BY JUSTIN RAY

Follow the preparations and launch of the Air Force Titan 2 rocket carrying the Coriolis military spacecraft. Reload this page for the very latest on the mission.

SUNDAY, JANUARY 5, 2003
1420 GMT (9:20 a.m. EST)

Unacceptable winds at high altitudes forced officials to scrub today's launch of the Titan 2 rocket carrying the U.S. military's Coriolis research satellite from Vandenberg Air Force Base in California.

The launch team was planning to hold the countdown to allow additional time to receive the latest weather balloon data on the winds in hopes of improving conditions aloft. But with three minutes left until the opening of the daily 15-minute launch window for this mission, the announcement came that winds remained "no go" for flight. The countdown was then halted for the day.

A sixth attempt to launch the $224 million mission is planned for 1418 GMT (9:18 a.m. EST) on Monday.

1415 GMT (9:15 a.m. EST)

SCRUB! With another batch of weather balloon data just received showing that upper level winds are still out of limits, managers have announced today's attempt to launch the Titan 2 rocket has been scrubbed. Liftoff is tentatively rescheduled for Monday at 1418 GMT.

1414 GMT (9:14 a.m. EST)

T-minus 4 minutes and counting. The game plan is to count down to T-minus 90 seconds and re-target liftoff for the end of the window at 1433 GMT.

1411 GMT (9:11 a.m. EST)

The countdown is being taken to T-minus 90 seconds where clocks will hold. Upper level winds and toxics remain the problems this morning.

1410 GMT (9:10 a.m. EST)

Officials are still discussing their options.

1407 GMT (9:07 a.m. EST)

T-minus 11 minutes.

1404 GMT (9:04 a.m. EST)

The latest weather balloon data has just been announced. Upper level winds remain "no go" for launch. The toxics models are also showing unacceptable predictions. Computer models are run to determine where the toxic plumes would drift based on the winds of the day. The safety team is reporting those predictions are out of limits.

1403 GMT (9:03 a.m. EST)

T-minus 15 minutes. The Terminal Countdown has begun. This is the final phase of this 26-hour countdown for the Titan 2 rocket.

1358 GMT (8:58 a.m. EST)

The launch team is now looking to target the later part of the window in order to get more weather balloon data.

1348 GMT (8:48 a.m. EST)

T-minus 30 minutes and counting. Winds aloft are still "red". There are no vehicle or spacecraft issues being worked. The Lockheed Martin commentator says officials are looking at their options at this point.

1328 GMT (8:28 a.m. EST)

T-minus 50 minutes and counting. High-altitude winds remain "no go" for launch. However, there is another weather balloon update coming later this hour that might yield favorable results. Liftoff is set for 1418 GMT, the opening of a 15-minute launch window.

1320 GMT (8:20 a.m. EST)

As the countdown enters the final hour, officials are closely monitoring the upper level winds. That is the prime concern for launch today. Surface weather conditions appear favorable.

Weather balloons are being sent aloft to gather data on the speed and direction of the high-altitude winds. That information is then used to determine if the rocket can safely fly through the winds.

1318 GMT (8:18 a.m. EST)

T-minus 1 hour and counting. The audio glitch has been fixed, so we can now resume our countdown status updates. Clocks are continuing to tick down to a 1418 GMT (9:18 a.m. EST) liftoff today of Titan 2 and Coriolis.

The launch team just completed the pressurization of the first stage oxizider tank for flight.

Today's countdown does not include any fueling operations for the Titan 2. The two-stage rocket was previously loaded with its storable propellants. The nitrogen tetroxide oxidizer and Aerozine 50 fuel (made up of Unsymetrical Dimethal Hydrazine and Monomethal Hydrazine) were pumped into the rocket from storage tanks located at the pad. Space Launch Complex-4 West has two 11,000-gallon fuel tanks and one 28,000-gallon oxidizer tank.

1218 GMT (7:18 a.m. EST)

T-minus 2 hours and counting. Our countdown updates are hampered this morning by an audio problem at Vandenberg. We expect to resume our play-by-play coverage in the final half-hour of the count. Liftoff remains scheduled for 1418 GMT.

The Titan 2 rocket, which was once a nuclear-tipped Intercontinental Ballistic Missile in the U.S. military's arsenal, will propel the Coriolis satellite into a polar orbit above Earth today. Within five-and-a-half minutes, a preliminary orbit should be achieved with a high point of 445 nautical miles, low point of 118 nautical miles and inclination of 98.70 degrees.

After coasting around the south pole and heading north-bound, the thrusters on the Titan 2's second stage fire for nearly two minutes to boost the orbit to 447 nautical miles at apogee and 150 nautical miles at perigee.

The spacecraft will separate from the rocket's second stage a few minutes later -- at T+plus 58 minutes, 38 seconds. During its early on-orbit life, Coriolis will maneuver into its final circular orbit of about 450 nautical miles.

This will be the 12th flight of a refurbished Titan 2 as a satellite launcher since 1988. One more is on the books -- the much-delayed launch of the DMSP F16 military weather satellite targeted for around mid-May.

1035 GMT (5:35 a.m. EST)

Taking advantage of winds within limits, technicians have begun rolling back the mobile service tower from the Titan 2 vehicle at Space Launch Complex-4 West. The move is occurring more than an hour ahead of the advertised time.

