The launch of NASA’s Soil Moisture Active Passive (SMAP) observatory, which will produce the highest-resolution maps of soil moisture ever obtained from space, has been delayed to a targeted launch date of Jan. 31, pending completion of minor repairs to the United Launch Alliance Delta II launch vehicle. During inspections following the Jan. 29 launch …
Japanese Experiment Module (JEM) Small Satellite Orbital Deployer (JSSOD) Install: Wilmore started the JSSOD activities by reviewing an instructional video on how to install a JSSOD to the Multi-Purpose Experiment Platform (MPEP). He then extended the JEM Airlock (JEMAL) slide table into the JEM, attached the JSSOD, and proceeded to retract the slide table and …
Launch of NASA’s Soil Moisture Active Passive mission aboard a United Launch Alliance Delta II rocket now is scheduled for tomorrow, Jan. 30, at 9:20 a.m. EST. The forecast for Jan. 30 shows a 90 percent chance of favorable weather conditions for the launch tomorrow. Coverage will begin at 7 a.m.
A pair of docked space freighters is being loaded in preparation for next month’s departure activities. The ISS Progress 57 (57P) resupply ship is being packed with trash and discarded gear for a fiery disposal over the Pacific Ocean. The SpaceX Dragon commercial cargo craft is being loaded with experiment samples, spacesuit gear and other …
The launch team is setting up for a 24-hour turnaround for a launch attempt tomorrow morning. Launch time on Friday remains 9:20 a.m. EST.
Adding two minutes gives the launch team some flexibility as they work through the upper level wind issue. During this final built-in hold, managers overseeing the launch will conduct final readiness polls and SMAP will be transferred to internal power. Launch commit criteria weather remains 90 percent “go,” however upper level winds are “no-go.”
This is the final planned hold in today’s countdown. Liquid oxygen topping is complete.
There are no technical concerns and weather remains observed “go” and forecast to be 90 percent “go” for launch. Upper level winds remain “red.”
The countdown has resumed following release of the hold. There’s still one more built-in hold coming up at T-4 minutes.
Upper level winds remain “red” because of a wind shear at 34,000 feet. During this 20-minute hold, managers and engineers will receive a weather briefing and continue to monitor SMAP and Delta II systems.
