Atlas Valve Issue Delays Launch of ViaSat-3 F2 Satellite
United Launch Alliance (ULA) scrubbed the scheduled launch of its Atlas 5 rocket on Wednesday night after a technical issue with a valve prevented liftoff within the designated window.
The rocket, carrying a communications satellite for California-based Viasat, was set to depart from Space Launch Complex 41 at Cape Canaveral Space Force Station. The 6-metric-ton satellite is destined for geosynchronous transfer orbit and will separate from the launch vehicle approximately 3.5 hours after liftoff.
“An issue encountered while cycling the booster liquid oxygen tank valve during final checkouts” forced the team to stand down and reschedule the attempt, ULA stated.
A new launch time was targeted for 10:16 p.m. EST (0316 UTC), marking the start of a 44-minute window. Once launched, the rocket will travel due east over Florida’s Space Coast.
Weather Outlook
According to the 45th Weather Squadron, conditions remain highly favorable, with a 95 percent chance of acceptable weather. Meteorologists noted only a slight risk of interference from cumulus clouds.
“High pressure will bring fair weather to the Space Coast on both the primary and backup days,” the forecast report said. “For the primary window, a ridge axis over Central Florida will develop light, onshore winds and partly cloudy skies.”
Spaceflight Now will provide live coverage starting roughly one hour before the next scheduled launch attempt.
Author’s Summary
ULA postponed the Atlas 5 launch of the ViaSat-3 F2 satellite due to a valve malfunction, with a 95% weather chance remaining favorable for the rescheduled attempt.