The 200-foot tall mobile service tower is a massive wheeled structure that serves as a rocket assembly building and cocoon-like shelter.

The tower provides the primary access and weather protection for the rocket while at the seaside pad overlooking the Pacific Ocean. It also has a 30-ton crane used to lift stages of the rocket and the satellite payload for stacking operations. The structure takes about a half-hour to roll 180 feet away from the Titan 2.

1018 GMT (5:18 a.m. EST)

T-minus 4 hours and counting. In the latest weather briefing to the launch team, meteorologists at Vandenberg Air Force Base report all conditions are currently acceptable. The earlier 60 percent chance of having winds below 14 knots for rolling back the mobile service tower has been improved this morning to 80 percent.

The call-to-stations for the launch team occured two hours ago at T-minus 6 hours. Over 400 government and contractor personnel are actively involved in today's countdown at Vandenberg Air Force Base, as well as other support sites. Currently at the launch pad, technicians are working through preparations to roll back the service tower from around the rocket.

0220 GMT (9:20 p.m. EST Sat.)

With 12 hours left in the count, here's the latest launch weather forecast. Officials are still predicting a 40 percent chance winds will be too strong to rollback the protective service tower from around the Titan 2 rocket at Vandenberg's SLC-4W pad.

The launch time conditions on Sunday call for scattered cirrus clouds at 23,000 feet with 5/8ths sky coverage and tops at 25,000 feet, visibility of 12 to 15 miles, north-to-easterly winds from 020 to 100 degrees at 14 to 18 knots, gusting to 22 knots and a temperature of 52 to 57 degrees F as measured at the 54-foot level.

Watch this page for updates leading up to the launch and live reports throughout Sunday morning's countdown and flight.

SATURDAY, JANUARY 4, 2003

Another countdown is underway at Vandenberg Air Force Base to launch the Coriolis spacecraft aboard the converted Titan 2 rocket. Liftoff remains set for Sunday during a window of 1418 to 1433 GMT (9:18-9:33 a.m. EST; 6:18-6:33 a.m. PST).

The weather forecast has worsened as meteorologists now believe ground winds will stronger than previously predicted. That causes a concern for violating the 14-knot limit for rolling back the mobile service tower from around the Titan in the final hours before liftoff. Overall, weather officer Lt. Paul Lucyk says there is a 60 percent chance of acceptable conditions Sunday.

"Vandenberg remains under the influence of high-pressure stretching from the eastern Pacific through the Great Basin. We will continue to see this pattern through Wednesday of next week when an upper level trough makes its way into the area. Troughing to the north continues to bring upper level clouds to the area and will continue to do so through late afternoon today. As this trough continues on to the northeast, the high-pressure ridge will build into the Pacific Northwest allowing dry conditions and near record high temperatures for much of the west coast for Sunday and Monday.

"We will see clearing skies by tower roll with a second shot of upper level cirrus moving over the area by T-0. Continued high pressure in the Great Basin will bring winds from the east throughout the next 4 days keeping skies mostly clear allowing warmer daytime temperatures and cooler nighttime temperatures. With continued easterly winds keeping us very dry, our visibility will continue to be unrestricted. By Sunday morning at SLC-4W, expect low temperatures at ground level to be near 44 deg F and 54-ft temperatures to be near 55 deg F.

"The latest model runs show a continued pressure gradient forecast trending tighter for Sunday morning. This has again caused a slight increase in concern for the 14-knot tower roll wind constraint. Average winds throughout the morning will be from the east at 14-18 knots with occasional gusts to 22 knots.

"The upper level wind forecast calls for northwesterly winds at T-0 with maximum near 45,000 ft in the 85-95 knot range."

The launch time conditions on Sunday call for scattered cirrus clouds at 23,000 feet with 3/8ths sky coverage and tops at 25,000 feet, visibility of 12 to 15 miles, northeast-to-east southeasterly winds from 030 to 110 degrees at 14 to 18 knots, gusting to 22 knots and a temperature of 52 to 57 degrees F as measured at the 54-foot level.

Should the launch slip to Monday for some reason, there is a 70 percent chance of good weather.

"High pressure will continue to dominate the weather for scrub day and upper levels will be drier allowing clear skies and unrestricted visibility," Lucyk said. "The latest model runs relax the pressure gradient forecast slightly Sunday afternoon so the wind forecast remains at 10-15 knots with gusts to 18 knots throughout the night and into the morning Monday. Upper level winds will continue out of the north-northwest with maximum in the 75-85 knot range."

FRIDAY, JANUARY 3, 2003

Pushed into the new year by an assortment of technical and weather setbacks, crews at Vandenberg Air Force Base in California are gearing up for a fifth try to launch a Titan 2 rocket carrying the Coriolis research satellite.

Liftoff is scheduled for 1418 GMT (9:18 a.m. EST; 6:18 a.m. PST) Sunday from the SLC-4W pad on South Vandenberg. A 15-minute launch window is available each day.

Originally scheduled to fly December 15, this mission was scrubbed on four consecutive days due to a concern with the ordnance system used to deploy the satellite from the rocket, continued bad weather along the California coast and the eventual decision to resolve a software issue with the spacecraft. Officials initially targeted Tuesday, January 7 for the next launch try, but later moved up the attempt to Sunday.

