Atlas Booster Valve Issue Cancels ViaSat-3 F2 Launch
United Launch Alliance (ULA) scrubbed the planned Atlas 5 rocket launch on Wednesday night due to a valve problem that could not be fixed within the launch window. The mission was carrying a communications satellite for California-based company Viasat.
“An issue encountered while cycling the booster liquid oxygen tank valve during final checkouts” forced ULA to postpone the launch and aim for the following day.
Launch Details
- Liftoff was scheduled for 10:16 p.m. EST (0316 UTC) from Space Launch Complex 41.
- The launch window was set to last 44 minutes.
- The rocket was planned to fly due east from Florida’s Space Coast.
- The 6-metric-ton satellite would be placed into a geosynchronous transfer orbit.
- Deployment of the satellite was expected about 3.5 hours after liftoff from Cape Canaveral Space Force Station.
Weather Forecast
On Tuesday, the 45th Weather Squadron predicted a 95% chance of favorable weather during the launch window, with only a slight possibility of interference from cumulus clouds.
“High pressure will bring fair weather to the Space Coast on both the primary and backup days,” the launch weather officers stated. “For the primary window, a ridge axis over Central Florida will develop light, onshore winds and partly cloudy skies.”
Rocket Configuration
This mission uses an Atlas 5 rocket in its 551 configuration for the launch.
Author's summary: The launch of ViaSat-3 F2 was postponed due to a booster valve issue, with ULA aiming to retry the following day amid mostly favorable weather conditions.