Atlas 3 countdown [launch scrubbed]

To: Stars N Stripes

Thanks for the update, Stars. Bummer.

21 posted on 12/15/2003 6:29:36 PM PST by NonValueAdded ("Either you are with us, or you are with the terrorists." GWB 9/20/01)

To: NonValueAdded

Yeah, no new launch date set as yet... Oh well, back to the football game! :O)

22 posted on 12/15/2003 6:31:34 PM PST by Stars N Stripes (My baloney has a first name, it's h o m e r, my baloney has a second name it's h o m e r .......)

To: NonValueAdded

A scrubbed launch is so much better than a lost bird. I'm always glad when they put off till tomorrow what they found likely to fail today.

I pray they scrub the right ones, especially when they're manned, but even when they're not. Not one payload is frivolous.

23 posted on 12/15/2003 6:35:47 PM PST by ChemistCat (THE BUSH ADMINISTRATION: ONE LONG ELECTION-EVE STUNT.)

To: NonValueAdded

0250 GMT (9:50 p.m. EST)

A little more detail is confirmed from Lockheed Martin on this bolt-cutter. It is used as part of the separation system to release the rocket from the launch pad at liftoff. The device supports the Atlas first stage liquid oxygen fill and drain valve.

0245 GMT (9:45 p.m. EST)

Still no official word on when the launch will be rescheduled. If liftoff is reset for Tuesday night, the launch window extends from 9:34 to 11:34 p.m. EST. The two-hour window on Wednesday opens at 9:30 p.m. EST.

0235 GMT (9:35 p.m. EST)

Here is how the scrub decision was announced:

Anomaly Resolution Team: "The Anomaly Team has researched the bolt-cutter anomaly...The temperatures that it had dropped to is below the qualification temperature. At this time, we are recommending we stand down for tonight's operation."

Launch conductor: "Roger, concur."

Launch conductor: "Launch director, LC."

Launch director: "Go ahead."

Launch conductor: "Recommend we scrub tonight's operation."

Launch director: "Copy and concur, and let's make sure we have a spare ready to go to replace the bolt-cutter."

24 posted on 12/15/2003 7:02:33 PM PST by Stars N Stripes (My baloney has a first name, it's h o m e r, my baloney has a second name it's h o m e r .......)

To: Stars N Stripes

The rescheduled launch is set for Wednesday, Dec. 17, 2003 at 9:30 p.m. EST (0230 GMT Dec. 18).

25 posted on 12/16/2003 9:25:43 AM PST by NonValueAdded ("Either you are with us, or you are with the terrorists." GWB 9/20/01)

To: NonValueAdded

Marking my spot.

I've got friends attending this launch. He works for Lockheed Martin and won a drawing to attend the launch on the company dime. I hope they get to see it.

26 posted on 12/16/2003 10:54:34 AM PST by RGVTx

To: NonValueAdded

The launch is on for 9:30PM Wednesday. See new thread with a better news source here: http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/1042459/posts

27 posted on 12/17/2003 5:40:03 PM PST by NonValueAdded ("Either you are with us, or you are with the terrorists." GWB 9/20/01)

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