Atlas Booster Valve Issue Scrubs ViaSat-3 F2 Launch
United Launch Alliance (ULA) scrubbed the launch of an Atlas 5 rocket scheduled for Wednesday night because of a valve problem that could not be resolved during the launch window. The rocket was carrying a communications satellite for California-based company Viasat.
“An issue encountered while cycling the booster liquid oxygen tank valve during final checkouts” forced the team to stand down and reschedule the launch for the following day, ULA announced.
Launch Details
- Launch site: Space Launch Complex 41, Cape Canaveral Space Force Station
- Scheduled liftoff: 10:16 p.m. EST (0316 UTC)
- Launch window duration: 44 minutes
- Flight path: Due east from Florida’s Space Coast
- Payload: 6-metric-ton ViaSat-3 F2 satellite
- Orbit: Geosynchronous transfer orbit
- Deployment: Nearly 3.5 hours after liftoff
- Rocket configuration: Atlas 5 in 551 configuration
Weather Forecast
The 45th Weather Squadron predicted a 95% chance of favorable weather for the launch window on Tuesday. Meteorologists noted a slight risk of cumulus cloud interference but expected fair weather overall.
“High pressure will bring fair weather to the Space Coast on both the primary and backup days,” noted the launch weather officers. “A ridge axis over Central Florida will cause light, onshore winds and partly cloudy skies during the primary window.”
Live Coverage
Spaceflight Now will provide live coverage starting approximately one hour before liftoff.
Summary: The Atlas 5 launch of the ViaSat-3 F2 satellite was delayed due to a booster valve issue, with rescheduling planned and favorable weather expected for the next attempt.