ULA pushes communications satellite launch to Thursday
The ViaSat-3 Flight 2 mission is set to lift off aboard an Atlas V 551 rocket from Space Launch Complex-41 at Cape Canaveral Space Force Station.
Launch Delay Details
United Launch Alliance postponed its Wednesday attempt to launch the Atlas V rocket carrying a ViaSat communications satellite. The company now plans to retry on Thursday, with a 44-minute launch window beginning at 10:16 p.m.
“The launch of a United Launch Alliance Atlas V carrying the ViaSat-3 F2 mission for @viasat is scrubbed for tonight's launch attempt due to an issue encountered while cycling the booster liquid oxygen tank vent valve during final checkouts. The team will require additional time…”
ULA reported that crews encountered the issue roughly ten minutes before the planned 10:24 p.m. liftoff, forcing an unplanned hold. The official scrub was announced around 10:50 p.m.
Launch Window and Mission Overview
The launch window on Wednesday was scheduled between 10:24 p.m. and 11:08 p.m. Eastern Time. The 205-foot-tall (62.5-meter) Atlas V 551 rocket must launch within its designated window to maintain optimal orbital alignment for the ViaSat-3 Flight 2 mission.
Author’s Summary
ULA postponed the ViaSat-3 F2 launch after a vent valve issue during final checkouts, rescheduling the 205-foot Atlas V rocket liftoff for Thursday evening.