MRO launch delayed 24 hours
Posted: Wed, Aug 10, 2005, 10:23 AM ET (1423 GMT)
NASA has delayed the launch of its Mars Reconnaissance Orbiter (MRO) mission 24 hours in order to investigate a potential problem with a component on its launch vehicle. MRO was scheduled to lift off atop an Atlas 5 rocket Wednesday morning, but late Tuesday NASA delayed the launch after a gyro similar to those on the Atlas 5 failed during a factory test. Engineers will use the additional time to test whether the failure of the Redundant Rate Gyro Unit would have any effect on the Atlas 5 that will launch MRO. The launch has been rescheduled for Thursday at 7:50 am EDT (1150 GMT), pending resolution of the problem. The launch window for the mission remains open through the end of August. MRO will enter orbit around Mars and provide high-resolution imagery of the planet's surface for scientific purposes, as well as planning for future lander missions.
NASA has delayed the launch of its Mars Reconnaissance Orbiter (MRO) mission 24 hours in order to investigate a potential problem with a component on its launch vehicle. MRO was scheduled to lift off atop an Atlas 5 rocket Wednesday morning, but late Tuesday NASA delayed the launch after a gyro similar to those on the Atlas 5 failed during a factory test. Engineers will use the additional time to test whether the failure of the Redundant Rate Gyro Unit would have any effect on the Atlas 5 that will launch MRO. The launch has been rescheduled for Thursday at 7:50 am EDT (1150 GMT), pending resolution of the problem. The launch window for the mission remains open through the end of August. MRO will enter orbit around Mars and provide high-resolution imagery of the planet's surface for scientific purposes, as well as planning for future lander missions.
Related Links:
| <<previous article | next article>> |
|
news in brief
|
|
|
|
news links
|
|
Wednesday, May 13
A new ‘Boost!’ for space transportation companies
ESA — 6:12 am ET (1012 GMT) Elon Musk Is Out to Rule Space. Can Anyone Stop Him?
Wired — 6:11 am ET (1011 GMT) AST SpaceMobile ‘Optimistic’ About New Glenn Pad Return
Aviation Week — 6:08 am ET (1008 GMT) AST SpaceMobile Confirms Target for 45 BlueBirds This Year, Despite Blue Origin Launch Failure
ViaSatellite — 6:06 am ET (1006 GMT) ULA to prep future Vulcan launch for Amazon despite rocket investigation
Orlando Sentinel — 6:06 am ET (1006 GMT) |
