-
Search
Delta Home
Background
Flight Log
Current News
Upcoming Launches
Frequently Asked Questions
Programs and Links
Vehicle Description
Performance Specs
Sources
kevinforsyth.net
To Reach the High Frontier: A History of U.S. Launch Vehicles
"A valuable contribution to the field of aerospace literature," this book includes an extensive overview of Delta history and development along with chapters on Atlas, Titan, Scout, Space Shuttle, and much more.
|
Many other excellent books about spaceflight are recommended here.
04-Feb-09 | NOAA-N′ scrubbed
The first Delta II launch of 2009 will have to wait at least one more day. Today’s launch of NOAA-N′ (“N Prime”) for NASA and the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration was scrubbed during the built-in hold at T-minus 15 minutes due to faulty ground support equipment. A routine check of the gaseous nitrogen system at Vandenberg’s SLC-2W found it to be undercharged, a potentially hazardous condition since the system is used to purge the vehicle’s first-stage tanks during detanking operations.
Launch controllers are hopeful for a 24-hour turnaround and the opportunity for a launch early Thursday. Unfortunately, today’s good weather is not expected to last, and the forecast for tomorrow expects an 80% chance of violating launch criteria, with low clouds, rain, and gusty winds. Somewhat better odds are predicted for subsequent launch windows through the weekend.
Update for 22:30 UTC: Engineers have replaced a faulty relay on the gaseous nitrogen purge system, and the weather report has improved somewhat with the potential for thick clouds having a 60% chance of violating launch criteria. A second launch attempt will be made tonight.