A series of final launch readiness review meetings are planned for Friday and Saturday to give the final approval to proceed with the countdown and liftoff of the $224 million mission.

Coriolis, built by Spectrum Astro, features Navy and Air Force instruments that will measure ocean winds and geomagnetic storms traveling from the Sun.

The weather forecast for Sunday offers a good deal of promise compared to the dismal conditions experienced a couple of weeks ago. Air Force weather officer Lt. Paul Lucyk says there is an 80 percent chance of meeting the launch rules on Sunday and again during Monday's backup opportunity.

"High pressure is currently dominating the weather for Vandenberg. This high pressure is firmly in place and will continue to dominate through early next week. We will see a weak trough pass through northern California on Friday and into Saturday bringing scattered to broken high clouds. Very high pressure in the Great Basin will bring winds from the east throughout the next 7 days keeping skies mostly clear allowing warmer daytime temperatures and cooler nighttime temperatures.

"By Sunday morning at SLC-4W, expect low temperatures at ground level to be near 37 deg F and 54-foot temperatures to be near 50 deg F. The sky condition will be scattered high clouds and visibility will be unrestricted. T-0 winds look favorable, however there is a slight concern for tower roll winds greater than 14 knots. Winds throughout the morning will be from the east at 10-15 knots. With high pressure firmly in place, the upper level wind forecast calls for northwesterly winds at T-0 with maximum near 45,000 ft in the 80-90 knot range.

"24-hour scrub: High pressure will continue to dominate the weather for scrub day and upper levels will be drier allowing continued cooling overnight. Skies will be clear and visibility will be unrestricted as the low level winds continue to keep us very dry. The pressure gradient relaxes slightly allowing winds in the 8-12 knot range throughout the night. Upper level winds will continue out of the north-northwest with maximum in the 75-85 knot range."

The launch time conditions on Sunday call for scattered cirrus clouds at 25,000 feet with 3/8ths sky coverage and tops at 26,000 feet, visibility of 12 to 15 miles, east-to-southeasterly winds from 080 to 140 degrees at 10 to 15 knots and a temperature of 46 to 50 degrees F as measured at the 54-foot level.

The two issues of control will be tower roll winds and temperature below 35 degrees F.

MONDAY, DECEMBER 30, 2002

The Air Force has rescheduled the launch of Coriolis aboard the Titan 2 rocket for Sunday, January 5, officials confirm. The launch window extends from 1418 to 1433 GMT (9:18 to 9:33 a.m. EST).

THURSDAY, DECEMBER 19, 2002

A day-and-a-half after scrubbing the launch until January, the Air Force has revealed why the Titan 2 rocket flight was delayed. Here is a statement by Col. Richard W. White Jr., director of the DoD Space Test Program.

"The Coriolis satellite launch has been scrubbed until no earlier than January 7, 2003. Analysis by Spectrum Astro, the satellite bus manufacturer, has revealed a sign inversion error for the 3 electromagnetic torque rods aboard the satellite. These rods are part of the spacecraft's attitude control system.

"While software commands could be sent to the satellite on orbit to correct the problem, it was decided by the launch team to take a conservative approach and make the changes to the software database while the satellite was on the ground. That way, if there was an anomaly during launch operations, there would not be a rush to send the commands, and the operations crew could spend their time concentrating on the specific anomaly.

"As a result of questions raised during Spectrum Astro's President's review, an additional scrub was performed on the electromagnetic torque system used to steer the spacecraft's solar array toward the sun.

"In addition, in order to avoid crew fatigue, the DoD Space Test Program brought additional contractor personnel onto the project. It was the combination of the scrub and the fresh set of eyes examining the data that brought the sign inversion error to light.

"When the problem was suspected prior to the first launch attempt, and an on-orbit contingency plan was developed and approved. When the problem was positively confirmed on December 17 it was decided to take the conservative approach and fix the problem on the ground."

WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 18, 2002
1500 GMT (10:00 a.m. EST)

The problem that forced launch of Titan 2 to be postponed until January involves the Coriolis spacecraft cargo atop the rocket. The Titan 2 will boost the military satellite into a Sun-synchronous for a three-year, $224 million mission to study ocean winds and solar storms.

"The launch will be rescheduled -- with early January being the soonest anticipated date," a Navy statement said. "Controllers discovered a problem with the spacecraft when they came on console at Midnight Pacific Time."

Details on the exact nature of the problem are expected to be announced later today.

0845 GMT (3:45 a.m. EST)

SCRUB! Officials called off this launch attempt due to a technical concern. The preliminary word from the Navy is the next try at launch won't be made until January. We'll post more details when they are available.

0320 GMT (10:20 p.m. EST Tues.)

Dogged by continued bad weather at Vandenberg Air Force Base in California, the Titan 2 rocket and its Coriolis military satellite cargo will make a fourth consecutive launch attempt on Wednesday. Liftoff is set for 1418 GMT (9:18 a.m. EST).

But the glimmer of hope offered by Tuesday afternoon's forecast for a 70 percent chance of good weather has been reduced to only a 40 percent chance in Tuesday night's Launch Minus 12-hour forecast. Here's Launch Weather Officer Lt. Paul Lucyk's overview:

"Low-pressure is beginning to move north and east allowing weak ridging to push in from the southwest which will allow lower winds for Wednesday morning. We still have a great deal of low level moisture and cold air aloft which is allowing showery conditions and cumulus cloud development. We will continue to see broken cumulus layers and scattered showers through 1200 GMT becoming scattered with isolated showers by T-0.

