NASA sets new launch dates for STS-127, LRO and LCROSS
Mon Jun 15, 2009 at 18:05 UTC
NASA managers have scheduled the next launch attempt of space shuttle Endeavour's STS-127 mission for 09:40 UTC on Wednesday, June 17. The launch will take place at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida.
As a result, the Lunar Reconnaissance Orbiter, or LRO, and Lunar Crater Observation and Sensing Satellite, or LCROSS, are set to lift off together aboard an Atlas V rocket on Thursday, June 18. There are three launch opportunities from Cape Canaveral Air Force Station in Florida: 21:12, 21:22 and 21:32.
NASA managers postponed Endeavour's planned June 13 liftoff because of a leak associated with the gaseous hydrogen venting system outside the shuttle's external fuel tank. The system is used to carry excess hydrogen safely away from the launch pad.
The LRO and LCROSS launch was moved to June 18 to accommodate Endeavour's June 17 liftoff. If Thursday's liftoff of LRO and LCROSS is postponed 24 hours, the launch times Friday are 22:41, 22:51 and 23:01. Sunday's opportunities are 00:08, 00:18 and 00:28 (all times UTC).
| Source: NASA Headquarters | |
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More on • Lunar Reconnaissance Orbiter • LCROSS • Lunar Exploration |
