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Boeing Delta IV GOES-N launch postponed
BY OUR TECHNOLOGY CORRESPONDENT
19 August, 2005: CAPE CANAVERAL The launch of the Geostationary Operational Environmental Satellite
(GOES-N) on board a Boeing rocket was put off following technical glitches.
After an initial hiccup, when the count down resumed for the GOES-N on board the Delta IV Boeing rocket, the telemetry engineer observed a red alarm. This was after the power was transferred from to ground support equipment to launch vehicle internal power, a release said.
The countdown was halted after it was noted that the auto system monitoring battery voltage on the launch vehicle’s second stage did not transition within the predicted time period.
A review is underway to find to why the system exceeded the limits and the necessary changes need to
be done before another launch, the release said. There is no indication when the next launch will be held.
The releases said the flight termination system batteries have outlived their lifespan. Boeing said it
does not have the ability to install new batteries before the eclipse period.
Boeing Integrated Defense Systems (BIDS), a Boeing arm, is one of the world's largest space and defense
businesses. It looks after Boeing’s defense and aerospace prorammes. It is headquartered at St Louis. The $30 billion BIDS, provides network-centric system solutions or commercial customers, military and governments.
BIDS is also the world’s largest military aircraft manufacturer and National Aeronautics and Space Administration’s (NASA) largest contractor.
NASA is a civilian unit to the US Government conducting research and development programmes in space
exploration, artificial satellites rocketry and space telescopes.
BY OUR TECHNOLOGY CORRESPONDENT |
