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MAP PRELAUNCH STATUS REPORT
L-2 DAYS |
| Mission |
Microwave Anisotropy
Probe (MAP) |
| Launch Vehicle |
Boeing Delta II 7425-10 |
| Launch Pad |
Launch Pad 17-B |
| Launch Date |
June 30, 3:46 p.m. EDT |
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Status
(previous
notes) |
The launch of NASA's MAP spacecraft aboard a Boeing Delta II rocket is on schedule for 3:46 p.m. EDT on Saturday, June 30.
Loading of storable propellants aboard the Delta second stage is under way today at Pad B on Launch Complex 17. The fueling was delayed until mid-afternoon due to local weather conditions. The activity is expected to be completed by midnight.
Also today in the Mission Director's Center, Launch Vehicle Data Center, and Delta Launch Control Center, a countdown dress rehearsal was successfully conducted.
Tomorrow the Boeing Delta II will be powered on, the guidance system will be updated with launch azimuth information, and the vehicle closeouts will be performed. Also, the access port in the MAP payload fairing will be closed and sealed.
The mobile service tower will be retracted from around the vehicle at 9:30 a.m. on Saturday morning. The loading of the Delta first stage RP-1 fuel will begin at 1:06 p.m., followed by loading of the liquid oxygen at 1:56 p.m.
The weather forecast for Saturday calls for a 40% chance of not meeting the launch weather criteria due to the proximity of thunderstorms or associated anvil clouds which must be not closer than ten miles from the pad. At launch time, scattered low level and upper level clouds are predicted, a temperature of 87 degrees, relative humidity of 68%, and southeasterly winds of 10-12 knots. Should launch be postponed for 24 hours, the chance of not meeting the launch weather criteria remains at 40%.
The 12-minute launch window on Saturday, June 30, extends from 3:46:46 to 3:58:46 p.m.
If necessary, the launch window on Sunday, July 1, extends from 3:40:11 to 3:52:11 p.m.
Additional information on the MAP mission can be found at: http://map.gsfc.nasa.gov/
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