Antares rocket looks to lift Wallops to new heights

AP (via PilotOnline.com) ^ | 04/15/2013 | Brock Vergakis

[Pyro7480]

On one of Virginia's small barrier islands, a NASA facility that operates in relative obscurity outside scientific circles is preparing to be thrust into the spotlight.

On Wednesday, Orbital Sciences Corp. plans to conduct the first test launch of its Antares rocket under a NASA program in which private companies deliver supplies to the International Space Station. If all goes as planned, the unmanned rocket's practice payload will be vaulted into orbit from Wallops Island before burning up in the atmosphere on its return to Earth several months later....

A successful launch would pave the way for Dulles-based Orbital to demonstrate that it can connect its unmanned Cygnus cargo ship with the space station this summer.

[Gabz]

Dress WARMLY!!!!!! And check with the Fish & Wildlife to see if they are waiving the $10 entrance fee to the sanctuary (aka the Beach)

[Pyro7480]

Thanks! It looks like they aren't waving the fee: http://www.fws.gov/northeast/chinco/

[Hillarys Gate Cult]

Exactly what I was looking for. Thank you. Direct TV has NASA TV and I can get it on the web but I wanted to see the launch in real life if possible. Forcast calls for mostly sunny here. So I can see it if the trees and clouds cooperate. Was able to see some space shuttle lauches as we we were almost at the extreme Northern arc of the visible launch.

[Gabz]

[blueyon]

Thanks for being will to start a new Delmarva list...............and please add me

[Gabz]

You’re already on! If you come across anyone on Delmarva let me know or have them let me know!

[Abby4116]

Thanks for the ping Gabz. If I didn’t have to be home early Thursday morning I would be down.

[Hillarys Gate Cult]

Over 1 hour till launch BTT. Weather at launch forecast partly cloudy, winds 10MPH. About the same here in South Carolina.

[Hillarys Gate Cult]

1 hour till launch btt. Local forecast has the temp at 61 degrees.

[Hillarys Gate Cult]

Countdown running smoothly. Don’t know yet if they’re still shooting for exactly 5 PM.

[Hillarys Gate Cult]

Launch scrubbed. Premature umbilical separation. They now have to defuel the rocket and return it to nominal state. Work will take a while and they have to recalculate when the next window is. So no launch today and maybe not tomorrow.

[Gabz]

Earliest, as of last report is Friday - but weather forecast is even sketchier than today’s was.