"Mean winds will decrease to 12-18 knots by 0600 GMT Wednesday morning and continue to decrease to 8-12 by T+90 minutes. Upper level winds continue to be strong but the 0000 GMT balloon indicated a decrease from 24 hours ago recording a max wind of 124 knots near 28,000 feet. Expect continued strong winds aloft with maximum of 130 knots at 35-40,000 feet through T-0."

The launch time forecast calls for broken cumulus clouds at 3,000 feet with 4/8ths sky coverage and tops at 14,000 feet, 7 miles of visibility, west-to-northerly winds from 290 to 350 degrees at 10 gusting to 15 knots, a temperature of 46 to 51 degrees F.

The weather concerns will be cumulus clouds, precipitation above 4,000 feet, lightning, disturbed weather and high winds.

The forecast for Thursday calls for a mere 10 percent chance of acceptable weather.

"Thursday will bring clearing low-levels with mid-level clouds moving in ahead of the next frontal system. Expect scatterd altostratus overhead by T-0. The pressure gradient will again tighten as the storm approaches presenting a strong concern for high surface winds. Winds will be 18-22 knots early in the count increasing to 30-35 knots by T+90 minutes. Upper level winds will continue to be out of the northwest with maximum of 100 knots near 38,000 feet," Lucyk said.

TUESDAY, DECEMBER 17, 2002
1725 GMT (12:25 p.m. EST)

The latest weather forecast for tomorrow's launch opportunity is now calling for only a 30 percent chance of conditions prohibiting liftoff. Here's Launch Weather Officer Lt. Paul Lucyk's overview:

"The deep low-pressure system in the eastern Pacific has begun its trek inland. Significant cold air behind the system will allow showers to persist through the day on Tuesday ending by 0600 GMT Wednesday morning. As this system moves east, the pressure gradient will loosen allowing winds to become much lighter by Wednesday morning.

"The latest models indicate 10-15 knot winds at tower roll and 8-12 knots by T-0 continuing through T+90 minutes. We will still see cumulus clouds in the area but the coverage will be scattered allowing an opportunity for a break at T-0. The cold air aloft will begin to mix down to the surface by Tuesday afternoon keeping the SLC-4 temperatures 5-10 degrees cooler for the next couple of days. Upper level winds will continue to be out of the west-northwest with maximum of 115-120 knots near 38,000 feet."

The launch time forecast calls for broken cumulus clouds at 2,000 feet with 4/8ths sky coverage and tops at 8,000 feet, 10 miles of visibility, west-to-northwesterly winds from 270 to 330 degrees at 10 gusting to 15 knots, a temperature of 45 to 50 degrees F.

The weather concerns will be cumulus clouds and high winds.

1122 GMT (6:22 a.m. EST)

Thursday's planned launch of a Boeing Delta 2 rocket carrying two NASA science satellites from Vandenberg has been delayed until early January due to a technical issue uncovered during testing, the company has announced. This delay will free up the Western Range for more attempts to launch the Titan 2 rocket.

1026 GMT (5:26 a.m. EST)

SCRUB! The mission director has just called a scrub for today. The countdown is recycling for another launch attempt at 1418 GMT tomorrow.

Officials have been saying that today would be the last try to launch the Titan 2 rocket before the planned Thursday Delta 2 mission. However, efforts have been underway to see if the Western Range could handle the Titan 2 launch that occurs in the early morning at Vandenberg on Wednesday, perform all the reconfiguration of the tracking, communications and safety systems to support the Delta 2 vehicle and be ready to support the Delta 2 launch on Thursday afternoon (local time).

The weather forecast for tomorrow calls for a 40 percent chance of unacceptable conditions due to cumulus clouds and high winds. That is the most favorable weather forecast seen in days!

1024 GMT (5:24 a.m. EST)

The weather briefing has been completed. The forecast still calls for an 80 percent chance of violation today due to high winds, lightning, cumulus clouds and disturbed weather.

1018 GMT (5:18 a.m. EST)

T-minus 4 hours and counting. The latest weather briefing is now beginning to give officials the chance to decide whether to proceed with the countdown today.

0255 GMT (9:55 p.m. EST Mon.)

The Air Force and Lockheed Martin launch team are preparing for a third consecutive day of attempting to get the Titan 2 rocket and Coriolis spacecraft off the ground. The next try will come at 1418 GMT (9:18 a.m. EST) Tuesday from Vandenberg Air Force Base in California, weather permitting.

The Launch Minus-12 hour weather forecast has been issued and it is the same story -- 80 percent chance of unacceptable conditions.

"Low-pressure is still dominating the eastern Pacific and the weatern U.S. We will see a dip in the jet stream overnight allowing much colder air aloft to move over the base. This cold air along with low-level moisture will destabilize the atmosphere enough for scattered to broken cumulus clouds throughout the lower levels tomorrow morning. With the cumulus, we will see isolated showers and a chance for isolated thunderstorms throughout the day Tuesday. Surface trough passage at T-0 will amplify the chances for showers and thunderstorms from 1200-1800 GMT. Mean winds will decrease to 15-18 knots by 0600 GMT Tuesday morning with gusts to 25 knots by T+90 minutes. Upper level winds continue to be very strong. The maximum wind on the 0000 GMT balloon was near 140 knots at 42,000 feet. Expect continued strong winds aloft with maximum of 135 knots at 35-40,000 feet through T-0."

