RL10 investigation delays X-37B launch
Posted: Mon, Oct 22, 2012, 6:07 AM ET (1007 GMT)
The ongoing investigation into a problem with an upper stage engine on a recent launch will delay the next launch of the military's secretive X-37B spaceplane until next month, United Launch Alliance announced late Friday. The Air Force had planned to launch the X-37B on the Orbital Test Vehicle 3 (OTV-3) mission this month on an Atlas 5 from Cape Canaveral. However, ULA said Friday it is delaying the launch while an investigation into a problem with the RL10 engine on a Delta 4 launch earlier this month continues. The launch did place its payload, a GPS satellite, successfully into orbit, but the RL10 experienced lower-than-normal chamber pressure. The Atlas 5 uses a different version of the RL10, but ULA said it and the Air Force decided to wait until a "thorough crossover assessment" of the issue could be completed. The launch is now planned for November 13.
The ongoing investigation into a problem with an upper stage engine on a recent launch will delay the next launch of the military's secretive X-37B spaceplane until next month, United Launch Alliance announced late Friday. The Air Force had planned to launch the X-37B on the Orbital Test Vehicle 3 (OTV-3) mission this month on an Atlas 5 from Cape Canaveral. However, ULA said Friday it is delaying the launch while an investigation into a problem with the RL10 engine on a Delta 4 launch earlier this month continues. The launch did place its payload, a GPS satellite, successfully into orbit, but the RL10 experienced lower-than-normal chamber pressure. The Atlas 5 uses a different version of the RL10, but ULA said it and the Air Force decided to wait until a "thorough crossover assessment" of the issue could be completed. The launch is now planned for November 13.| <<previous article | next article>> |
|
news in brief
|
|
|
|
news links
|
|
Thursday, June 4
Europe advances Pu-238 supply chain for deep space
ESA — 5:43 am ET (0943 GMT) SpaceX Launches 24 Starlink Satellites from Vandenberg SFB Wednesday Morning
Santa Barbara (CA) Edhat — 5:42 am ET (0942 GMT) U.S. Space Force to build new facility, move acquisition unit and expand officer training course in Colorado, lawmaker says
Aerospace America — 5:39 am ET (0939 GMT) Hatcher takes command at Space Forces Korea
US Space Force — 5:38 am ET (0938 GMT) France opens Space Command to Japanese officer as ties deepen under new road map
Japan Times — 5:38 am ET (0938 GMT) |
