Asteroid mission still planned for July launch
Posted: Wed, Jun 27, 2007, 7:14 AM ET (1114 GMT)
NASA is pressing ahead with plans to launch a spacecraft to the asteroid belt next month despite technical problems that could delay the launch until this fall. The Dawn mission is scheduled for launch on July 7 on a Delta 2 from Cape Canaveral. The launch has already been delayed a week because of a faulty crane at the launch site used to assemble the launcher; workers have also encountered mechanical problems with some vehicle components. In addition, a solar panel on the spacecraft suffered minor damage in a mishap last week, but that damage was repaired. If NASA can't launch the spacecraft by July 11 the launch would be delayed until September, at a cost of $25 million, to avoid delaying the August launch of the Phoenix mission to Mars. Dawn is a Discovery-class mission that will visit two of the largest asteroids in the main belt, Ceres and Vesta.
NASA is pressing ahead with plans to launch a spacecraft to the asteroid belt next month despite technical problems that could delay the launch until this fall. The Dawn mission is scheduled for launch on July 7 on a Delta 2 from Cape Canaveral. The launch has already been delayed a week because of a faulty crane at the launch site used to assemble the launcher; workers have also encountered mechanical problems with some vehicle components. In addition, a solar panel on the spacecraft suffered minor damage in a mishap last week, but that damage was repaired. If NASA can't launch the spacecraft by July 11 the launch would be delayed until September, at a cost of $25 million, to avoid delaying the August launch of the Phoenix mission to Mars. Dawn is a Discovery-class mission that will visit two of the largest asteroids in the main belt, Ceres and Vesta.
Related Links:
| <<previous article | next article>> |
|
news in brief
|
|
Virgin Galactic slightly delays resumption of commercial flights
Posted: Sat, Aug 9 11:05 AM ET (1505 GMT) |
|
news links
|
|
Thursday, August 14
New regulations could see Musk's Starlink finally come to UAE
The National (UAE) — 7:41 am ET (1141 GMT) SSC Demo Exercise Tests Next-Gen GPS Receiver to Gather Feedback from Joint Warfighters and International Partners
US Space Force — 7:39 am ET (1139 GMT) Why Space Force Part-Timers Are Nothing Like Guard and Reserve
Air and Space Forces Magazine — 7:38 am ET (1138 GMT) 'State of the Bases' is strong despite challenges, Space Force commanders say
Colorado Springs Gazette — 7:38 am ET (1138 GMT) SpaceX Slams Virginia for Overlooking Starlink in State's Broadband Funding
PC Magazine — 7:33 am ET (1133 GMT) |
