Satellite debris delays Atlas 5 launch
Posted: Thu, Feb 28, 2008, 6:37 AM ET (1137 GMT)
An Atlas 5 launch of a classified satellite scheduled for this week has been delayed as a precaution after last week's intercept of another satellite by a missile. The Atlas 5 was scheduled to launch this week from Vandenberg Air Force Base on a mission for the National Reconnaissance Office designated NROL-28. On Wednesday, however, the NRO announced that the launch would be delayed approximately two weeks as a "precautionary measure" to avoid debris remaining after the USA 193 satellite was struck by a modified SM-3 missile on February 20. The intercept left up to 3,000 pieces of debris that are expected to reenter and burn up in the Earth's atmosphere over the next few weeks. The launch will be the first for the Atlas 5 from Vandenberg.
An Atlas 5 launch of a classified satellite scheduled for this week has been delayed as a precaution after last week's intercept of another satellite by a missile. The Atlas 5 was scheduled to launch this week from Vandenberg Air Force Base on a mission for the National Reconnaissance Office designated NROL-28. On Wednesday, however, the NRO announced that the launch would be delayed approximately two weeks as a "precautionary measure" to avoid debris remaining after the USA 193 satellite was struck by a modified SM-3 missile on February 20. The intercept left up to 3,000 pieces of debris that are expected to reenter and burn up in the Earth's atmosphere over the next few weeks. The launch will be the first for the Atlas 5 from Vandenberg.
Related Links:
| <<previous article | next article>> |
|
news in brief
|
|
NASA to launch Nancy Grace Roman Space Telescope in September
Posted: Sat, Apr 25 10:54 AM ET (1454 GMT) |
|
news links
|
|
Saturday, April 25
Where Did the Middle East Go? Satellite Imaging in the Fog of War
Bloomberg News — 11:18 am ET (1518 GMT) Creotech Instruments secures €52 million ESA contract to build Polish satellite constellation CAMILA
Creotech — 11:17 am ET (1517 GMT) Firefly Aerospace to Announce First Quarter 2026 Financial Results on May 4, 2026
Firefly Aerospace — 8:41 am ET (1241 GMT) Golden Dome dreams face harsh budget reality
POLITICO — 8:38 am ET (1238 GMT) Space Force’s Space Based Interceptor Program to Counter Growing Speed and Maneuverability of Modern Missile Threats in support of Golden Dome for America
US Space Force — 8:38 am ET (1238 GMT) |