The launch time forecast calls for broken cumulus clouds at 3,000 feet with 7/8ths sky coverage and tops at 10,000 feet, broken altocumulus clouds at 12,000 feet with 6/8ths sky coverage and tops at 17,000 feet, seven miles of visibility, west-to-northwesterly winds from 270 to 330 degrees at 15 gusting to 20 knots, a temperature of 52 to 57 degrees F and isolated rain showers in the area.

The overall probability of weather scrubbing the launch is 80 percent due to cumulus clouds, high winds, precipitation above 4,000 feet, lightning and disturbed weather.

MONDAY, DECEMBER 16, 2002
1720 GMT (12:20 p.m. EST)

Here is the updated forecast for Tuesday from Launch Weather Officer Lt. Paul Lucyk:

"The deep low-pressure system in the eastern Pacific continues to dominate the weather pattern for the Vandenberg area. A tight pressure gradient is bringing high winds throughout the central and northern California coast this morning. These gusty winds will remain through 2100 GMT today and slowly decrease to 15-20 knots by 0600 GMT Tuesday.

"Look for precipitation to begin by 1400 GMT today remaining in the area through the day Tuesday. By T-0, much colder air aloft and continued low level moisture will bring broken cumulus clouds and continued isolated showers. Winds at T-0 will be from the northwest at 15-20 knots and there will still be a concern for tower roll winds at T-4 hours. Upper level winds will continue to be out of the west-northwest with maximum of 130-140 knots near 35,000 feet."

The launch time forecast calls for broken cumulus clouds at 2,000 feet with 5/8ths sky coverage and tops at 8,000 feet, broken altocumulus clouds at 10,000 feet with 7/8ths sky coverage and tops at 14,000 feet, five to seven miles of visibility, west-to-northwesterly winds from 270 to 330 degrees at 15 gusting to 20 knots, a temperature of 50 to 55 degrees F and isolated rain showers in the area.

The overal probability of weather scrubbing the launch is 80 percent due to high winds, cumulus clouds and precipitation above 4,000 feet.

1027 GMT (5:27 a.m. EST)

SCRUB! Faced with a 100 percent chance of violating the launch weather rules today at Vandenberg Air Force Base, officials have scrubbed today's countdown. Launch of the Titan 2 rocket with Coriolis will be rescheduled for 1418 GMT Tuesday.

The launch weather officer just completed a presentation to officials that showed no hope of conditions cooperating with this liftoff attempt -- the second for this Titan 2 mission. The concerns included winds greater than the 14-knot limit for rolling back the mobile service tower, launch winds greater than 20 knots, thick clouds, precipitation about 4,000 feet and cumulus cloud avoidance. Upper level winds were also a concern.

Tuesday's weather forecast is also less than optimistic.

If the Titan 2 doesn't fly on Tuesday, it will have to wait until around December 22 before trying again so the scheduled Thursday launch of a Delta 2 rocket from Vandenberg can proceed. Officials have said previously that the Titan 2 might have December 22 and 23 as backup dates or else remain grounded until around January 5 or 6 -- after the holidays.

1018 GMT (5:18 a.m. EST)

T-minus 4 hours and counting. A weather briefing to the launch management team will begin at this time.

0330 GMT (10:30 p.m. EST Sun.)

Here is tonight's updated forecast from Launch Weather Officer Lt. Paul Lucyk:

"The deep low-pressure system in the eastern Pacific continues to dominate the weather pattern for the Vandenberg area. This system still has significant moisture and strength and will continue to dominate the weather for the next 3 days. The strong westerly jet stream continues to bring clouds and waves of energy through the central coast.

"The most recent forecast models show thickening cloud cover through the early morning hours on Monday ahead of the next area of precipitation. Showers will be very isolated and again mainly to the north through 1200 GMT Monday morning. After 1200 GMT, we will see increased cloud cover and widespread showers developing by 1700 GMT. These showers will last through Tuesday night. Expect multiple thick cloud layers Monday morning by 1200 GMT as the atmosphere gets its next shot of moisture from the eastern Pacific.

"Mean winds will increase to 12-17 knots by 0600 GMT Monday morning and continue to increase to 18-23 knots with gusts to 28 knots by T+90 minutes. Upper level winds continue to be very strong. The maximum wind on the 0000 GMT balloon was 146 knots near 40,000 feet. Expect continued strong winds aloft with maximum near 125 knots at 35-40,000 feet."

The percentage of weather prohibiting launch now stands at 70 percent.

0240 GMT (9:40 p.m. EST Sun.)

The second try to launch the Titan 2 rocket and Coriolis will be made Monday at 1418 GMT (9:18 a.m. EST; 6:18 a.m. PST). Although it has not been announced how engineers resolved the technical issue with the pyrotechnic system on the rocket that scrubbed Sunday's countdown, officials made the decision to proceed with Monday's attempt. Meanwhile, weather forecasters are predicting just a 20 percent chance of meeting the launch rules for Monday's 15-minute window.

