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MAP PRELAUNCH STATUS REPORT
L-1 DAY |
| 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 at this time for a 3:46 p.m. EDT liftoff on Saturday, June 30.
Loading of storable propellants aboard the Delta second stage was completed successfully last night at Pad B on Launch Complex 17.
Also today in the Mission Briefing Room at KSC, the L-1 day Launch Readiness Review was successfully completed. A decision was made to load the Delta first stage RP-1 fuel beginning at 7 a.m. due to the possibility of thunderstorms later in the morning and to provide additional stability after rollback of the mobile service tower for this lighter model of the Delta vehicle.
Today, the Boeing Delta II was powered on, the guidance system was updated with launch azimuth information, the vehicle steering systems were tested and the access port in the MAP payload fairing was 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 with liquid oxygen will begin 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 or 48 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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