07.27.07

George H. Diller
Kennedy Space Center, Fla.
321-867-2468
George.H.Diller@nasa.gov

STATUS REPORT: ELV-072707

Mission: Phoenix
Location: Launch Pad 17-A
Launch Vehicle: Delta II 7925
Launch Date: Aug. 3, 2007
Launch Time: 5:35:18 a.m. EDT

Phoenix was transported to Pad 17-A at Cape Canaveral Air Force Station for mating to the Delta II on Monday, July 23.

The flight program verification test was conducted successfully on Wednesday, July 25. This is an electrical test that confirms the Delta II and Phoenix are working together as an integrated system.

Technicians are installing the Delta II payload fairing around the Phoenix spacecraft Friday.

The Delta II second stage is scheduled to be loaded with its complement of storable propellants on July 31.

The mobile service tower, or gantry, is scheduled to be retracted from around the Delta II at 8:30 p.m. on Thursday, Aug. 2, for launch the next morning.


Mission: Dawn
Location: Astrotech payload processing facility
Launch Pad: 17-B
Launch Vehicle: Delta II 7925-H
Launch Timeframe: Sept. 7 - Oct. 15

A firm date for launch is still being determined based on the launch window for the science of the mission, the availability of the Eastern Range and the necessary tracking, data and telemetry support. The launch of Dawn is currently expected to occur no later than Sept. 26; however, a launch date as early as Sept. 7 is being preserved in planning schedules.

Dawn was removed from the launch vehicle on Sunday, July 22. The spacecraft was returned to the Astrotech payload processing facility near Kennedy Space Center at 7:30 a.m. that day. No processing activities are currently scheduled.

Previous status reports are available on the Web at:

http://www.nasa.gov/centers/kennedy/launchingrockets/status/2007

- end -
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Source: NASA - ELV Status Report 072707

George H. Diller
Kennedy Space Center, Fla.
321-867-2468
George.H.Diller@nasa.gov

STATUS REPORT: ELV-090707

Mission: Dawn
Location: Astrotech payload processing facility
Launch Pad: 17-B
Launch Vehicle: Delta II 7925-H
Launch Date: Sept. 26, 2007
Launch Window: 7:25 - 7:54 a.m. EDT

Engineers loaded liquid oxygen aboard the first stage late last week as a test for first stage components.

Dawn spacecraft operational readiness testing is complete.

Spacecraft thermal blanket closeout work is being finished today.

Technicians will be installing Dawn into the payload canister on Sept. 10 for transportation to Launch Complex 17. The spacecraft will be mated to the Delta II rocket at Pad 17-B on Sept. 11.

The flight program verification, an integrated launch readiness test with the Dawn spacecraft integrated with the Delta II, is scheduled for Sept. 13.

Installation of the payload fairing around the spacecraft is scheduled for Sept. 19.

Previous status reports are available on the Web at:


Source: NASA - ELV Status Report 090707

George H. Diller
Kennedy Space Center, Fla.
321-867-2468
George.H.Diller@nasa.gov

STATUS REPORT: ELV-091407

Mission: Dawn
Location: Astrotech payload processing facility
Launch Pad: 17-B
Launch Vehicle: Delta II 7925-H
Launch Date: Sept. 26, 2007
Launch Window: 7:25 - 7:54 a.m. EDT

On Tuesday, the Dawn spacecraft arrived at Pad 17-B at 5:10 a.m. after an overnight rollout from the Astrotech payload processing facility. At 8:01 a.m., Dawn was officially declared secure atop the Delta II rocket. Technicians successfully conducted spacecraft state-of-health checks on Wednesday.

The launch team completed the flight program verification on Thursday without issues. This integrated launch readiness electrical test ensures the Dawn spacecraft and Delta II rocket are working together in unison.

Installation of the payload fairing around the spacecraft is scheduled for Sept. 19.

Previous status reports are available on the Web at:


Source: NASA - ELV Status Report 091407

George H. Diller
Kennedy Space Center, Fla.
321-867-2468
George.H.Diller@nasa.gov

STATUS REPORT: ELV-031408

Expendable Launch Vehicle Status Report

Mission: GLAST (Gamma-ray Large Area Space Telescope)
Location: Astrotech payload processing facility
Launch Vehicle: Delta II 7920-H
Launch Pad: 17-B
Launch Date: May 16, 2008
Launch Window: 11:45 a.m. - 1:40 p.m. EDT

Prelaunch preparations are under way on GLAST after the spacecraft's arrival in Florida on March 4. The flight battery has been installed. The "observatory comprehensive performance tests" are now under way. Testing of the various spacecraft systems is occurring this week, including S-band communications, control and data handling systems, the propulsions system and the spacecraft's computers. Instrument testing is scheduled to begin this weekend. Late next week, the two sets of solar arrays are scheduled to be installed.

