the area.

WEDNESDAY, MAY 16, 2001

Boeing has postponed tomorrow's planned launch of the Delta 2 rocket with the NRO's GeoLITE satellite so workers can replace three suspect hoses on the vehicle's first stage RS-27A main engine.

The replacement was ordered after two similar hoses leaked during recent testing in engine-maker Rocketdyne's Southern California factory.

Liftoff from pad 17B at Cape Canaveral Air Force Station in Florida is now targeted for Friday at 1:07 p.m. EDT, the opening of a 79-minute window extending to 2:26 p.m. EDT.

Although the hoses installed aboard the Delta 2 rocket have not shown any indication of problems, engineers suspect the leaks are caused by corrosion. That means the hoses could have passed earlier testing but might be susceptible to leaking now.

Rocketdyne found a leaky hose about three weeks ago that was ruled an isolated incident. But when a second hose leaked this week it was determined something was indeed wrong.

"When they had a second (leak) it was no longer so isolated," Boeing Flight Director Rich Murphy said in an interview this afternoon.

Workers identified eight flex hoses on the Delta 2 that needed to be studied in the wake of factory problem.

"By investigating through the paperwork on how they are used and how they are tested and so forth we came to the conclusion late last night that three of the lines should be replaced," Murphy explained. "There is no indication that they are leaking or anything on this vehicle, but we could not convince ourselves that didn't have a similar problem."

Of the three hoses that will be replaced one is a pneumatic line, one has RP-1 fuel flowing through it and the other is on the liquid oxygen side.

The three new hoses are being tested at Rocketdyne today and are due to be flown to Cape Canaveral tonight. Murphy says the hoses are easy to replace on the launch pad.

The weather forecast for Friday calls for a 90 percent chance of acceptable conditions. The only concern is a rain shower or thunderstorm popping up close to the launch pad. Here is the latest forecast from Launch Weather Officer Johnny Weems:

"Forecast conditions continue to remain favorable through Saturday. High pressure aloft over the Southern U.S. with a weak upper level disturbance over the Gulf of Mexico. Dry conditions aloft will inhibit widespread shower development over the Florida peninsula through Saturday with only isolated afternoon showers and/or thunderstorms expected well inland along the west coast seabreeze. West winds are expected Friday morning shifting to an easterly component with the seabreeze by mid afternoon; timing of seabreeze onset is key element of forecast. The only constraint concern Friday will be the location of isolated showers forming along the seabreeze boundary which should move inland after formation. Although conditions on Friday and Saturday will be more favorable for thunderstorm development, the storms are most likely to form well inland during the late afternoon."

The launch time conditions include clouds at 3,000 feet with 2-3/8ths sky coverage, and another deck at 28,000 feet with 1-2/8ths sky coverage, visibility of 7 miles, northwesterly winds from 310 degrees at 6 to 12 knots, a temperature of 86 to 88 degrees F and relative humidity of 64 percent.

Should the launch slip to Saturday or Sunday for some reason, the weather forecast remains favorable. There is a 90 percent chance of meeting the launch weather rules on Saturday and 80 percent on Sunday. Precipitation and the proximity of thunderstorms are the only threats.

TUESDAY, MAY 15, 2001

A $130 million National Reconnaissance Office satellite designed to test an experimental laser communications system for relaying intelligence information is set for launch Thursday aboard a Boeing Delta 2 rocket.

Liftoff is scheduled for 1:07 p.m. EDT (1707 GMT) from pad 17B of Cape Canaveral Air Force Station in Florida. The available launch window extends to 2:30 p.m. EDT (1830 GMT).

Air Force meteorologists are calling for a 90 percent chance of acceptable weather conditions. There is only a slight concern is rain showers in the area. Launch Weather Officer Johnny Weems issued this forecast earlier today:

"Forecast conditions appear slightly improved this morning, especially in the event of a 24 hour scrub to Friday. High pressure aloft over the Southern U.S. with an upper level trough off the Eastern coast extending across the Gulf of Mexico. Dry conditions aloft will inhibit widespread shower development over the Florida peninsula through Wednesday with only isolated afternoon showers and/or thunderstorms expected well inland. Light west winds are expected Thursday morning shifting to an easterly component with the seabreeze by early afternoon. The only constraint concern Thursday will be the location of isolated showers forming along the seabreeze boundary which should move inland after formation. Conditions on Friday are expected to slightly deteriorate as a weak front approaches Northeast Florida from the north."

The launch time conditions include clouds at 3,000 feet with 2-3/8ths sky coverage, and another deck at 28,000 feet with 1-2/8ths sky coverage, visibility of 7 miles, southeasterly winds of 5 to 8 knots, a temperature of 84degrees F and relative humidity of 68 percent.

Should the launch slip to Friday or Saturday for some reason, the weather forecast for both days indicates an 80 percent chance of good conditions. Precipitation and the proximity of thunderstorms are the only threats.

The launch will deliver into space the NRO's Geosynchronous Lightweight Technology Experiment satellite, or GeoLITE for short. Built by TRW, the craft will test the ability of a laser communications payload to relay secret intelligence data. GeoLITE also carries an operational ultra-high frequency (UHF) communications package.

The satellite will be parked in geostationary orbit 22,300 miles above the equator. However, the NRO won't disclose the exact orbital slot.

Watch this page for continuing updates throughout the week and live coverage of the launch.