SUNDAY, DECEMBER 15, 2002
2115 GMT (4:15 p.m. EST)

Here is the updated launch weather forecast for Monday and the backup opportunity on Tuesday as reported by Launch Weather Officer Lt. Paul Lucyk:

"The deep low-pressure system in the eastern Pacific continues to dominate the weather pattern for the Vandenberg area. This system still has significant moisture and strength and will continue to dominate the weather for the next 3 days.

"Showers will be very isolated and confined to the north through the day Sunday before the next wave of showers moves into the area by 1000 GMT Monday morning. These showers will last into early Monday afternoon.

"Expect multiple thick cloud layers Monday morning by 1200 GMT as the atmosphere gets its next shot of moisture from the eastern Pacific.

"Mean winds will increase to 10-15 knots by 0600 GMT Monday morning and continue to increase to 15-18 knots with gusts to 20 knots by T-0. Upper level winds will get the next push from strong jet stream support overnight with maximum winds at T-0 out of the northwest at 115 knots near 35,000 feet."

The launch time forecast calls for broken stratocumulus clouds at 2,000 feet with 7/8ths sky coverage and tops at 5,000 feet, broken altostratus clouds at 8,000 feet with 7/8ths sky coverage and tops at 18,000 feet and complete overcast cirrus from 18,000 to 28,000 feet, five to seven miles of visibility, southwest-to-westerly winds from 220 to 270 degrees at 15 gusting to 18 knots, a temperature of 50 to 54 degrees F and light rain showers in the area.

Based on the expect conditions, there is an 80 percent chance of violating the launch weather rules. The concerns are thick cloud layers, winds as measured at 102 feet, precipitation above 4,000 feet and cumulus cloud avoidance.

The percentage for Tuesday is improved to a 60 percent chance of violation.

"Tuesday looks to be slightly better for cloud cover but there will still be a strong chance for thick cloud layers as low-level cumulus develops by 1000 GMT. With much colder air aloft moving into the area early Tuesday morning and ample moisture remaining, expect the cumulus clouds to be scattered to broken in coverage throughout the lower levels. This will also raise a slight concern for thunderstorms.

"Mean winds will be in the 10-15 knot range for tower roll increasing to 15-18 knots gusting to 20 knots by T-0. Upper level winds will continue to be out of the northwest with maximum of 115 knots near 38,000 feet."

SUNDAY, DECEMBER 15, 2002
1430 GMT (9:30 a.m. EST)

So the Coriolis spacecraft won't begin is three-year mission today after bad weather and a last-minute technical concern were standing in the way of the Titan 2 rocket's scheduled liftoff. The Air Force is setting up for another launch attempt at 1418 GMT Monday. However, it remains to be seen if the weather will hold any promise and if the pyrotechnic issue can be resolved by then.

Another launch opportunity is expected to be available on Tuesday before the Western Range will have to be reconfigured to support the planned Thursday launch of a Boeing Delta 2 rocket carrying a pair of science satellites for NASA.

We will update this page as more information becomes available.

1412 GMT (9:12 a.m. EST)

The launch team is tentatively recycling the countdown for another launch attempt in 24 hours. Today's attempt was scrubbed after the prediction of bad weather became reality and a technical concern was noted with the ordnance system used to deploy the Coriolis spacecraft from the Titan 2 rocket.

The weather forecast for Monday morning provides for little hope, with winds, clouds and rain all expected.

1409 GMT (9:09 a.m. EST)

SCRUB! Launch of the Titan 2 rocket has been scrubbed for the day.

1407 GMT (9:07 a.m. EST)

T-minus 11 minutes and counting. A Navy spokesman reports that the technical problem was uncovered when the rocket's pyrotechnic system was powered up. However, controllers did not receive the expected reading from the separation ordnance for the spacecraft.

1404 GMT (9:04 a.m. EST)

T-minus 14 minutes and counting. A technical issue has been announced involving ordnance on the rocket. Engineers are troubleshooting.

1400 GMT (9:00 a.m. EST)

The Terminal Count will begin at T-minus 15 minutes and counting. Officials are looking to see if there is any hope for a hole in the clouds at the end of the launch window. The window extends from 1418 GMT to 1433 GMT.

1357 GMT (8:57 a.m. EST)

So the weather situation is not looking too encouraging at this point. The thick cloud rule is currently being violated and there doesn't seem to be a lot of hope.

1352 GMT (8:52 a.m. EST)

The launch weather officer indicates that the clouds in the area are currently thicker than the Titan 2 rocket is allowed to launch through. As a result, there is now a 90 percent chance of violating the launch weather rules today due to thick clouds and precipitation above 4,000 feet.

1338 GMT (8:38 a.m. EST)

An updated weather briefing is expected in a few minutes. We hope to hear the results in about 15 minutes. Reporters at the launch site are saying they can see some stars through the holes in the clouds blanketing the central coast of California this morning.

1318 GMT (8:18 a.m. EST)

T-minus 1 hour and counting. If the weather is within limits, launch of the Titan 2 rocket and Coriolis satellite should occur at 1418 GMT today from Vandenberg Air Force Base in California. There are no reports from the Air Force of any technical issues. Weather remains a concern, however.

At this point in the countdown, the first stage oxizider tank is scheduled to be pressurized for launch and the tracking and flight safety check of the Titan 2 rocket will begin.

