Next Rocket launch

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Latest news for Rocket Launch

STATUS REPORT: ELV-081806

EXPENDABLE LAUNCH VEHICLE STATUS REPORT

Mission: STEREO (Solar Terrestrial Relations Observatory) Launch Pad: 17-B, Cape Canaveral Air Force Station Launch Vehicle: Boeing Delta II Launch Date: Aug. 31, 2006 Launch Time: 3:12:24 - 3:14:24 and 4:20:28 - 4:35:28 p.m. EDT

After leak checks of the Delta II first stage, engineers decided to remove and replace the liquid oxygen fill and drain valve at Launch Complex 17. That work is being completed today without impact to the launch date. Also, preparations are under way at the pad for the arrival of the STEREO payload.

In the Astrotech Hazardous Processing Facility clean room, the STEREO spacecraft was mated to the upper stage booster on Wednesday. Today the integrated payload is being installed into its transportation canister. On Saturday morning, STEREO will be moved to the launch pad for hoisting atop the Delta II.

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Launch Delayed (again)

STATUS REPORT: ELV-082106

EXPENDABLE LAUNCH VEHICLE STATUS REPORT

Mission: STEREO (Solar Terrestrial Relations Observatory) Launch Pad: 17-B, Cape Canaveral Air Force Station Launch Vehicle: Boeing Delta II Launch Date: No earlier than Sept. 18, 2006 Launch Time: TBD

STEREO's launch has been postponed to no earlier than Sept. 18, the opening of the mission's next launch window. The additional time is necessary for further evaluation of the Delta II second stage to verify it is structurally sound for flight. This concern arose after further engineering analysis revealed that a similar tank produced for another mission was marginally thin in an area of the oxidizer tank. Engineers are assessing several options for the STEREO launch vehicle at Pad 17-B to determine the thickness of the tank in this same area.

STEREO was not transported from Astrotech to the launch pad over the weekend as planned. It will remain at the payload processing facility until the necessary course of action for the Delta II can be more clearly defined.