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NOAA-N Launch Delayed Until May 20
Vandenburg AFB CA (SPX) May 17, 2005 NASA's launch of the NOAA-N polar-orbiting environmental satellite for the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) has been postponed. NOAA-N will launch no earlier than 6:22 a.m. EDT, Friday, May 20. The satellite has a 10-minute launch window. After the launch attempt last Thursday, a vent hose in the launch vehicle broke loose possibly causing contamination of the payload. Samples must be taken from NOAA-N to ensure any possible contaminants do not exceed allowable limits. Launch managers will review test results before announcing a definite launch date. NOAA-N is the latest polar-orbiting satellite developed by NASA for the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA). NOAA-N will collect information about Earth's atmosphere and environment to improve weather prediction and climate research across the globe. NOAA-N is the 15th in a series of polar-orbiting satellites dating back to 1978. NOAA uses two satellites, a morning and afternoon satellite, to ensure every part of the Earth is observed at least twice every 12 hours. Severe weather is monitored and reported to the National Weather Service which broadcasts the findings to the global community. With the early warning, effects of catastrophic weather events can be minimized. NOAA-N also has instruments to support an international search-and-rescue program. The Search and Rescue Satellite-Aided Tracking System, called COPAS-SARSAT, transmits to ground stations the location of emergency beacons from ships, aircraft and people in distress around the world. The program, in place since 1982, has saved about 18,000 lives. NOAA-N is the first in a series of polar-orbiting satellites to be part of a joint cooperation project with the European Organisation for the Exploitation of Meteorological Satellites (EUMESTAT). Related Links NOAA NOAA-N at NASA SpaceDaily Search SpaceDaily Subscribe To SpaceDaily Express
EADS Pulls Plug On New Bigger Version Of Ariane Rockets Frankfurt (AFP) May 17, 2005 European aerospace giant EADS has shelved plans for a new bigger 12-tonne version of its Ariane rocket owing to lack of demand, one of the group's directors said in a newspaper interview published Tuesday. |
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