The countdown is being controlled by the 73-member team located in the Space Launch Complex 4 Launch Operations Building. This blockhouse is located just 1,300 feet from the SLC-4W pad where the Titan 2 stands poised for its blastoff today.

Air Force Launch Controller Capt. Dan Wetmore is overseeing the blockhouse crew, commanding and controlling countdown activities and passing information up the chain of command to the Air Force Launch Director Lt. Col. Dave Thompson who makes the ultimate management decisions. During the final readiness poll in the countdown, the Launch Controller will verify the rocket, satellite payload and facilities are "go" for launch, then gives concurrence to the Launch Director to proceed to liftoff if no problems are reported.

The Launch Director and other senior Air Force officials are stationed in Vandenberg's Building 7000, which is located several miles away. The final launch decision authority rests with the Spacelift Commander of the Air Force's 30th Space Wing at Vandenberg.

1243 GMT (7:43 a.m. EST)

T-minus 95 minutes and counting. Final securing work is being completed before workers clear the pad. Launch time remains targeted for 1418 GMT.

Today's countdown does not include any fueling operations for the Titan 2. The two-stage rocket was previously loaded with its storable propellants. The nitrogen tetroxide oxidizer and Aerozine 50 fuel (made up of Unsymetrical Dimethal Hydrazine and Monomethal Hydrazine) were pumped into the rocket from storage tanks located at the pad. Space Launch Complex-4 West has two 11,000-gallon fuel tanks and one 28,000-gallon oxidizer tank.

1216 GMT (7:16 a.m. EST)

T-minus 2 hours, 2 minutes and counting. The mobile service tower has arrived in its park position for launch.

1210 GMT (7:10 a.m. EST)

As the mobile service tower continues to roll away, powerful flood lights at the launch pad are being turned on and positioned to illuminate the vehicle.

1200 GMT (7:00 a.m. EST)

The latest check on the weather indicates conditions are currently "no go" for launch due to unacceptable cloud conditions. The weather reconnaissance aircraft is being used this morning to examine the clouds, their thickness and moisture content.

1142 GMT (6:42 a.m. EST)

The 200-foot tall mobile service tower -- a massive wheeled structure that serves as a rocket assembly building and cocoon-like shelter -- is beginning to retract from the Titan 2 vehicle at Space Launch Complex 4-West.

The tower provides the primary access and weather protection for the rocket while at the seaside pad overlooking the Pacific Ocean. It also has a 30-ton crane used to lift stages of the rocket and the satellite payload for stacking operations. The structure takes about a half-hour to roll 180 feet away from the Titan 2.

1129 GMT (6:29 a.m. EST)

Controllers report that preparations to roll the mobile service tower have been completed. The structure should begin moving back from the Titan 2 shortly.

1019 GMT (5:19 a.m. EST)

The launch weather officer reports that the winds at the pad are currently just five knots, which would be well within limits for rolling back the mobile service tower. The winds are predicted to be no greater than 15 knots at launch time.

1018 GMT (5:18 a.m. EST)

T-minus 4 hours. The countdown continues at Vandenberg Air Force Base in California for today's planned launch of the Titan 2 rocket with the U.S. military's Coriolis spacecraft.

Preparations are underway for retraction of the mobile service tower to expose the vehicle on the Space Launch Complex 4-West launch pad.

0545 GMT (12:45 a.m. EST)

It's a rainy and windy night at the launch site as a storm system pushes through the region.

The call-to-stations for the launch team occurs at T-minus 6 hours, or 0818 GMT. Over 400 government and contractor personnel will be actively involved in today's countdown at Vandenberg Air Force Base, as well as other support sites.

At the Space Launch Complex 4-West launch pad, technicians are slated to begin working through preparations to roll back the mobile service tower from around the rocket at T-minus 4 hours, or 1018 GMT.

Activities will include retracting the access platforms on the tower's various levels, opening the swing doors, securing tension lanyards, disconnecting security cables and checking the structure's rails to ensure they are free of debris in advance of the rollback.

Assuming the weather improves in time, the tower should start moving into the launch position around T-minus 2 hours, 30 minutes, or 1148 GMT.

0230 GMT (9:30 p.m. EST Sat.)

Launch Weather Officer Lt. Paul Lucyk issued a Launch-Minus 12 Hour forecast a half-hour ago. He is still calling for a 60 percent chance of weather prohibiting launch. Liftoff of the Titan 2 rocket remains scheduled for 1418 GMT (9:18 a.m. EST; 6:18 a.m. PST) from Vandenberg Air Force Base's Space Launch Complex 4-West.

"A very deep low-pressure system in the eastern Pacific will dominate the weather pattern for the Vandenberg area throughout the next 3 days. This system will bring rain by this evening lasting until about 2200 local (0600 GMT; 1 a.m. EST). As the rain ends, expect isolated rain showers in the area through Sunday morning.

"Winds have been sustained in the 20-23 knot range and gusting to the low 30-knot range this evening at SLC-4. Expect these winds to continue through midnight then begin to die down by 1000 GMT gradually decreasing to 10-15 knots by T-0.