At Pad 17-B on Cape Canaveral Air Force Station, buildup of the Delta II rocket is currently scheduled to begin the week of March 24 with the hoisting of the first stage. Work to attach the nine strap-on solid rocket boosters will follow. Stacking of the second stage is currently planned for the first week of April.

Previous status reports are available on the Web at:


Source: NASA - ELV Status Report 031408

George H. Diller
Kennedy Space Center, Fla.
321-867-2468
George.H.Diller@nasa.gov

STATUS REPORT: ELV-032108

Expendable Launch Vehicle Status Report

Mission: GLAST (Gamma-ray Large Area Space Telescope)
Location: Astrotech payload processing facility
Launch Vehicle: Delta II 7920-H
Launch Pad: 17-B
Launch Date: May 16, 2008
Launch Window: 11:45 a.m. - 1:40 p.m. EDT

Twin solar arrays were attached to the GLAST spacecraft on Thursday, March 20. A solar array deployment test is under way today and will be followed by a solar array illumination test on April 2. A continuation of the spacecraft comprehensive performance tests is planned for next week. This will include end-to-end communications testing through the Tracking and Data Relay Satellite (TDRS) system.

At Pad 17-B on Cape Canaveral Air Force Station, buildup of the Delta II rocket will begin Monday, March 24, with the hoisting of the first stage. Work to attach the nine strap-on solid rocket boosters will follow, continuing throughout the week. Stacking of the second stage is currently planned for April 3.

Previous status reports are available on the Web at:


Source: NASA - ELV Status Report 032108

George H. Diller
Kennedy Space Center, Fla.
321-867-2468
George.H.Diller@nasa.gov

STATUS REPORT: ELV-032808

Expendable Launch Vehicle Status Report

Mission: GLAST (Gamma-ray Large Area Space Telescope)
Location: Astrotech payload processing facility
Launch Vehicle: Delta II 7920-H
Launch Pad: 17-B
Launch Date: May 16, 2008
Launch Window: 11:45 a.m. - 1:40 p.m. EDT

The spacecraft comprehensive performance tests continue. Next week, the illumination test of the twin solar arrays is scheduled to occur on Wednesday, and they will then be stowed for flight on Thursday. Each array generates 750 watts of power for a total of 1,500 watts, the GLAST spacecraft's maximum power requirement.

At Pad 17-B on Cape Canaveral Air Force Station, due to high wind, hoisting the Delta II first stage into the launcher was postponed from Monday until Wednesday, March 26. Work to attach the nine strap-on solid rocket boosters in sets of three is under way and will continue until the middle of next week. Stacking of the second stage is currently planned for April 5.

Previous status reports are available on the Web at:


Source: NASA - ELV Status Report 032808

George H. Diller
Kennedy Space Center, Fla.
321-867-2468
George.H.Diller@nasa.gov

STATUS REPORT: ELV-040408

Expendable Launch Vehicle Status Report

Mission: GLAST (Gamma-ray Large Area Space Telescope)
Location: Astrotech payload processing facility
Launch Vehicle: Delta II 7920-H
Launch Pad: 17-B
Launch Date: May 16, 2008
Launch Window: 11:45 a.m. - 1:40 p.m. EDT

The GLAST spacecraft's solar array illumination test is occurring today. This weekend, the work to install the Ku-band communications transmitter will begin. A functional test will follow on Tuesday. Closeouts of the spacecraft's thermal blankets also will begin next week. Installation of the Ku-band communications antenna is planned for mid-April.

At Pad 17-B on Cape Canaveral Air Force Station, work to attach the nine strap-on solid rocket boosters to the Delta II first stage was completed this week. Stacking of the second stage atop the first stage is planned for Saturday.

Previous status reports are available on the Web at:


Source: NASA - ELV Status Report 040408

George H. Diller
Kennedy Space Center, Fla.
321-867-2468
George.H.Diller@nasa.gov

STATUS REPORT: ELV-041108

Expendable Launch Vehicle Status Report

Mission: GLAST (Gamma-ray Large Area Space Telescope)
Location: Astrotech payload processing facility
Launch Vehicle: Delta II 7920-H
Launch Pad: 17-B
Launch Date: May 16, 2008
Launch Window: 11:45 a.m. - 1:40 p.m. EDT

At Pad 17-B on Cape Canaveral Air Force Station, the Delta II first stage and nine solid rocket boosters have been erected. During preparations to hoist the second stage atop the first stage, an incident occurred which caused an adapter beam associated with the lifting operation to fracture. As a result, the stacking operation was immediately stopped. A team has been appointed to investigate the incident. Once the team has concluded its investigation and is able to determine there was no damage to the second stage, a new date for stacking will be set, possibly as early as next week.

