Boeing’s Delta 4 rocket – set to take the GOES-N satellite into orbit tonight – has suffered another scrub at T-4:26. Earlier issues had been resolved with a go for launch.
The multimission Geostationary Operational Environmental Satellites (GOES) series N through P will be a vital contributor to weather, solar, and space operations and science.
Engineers are working through issues, with the hope that a launch could go ahead at six minutes past minute UK time (7:06pm EDT). However, shortly after coming out of the T-5 Minute hold, the words “Hold Hold Hold” could be heard when a red alarm was heard at the control center.
It is not believed there can be another attempt tomorrow.
NASA and the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) are actively engaged in a cooperative program to expand the existing GOES system, beginning with the launch of the GOES N satellite.
The first of the next-generation GOES space systems, the GOES N NASA and NOAA mission represents the best of mission integration as Boeing Space & Intelligence Systems and Boeing Expendable Launch Systems launches the Boeing 601 satellite onboard a Boeing Delta IV Medium+ (4,2) configuration launch vehicle.
GOES N will provide more accurate prediction and tracking of severe storms and other weather phenomena, resulting in earlier and more precise warnings to the public.
Supporting NOAA and NASA scientists collecting and analyzing real-time environmental data, as well as the U.S. Coast Guard searching the open seas, GOES N stands ready as the most advanced multimission weather and Earth observation satellite ever built for NOAA geosynchronous operations.
GOES N will provide enhanced weather monitoring and prediction capability, communications subsystems to rebroadcast data, and space environmental monitoring instruments and sensors from an operational orbital slot of 75 degrees or 135 degrees W. In addition, the satellite will provide more accurate location of severe storms and other weather phenomena, resulting in earlier and more precise warnings to the public.
Live images and update thread:
http://forum.nasaspaceflight.com/forums/thread-view.asp?tid=285&start=1