GOCE launch postponed
Posted: Mon, Sep 8, 2008, 8:57 PM ET (0057 GMT)
The launch of a European Earth sciences satellite has been postponed until next month because of a problem with the launch vehicle. The Gravity field and steady-state Ocean Circulation Explorer (GOCE) spacecraft was scheduled for launch on Wednesday, September 10, but launch preparations at the Plesetsk Cosmodrome in northern Russia were stopped on Sunday when engineers discovered a problem with the guidance and navigation system on the Breeze KM upper stage of the Rockot launcher. The system will have to be replaced, delaying the launch until October 5. The one-ton spacecraft is designed to measure the Earth's gravity field in great detail, allowing Earth scientists to better understand the planet's internal structure as well as surface features ranging from ocean circulation to changes in the polar ice caps.
The launch of a European Earth sciences satellite has been postponed until next month because of a problem with the launch vehicle. The Gravity field and steady-state Ocean Circulation Explorer (GOCE) spacecraft was scheduled for launch on Wednesday, September 10, but launch preparations at the Plesetsk Cosmodrome in northern Russia were stopped on Sunday when engineers discovered a problem with the guidance and navigation system on the Breeze KM upper stage of the Rockot launcher. The system will have to be replaced, delaying the launch until October 5. The one-ton spacecraft is designed to measure the Earth's gravity field in great detail, allowing Earth scientists to better understand the planet's internal structure as well as surface features ranging from ocean circulation to changes in the polar ice caps.
Related Links:
| <<previous article | next article>> |
|
news in brief
|
|
California commission votes against increase in SpaceX Vandenberg launches
Posted: Sun, Aug 17 11:32 AM ET (1532 GMT) |
|
news links
|
|
Wednesday, August 20
SpaceX says states should dump fiber plans, give all grant money to Starlink
Ars Technica — 7:01 am ET (1101 GMT) Alaska Airlines selects Starlink, the fastest Wi-Fi in the sky, to launch new era of connectivity
PR Newswire — 6:59 am ET (1059 GMT) Space Force stands up third ‘system delta’ acquisition unit, plans to activate five more in 2025
Defensescoop — 6:59 am ET (1059 GMT) Space Force Unveils New Dress and Appearance Policy as It Preps for Fresh Uniforms
Air and Space Forces Magazine — 6:57 am ET (1057 GMT) Space Force Demonstrates New Protected Tactical Waveform
Aviation Week — 6:57 am ET (1057 GMT) |
