ULA Postpones Launch of Communications Satellite to Thursday
The ViaSat-3 Flight 2 mission, set to launch aboard the Atlas V 551 rocket, was delayed by United Launch Alliance (ULA) on Wednesday. The rocket was scheduled to lift off from Space Launch Complex-41 at Cape Canaveral Space Force Station.
ULA experienced an issue with the booster liquid oxygen tank vent valve during final checkouts approximately 10 minutes before the planned 10:24 p.m. ET launch time.
The launch was put into an unplanned hold state until a scrub was officially announced around 10:50 p.m.
As a result, the launch attempt was canceled, and the team will try again on Thursday with a 44-minute launch window starting at 10:16 p.m. ET.
The Atlas V 551 rocket stands 205 feet (62.5 meters) tall and must lift off within the specified window to complete the mission.
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…
Launch Window Details
- Initial launch window on Wednesday: 10:24 p.m. to 11:08 p.m. ET
- New launch window on Thursday: 10:16 p.m. ET for 44 minutes
- Launch site: Space Launch Complex-41, Cape Canaveral Space Force Station
The ViaSat-3 Flight 2 mission aims to deploy a communications satellite to enhance global connectivity.
Summary: United Launch Alliance delayed the Atlas V launch carrying the ViaSat-3 Flight 2 satellite due to a vent valve issue, rescheduling the attempt for Thursday night.