RBSP Launches Successfully
The Atlas V carrying the twin RBSP satellite launched successfully at 4:05am EDT. Credit: NASA
NASA's twin Radiation Belt Storm Probes are on their way into orbit following their successful liftoff aboard the United Launch Alliance Atlas V rocket. The vehicle lifted off from Cape Canaveral Air Force Station's Space Launch Complex-41 at 4:05 a.m. EDT following a remarkably smooth overnight countdown that saw good weather and no technical problems.
| RBSP on Pad - Launch Weather 70 Percent "Go" |
08.29.12
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The Atlas V rocket carrying NASA's twin Radiation Belt Storm Probes arrives at Space Launch Complex 41 once again. Credit: NASA/Kim Shiflett
At Cape Canaveral's Space Launch Complex-41, loading of the RP-1 fuel aboard the United Launch Alliance Atlas V first stage was finished last night. Though it was completed late, at 9:30 p.m. EDT, due to weather conditions, launch preparations are on schedule this morning. The launch of NASA's Radiation Belt Storm Probes (RBSP) has been confirmed on the Eastern Range for 4:05 a.m. Thursday. NASA’s Launch Services Program at Kennedy Space Center is responsible for launch management.
NASA Television coverage of RBSP launch will begin at 1:30 a.m.
The terminal countdown to load the cryogenic liquid oxygen and liquid hydrogen into the rocket will begin at 1:35 a.m. The launch weather forecast has improved with a 30 percent chance of not meeting the launch weather criteria on Thursday morning due to cloud conditions.
RBSP L-1 Day Launch Weather Forecast
Launch Day: The Probability of Violating Launch Weather Constraints: 30%
Primary Concern: Cumulus Cloud, Thick Cloud
Hurricane Isaac is near the Louisiana coast and will slowly track Northwest and North over the next several days. Although some drying is expected today, afternoon and evening thunderstorms are expected. Over the next 24 hours, a trough pushes into South Georgia and North Florida and becomes stationary. For launch, the stalled trough to the North causes concerns for isolated showers and thick clouds during the count and window. Our primary concerns for launch Thursday morning are cumulus clouds and thick cloud. Friday, the trough washes out and easterly flow sets in causing concern for morning coastal showers. The primary concerns for launch Friday are cumulus clouds and thick cloud.
RBSP will explore changes in Earth's space environment caused by the sun -- known as space weather -- that can disable satellites, create power-grid failures and disrupt GPS service. The mission also will provide data on the fundamental radiation and particle acceleration processes throughout the universe.
| Atlas V, RBSP to Return to Launch Pad Today |
08.28.12
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On August 22, workers helped guide the United Launch Alliance with the Radiation Belt Storm Probes spacecraft aboard as it moved to the launch pad at Space Launch Complex 41 at Cape Canaveral Air Force Station in Florida. Image credit: NASA/Kim Shiflett
Activity at Space Launch Complex-41 is on schedule for the rollout of the United Launch Alliance Atlas V rocket with NASA's Radiation Belt Storm Probes. First motion today is planned for 2 p.m. EDT. Once at the pad, preparations will begin for the loading of storable propellant aboard the Atlas booster. The first-stage fuel is RP-1, a highly refined kerosene. Liquid oxygen is planned to start flowing into the Atlas V when the terminal countdown begins at 1:35 a.m. on Thursday.
Liftoff is targeted for 4:05 a.m. at the start of a 20-minute window. At this time, there is a 60 percent chance favorable weather criteria at launch time, with clouds the primary concern.
| RBSP Launch Postponed Until Aug. 30 |
08.25.12
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Screen capture from NASA TV of the Atlas V carrying RBSP on the launch pad at the time of the announcement that the launch would be scrubbed. Credit: NASA TV
The launch of an Atlas V carrying NASA’s Radiation Belt Storm Probes (RBSP) payload was scrubbed today due to weather conditions associated with lightning, as well as cumulus and anvil clouds. With the unfavorable weather forecast as a result of Tropical Storm Isaac, the leadership team has decided to roll the Atlas V vehicle back to the Vertical Integration Facility to ensure the launch vehicle and twin RBSP spacecraft are secured and protected from inclement weather. Pending approval from the range, the launch is rescheduled to Thursday, Aug. 30 at 4:05 a.m. Eastern Daylight Time.
| Weather Scrubs RBSP Launch - Next Attempt Aug. 26 |
08.25.12
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Unfavorable weather conditions in and around Cape Canaveral Air Force Station in Florida prompted launch managers to halt today's attempted launch of the United Launch Alliance Atlas V rocket carrying NASA's Radiation Belt Storm Probes.
The next launch attempt currently is scheduled for Sunday at 4:07 a.m. EDT. Launch managers will meet today at 6 a.m. to assess future launch opportunities and evaluate all of the factors, including the status of the rocket and spacecraft, and the weather. An update will be provided at the conclusion of the meeting..
| RBSP Launch Rescheduled for Aug. 25 |
08.24.12
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Launch managers at Cape Canaveral Air Force Station in Florida have scrubbed the planned liftoff of the United Launch Alliance Atlas V carrying NASA's Radiation Belt Storm Probes due to an issue with Eastern Range beacon indications. The next launch attempt is scheduled for tomorrow, Aug. 25, at 4:07 a.m. EDT. Like today, the launch window will extend for 20 minutes.
| RBSP Launch Delay, Now Set for Friday, Aug. 24 |
The launch of an Atlas V carrying NASA’s Radiation Belt Storm Probes satellite is being delayed 24 hours. An anomalous engine condition was identified during testing of another Atlas vehicle at the Factory in Decatur, Ala., and the delay will allow additional time for engineers to complete their assessments and verify that a similar condition does not exist on the RBSP launch vehicle engine.
The launch is rescheduled for Friday, Aug. 24 from Space Launch Complex-41 at Cape Canaveral Air Force Station, Fla. The opening of the launch window is 4:07 a.m. EDT. The forecast for Aug. 24 shows a 60 percent chance of favorable weather conditions for the launch.
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