spacetoday.net: space news from around the webin association with SpaceNews


MetOp launch delayed
Posted: Mon, Oct 2, 2006, 8:09 AM ET (1209 GMT)
MetOp satellite illustration (ESA) The launch of a European weather satellite has been delayed several days in order to check the satellite and upper stage for any damage experienced by an unexpected shock. According to an ESA statement, the MetOp-A spacecraft, Fregat upper stage, and payload fairing, collectively known as the "upper composite", experienced "a slight mechanical shock" on Saturday. Launch managers elected to remove the upper composite from the rest of the rocket and perform inspections. The launch of the rocket, which had been scheduled for October 7th from Baikonur, has been delayed at least until October 10 or 11; a new launch date will be announced by Wednesday, assuming inspections turn up no sign of damage to the satellite or upper stage. MetOp-A is Europe's first polar-orbit weather satellite, and will be used in conjunction with a similar series of US polar-orbit weather satellites.
Related Links:
<<previous article   next article>>
news in brief
Cosmonauts perform ISS spacewalk
Posted: Sat, Oct 18 11:21 AM ET (1521 GMT)

Ariane 64 debut slips to 2026
Posted: Sat, Oct 18 11:17 AM ET (1517 GMT)

SpaceX wins permission to double Vandenberg launch rate
Posted: Sat, Oct 18 11:16 AM ET (1516 GMT)

news links
Sunday, October 19
Greedy black hole feeds via two spiral arms
Netherlands Research School for Astronomy — 12:39 pm ET (1639 GMT)
Solstar Space Signs $15 Million Global Agreement with Momentus
Solstar Space Co. — 12:36 pm ET (1636 GMT)
ANT61 Signs LOI with Lumir
Space and Defense — 12:36 pm ET (1636 GMT)


about spacetoday.net   ·   info@spacetoday.net   ·   mailing list