GOCE launch postponed
Posted: Mon, Sep 8, 2008, 8:57 PM ET (0057 GMT)
The launch of a European Earth sciences satellite has been postponed until next month because of a problem with the launch vehicle. The Gravity field and steady-state Ocean Circulation Explorer (GOCE) spacecraft was scheduled for launch on Wednesday, September 10, but launch preparations at the Plesetsk Cosmodrome in northern Russia were stopped on Sunday when engineers discovered a problem with the guidance and navigation system on the Breeze KM upper stage of the Rockot launcher. The system will have to be replaced, delaying the launch until October 5. The one-ton spacecraft is designed to measure the Earth's gravity field in great detail, allowing Earth scientists to better understand the planet's internal structure as well as surface features ranging from ocean circulation to changes in the polar ice caps.
The launch of a European Earth sciences satellite has been postponed until next month because of a problem with the launch vehicle. The Gravity field and steady-state Ocean Circulation Explorer (GOCE) spacecraft was scheduled for launch on Wednesday, September 10, but launch preparations at the Plesetsk Cosmodrome in northern Russia were stopped on Sunday when engineers discovered a problem with the guidance and navigation system on the Breeze KM upper stage of the Rockot launcher. The system will have to be replaced, delaying the launch until October 5. The one-ton spacecraft is designed to measure the Earth's gravity field in great detail, allowing Earth scientists to better understand the planet's internal structure as well as surface features ranging from ocean circulation to changes in the polar ice caps.
Related Links:
| <<previous article | next article>> |
|
news in brief
|
|
|
|
news links
|
|
Sunday, January 18
U.S. Support for Jennifer Warren for ITU Radio Regulation Board
US State Department — 7:13 pm ET (0013 GMT) Liechtenstein’s spectrum award to Open Cosmos propels Europe in the space telecommunications infrastructure race
Open Cosmos — 7:11 pm ET (0011 GMT) Expanding 5G connectivity with the Airbus UpNext SpaceRAN demonstrator
Airbus Group — 7:09 pm ET (0009 GMT) AccelerComm participates in Airbus UpNext SpaceRAN Demonstrator, Advancing Global 5G Connectivity in Space
AccelerComm — 7:07 pm ET (0007 GMT) Spacecoin Signs Strategic Agreements with Governments, Telcos, and Industry Partners to Advance Permissionless Connectivity
Medium — 7:05 pm ET (0005 GMT) |