"By T-0, we will still have low clouds and overcast conditions aloft. This frontal system continues to show vigorous upper level winds and strong jet stream support. The 0000 GMT weather balloon showed winds out of the west-southwest with a maximum of 105 knots at 33,000 feet. As the frontal system passes, we will see a slight decrease in speeds. The upper level wind forecast for T-0 calls for westerly winds with maximum at 35,000 ft in the 80-90 knot range."

SATURDAY, DECEMBER 14, 2002
2230 GMT (5:30 p.m. EST)

Today's updated weather forecast shows an improvement for the conditions predicted at Sunday's liftoff time. Launch Weather Officer Lt. Paul Lucyk has changed the odds of violating the launch rules from 70 percent to 60 percent. But the wildcard is whether the winds will permit the mobile service tower from being rolled back from the rocket a couple hours before launch time.

"A very deep low-pressure system in the eastern Pacific will dominate the weather pattern for the Vandenberg area throughout the next 3 days. This system will bring rain by this afternoon lasting into the early morning hours on Sunday. T-0 winds look favorable however; there is a concern for tower roll winds greater than 14 knots. A loosening pressure gradient will bring northwesterly winds in the 15-20 knot range through 0600 GMT, then gradually decreasing to 10-15 knots by T-0.

"By T-0, we will have multiple cloud layers with few to scattered cumulus in the low-levels, drier conditions in the mid levels, and overcast cirrus aloft. We will see a break in precipitation by early Sunday morning but expect very isolated rain showers to linger through the window. This frontal system has vigorous upper level winds and strong jet stream support so the upper level wind forecast calls for westerly winds at T-0 with maximum at 30,000 ft in the 80-95 knot range."

For a one-day delay, there is an 80 percent chance of unfavorable launch conditions.

"Monday the pressure gradient will once again tighten over the area as the second wave approaches the coast. Forecast winds throughout the morning will be 15-20 knots gradually increasing to 18-22 knots by T-0. We will have much colder air aloft which adds the concern for convective clouds and isolated thunderstorms. The latest models show a break in the precipitation early but between 1200 and 1800 GMT look for isolated showers developing. Upper level winds will continue out of the west-northwest with maximum in the 75-85-knot range. Tuesday calls for significant cloud layers, rain showers, possible thunderstorms, and strong winds."

The launch time forecast calls for scattered cumulus clouds at 2,000 feet with 3/8ths sky coverage and tops at 7,000 feet and complete cirrus overcast at 25,000 with tops at 29,000 feet, five-to-seven miles of visibility, west-to-northwesterly winds from 270 to 340 degrees at 10 gusting to 15 knots, a temperature of 50 to 54 degrees F and isolated rain showers.

The specific weather concerns are tower roll winds as measured at 102 feet, cumulus cloud avoidance, thick cloud layers and precipitation above 4,000 feet.

0545 GMT (12:45 a.m. EST)

With the final launch readiness reviews completed on Friday, officials gave approval to begin the Titan 2 rocket's launch countdown on Saturday. The 26-hour count leads to the planned 1418 GMT liftoff Sunday from Vandenberg Air Force Base, California.

Although there are no technical concerns with the rocket or its cargo, the Coriolis spacecraft, the weather remains a significant threat to an on-time launch. In Friday's updated forecast Air Force meteorologists did improve the odds of launching. But the precentage is only 30 percent of acceptable launch time conditions. The forecasts for Monday and Tuesday call for just 20 percent chance of favorable weather.

This is what Launch Weather Officer Lt. Paul Lucyk reported Friday:

"High pressure and associated pleasant weather conditions are quickly being replaced as the massive frontal system in the eastern Pacific approaches the coast. This system will dominate the weather for the area throughout the weekend bringing broken to overcast mid and high clouds today and rain Saturday lasting into the early morning hours on Sunday. Based on the latest forecast models, this frontal system will move into the area bringing gusty winds of 18-23 knots and rain beginning by midday Saturday with heavier rain Saturday evening.

"The low-pressure center, located just west of Portland, OR, has taken a slight turn to the north overnight. Provided this trend continues, overall conditions will improve by T-0 however; there will still be concerns for tower roll winds and thick clouds.

"By T-0, we will have multiple cloud layers with few to scattered cumulus in the low-levels, broken altostratus in the midlevels, and overcast cirrus aloft. We will see a break in precipitation by 1200 GMT Sunday morning but expect very isolated rain showers to linger through the window. A loosening pressure gradient will bring northwesterly winds in the 15-20 knot range early on launch day, then decreasing to 10-15 knots by T-0.

"This frontal system has vigorous upper level winds and strong jet stream support but, with a turn to the north, we expect the greatest upper level winds to stay north of the base. The upper level wind forecast calls for westerly winds at T-0 with maximum at 30,000 ft near 75 knots."

For a 24-hour scrub: "Monday will bring the second wave of precipitation and wind. We will have much colder air aloft which adds the concern for convective clouds and isolated thunderstorms. The latest models show light precipitation and continued overcast conditions plus a slightly tighter pressure gradient at T-0. The wind forecast for the 24-hour scrub calls for 18-22 knots out of the west-northwest. Upper level winds will continue out of the west-northwest with maximum in the 90-knot range."

FRIDAY, DECEMBER 13, 2002

A combo satellite that carries instruments to precisely measure ocean winds on Earth and approaching geomagnetic storms from the Sun will ride a refurbished U.S. Titan 2 missile into orbit Sunday from California, weather permitting. Read our full launch preview story.