spacetoday.net: Technical glitch delays Delta 4 GPS launch

Technical glitch delays Delta 4 GPS launch

Posted: Sat, May 22, 2010, 10:27 AM ET (1427 GMT)
A telemetry problem delayed Friday night's scheduled launch of the first of a new series of GPS satellites. The Delta 4 Medium+ (4,2) rocket was slated to lift off Friday night from Cape Canaveral and place the GPS 2F-1 satellite into orbit, but a telemetry problem between the spacecraft and ground equipment forced the scrub. The launch has been rescheduled for Sunday night at 11:17 pm EDT (0317 GMT Monday), in a launch window that lasts for 18 minutes. The spacecraft is the first in the Block 2F series of GPS satellites, built by Boeing, feature a new civil signal, increased accuracy, enhanced signal power for better resistance to jamming attempts, and a 12-year service life. The launch will also be the first time a GPS satellite has been launched on an EELV; GPS satellites had previously been launched for many years on Delta 2 rockets, which are now being phased out.