The second attmept to launch the first Delta 2 for 2002 was scrubbed again Saturday due to problems with an aircraft providing tracking support downrange. Onboard the Delta 2 are five spare birds for the Iridium constellation. If a Sunday launch does go ahead a five second window opens at 9:49:19am PST (1749) GMT.
earlier reports
The first Delta 2 launch of 2002 was aborted moments before liftoff Friday morning due to a strong gust of wind at the pad. Onboard were five spare birds for the Iridium constellation that delivers voice and limited data to remote areas of the world. Launch has been reset to Saturday at 9:54am PST (1754) GMT.
The first Delta 2 launch of 2002 is set for Friday morning at 10am PST (1800 GMT), onboard will be five spare birds for the Iridium satellite constellation that delivers voice and limited data to remote areas of the world.
This mission (IS-1) marks the 101st Boeing Delta II mission since 1989 and the 12th Iridium launch since 1997. Between May 1997 and November 1998, Delta II vehicles successfully placed 55 of Iridium’s satellites into low-earth orbit.
The Boeing Delta team has extensive experience with dual and multiple payload missions for commercial and government customers. Recent successful dual payload missions include Jason-1/TIMED and EO-1/SAC-C.
Iridium Satellite LLC provides global satellite voice and data solutions with complete coverage of the Earth (including oceans, airways and Polar Regions). Through a constellation of 66 low-earth orbiting satellites operated by Boeing, Iridium delivers essential communications services to and from remote areas where no other form of communication is available.
The service is ideally suited for industries such as maritime, aviation, government/military, emergency/humanitarian services, mining, forestry, oil and gas and heavy constructions.
Iridium currently provides service to the U.S. Department of Defense under a multi-year contract. Iridium works with more than 20 service partners to sell and support the service globally.
In December 2000, Iridium Satellite LLC acquired assets of Iridium LLC including the satellite constellation, terrestrial network, Iridium real property and intellectual capital.
