ULA Reschedules ViaSat-3 Flight 2 Launch to Thursday
The ViaSat-3 Flight 2 mission is set to launch aboard an Atlas V 551 rocket from Space Launch Complex-41 at Cape Canaveral Space Force Station. The liftoff is now planned for Thursday, with a 44-minute launch window beginning at 10:16 p.m. Eastern Time.
Scrubbed Wednesday Attempt
United Launch Alliance (ULA) halted its initial attempt to send the ViaSat communications satellite into orbit on Wednesday night. The delay was caused by a technical issue that arose shortly before the scheduled liftoff.
“The launch of a United Launch Alliance Atlas V carrying the ViaSat-3 F2 mission for @viasat is scrubbed for tonight's launch attempt due to an issue encountered while cycling the booster liquid oxygen tank vent valve during final checkouts. The team will require additional time.”
According to ULA, engineers identified a problem with the booster’s liquid oxygen tank vent valve about ten minutes prior to the planned 10:24 p.m. launch time. The countdown was placed in an unplanned hold before the mission was officially scrubbed around 10:50 p.m.
Launch Details
- Rocket: Atlas V 551
- Height: 205 feet (62.5 meters)
- Launch Complex: Space Launch Complex-41, Cape Canaveral Space Force Station
- Revised Launch Window: Opens at 10:16 p.m., Duration 44 minutes
The launch window defines the period in which the rocket must lift off to achieve the intended orbital trajectory.
Author’s Summary
ULA postponed the ViaSat-3 Flight 2 launch after a valve issue halted Wednesday’s attempt, rescheduling the mission for Thursday evening at Cape Canaveral.