Meanwhile, at the Astrotech payload processing facility, the GLAST spacecraft's solar array illumination test has been completed. The Ku-band communications transmitter was installed as scheduled. Closeouts of the spacecraft thermal blankets are under way. The Ku-band communications antenna will be installed early next week. At this time, preparations continue for delivery of GLAST to the launch pad on May 2.

Previous status reports are available on the Web at:


Source: NASA - ELV Status Report 041108

George H. Diller
Kennedy Space Center, Fla.
321-867-2468
George.H.Diller@nasa.gov

STATUS REPORT: ELV-041808

Expendable Launch Vehicle Status Report

Mission: GLAST (Gamma-ray Large Area Space Telescope)
Location: Astrotech payload processing facility
Launch Vehicle: Delta II 7920-H
Launch Pad: 17-B
Launch Date: TBD (under assessment)

At Pad 17-B on Cape Canaveral Air Force Station, the Delta II second stage is planned to be hoisted atop the first stage on Monday. This week, work to complete the manufacturing, testing and evaluation of the new H-beam associated with the lifting of the second stage was completed.

Meanwhile, at the Astrotech payload processing facility, the GLAST Ku-band communications antenna was installed on Tuesday. Testing will begin on Sunday. End-to-end communications system testing is also scheduled for this weekend. Closeouts of the spacecraft thermal blankets continue. The star tracker sun shade installation is currently planned for next Wednesday.

Previous status reports are available on the Web at:


Source: NASA - ELV Status Report 041808

George H. Diller
Kennedy Space Center, Fla.
321-867-2468
George.H.Diller@nasa.gov

STATUS REPORT: ELV-042508

Expendable Launch Vehicle Status Report

Mission: GLAST (Gamma-ray Large Area Space Telescope)
Location: Astrotech payload processing facility
Launch Vehicle: Delta II 7920-H
Launch Pad: 17-B
Launch Date: TBD (under assessment)

At Pad 17-B on Cape Canaveral Air Force Station, the Delta II second stage was hoisted into position on Tuesday. Upcoming milestones include a cryogenic test of the first stage using liquid oxygen, along with an associated countdown operation. A Simulated Flight Test follows that, encompassing the flight events that occur from liftoff through spacecraft separation to exercise the onboard vehicle systems of the Delta II. Both tests will occur approximately the second week of May.

Meanwhile, at the Astrotech payload processing facility, end-to-end communications testing through the Tracking and Data Relay Satellite System has been completed. Three sunshades associated with the star tracker system were installed on Wednesday, and the sun trackers associated with the solar arrays were cleaned. The closeouts of the spacecraft thermal blankets continue. A final cleaning of the overall spacecraft and black light inspection are under way today, which are the last activities for spacecraft processing until the fueling of the spacecraft. Fueling will be scheduled once a launch date has been determined.

Previous status reports are available on the Web at:


Source: NASA - ELV Status Report 042508

George H. Diller
Kennedy Space Center, Fla.
321-867-2468
George.H.Diller@nasa.gov

STATUS REPORT: ELV-050208

Expendable Launch Vehicle Status Report

Mission: GLAST (Gamma-ray Large Area Space Telescope)
Location: Astrotech payload processing facility
Launch Vehicle: Delta II 7920-H
Launch Pad: 17-B
Launch Date: TBD (under assessment)

At Pad 17-B on Cape Canaveral Air Force Station, a cryogenic test of the Delta II first stage is scheduled for May 7. This test includes a countdown and the loading aboard of liquid oxygen as a leak check of the first stage. The following day a Simulated Flight Test will be performed exercising the onboard vehicle systems of the Delta II from liftoff through spacecraft separation. NASA managers are working to resolve an issue with flight ordnance that they consider could affect mission success.

At Astrotech, a final cleaning of the GLAST spacecraft and the associated black light inspection have been completed. Preparations have begun to move the spacecraft to the hazardous processing facility on Sunday. Fueling operations are scheduled for next week..

Mission: OSTM/Jason-2
Location: Astrotech payload processing facility, Vandenberg Air Force Base
Launch Vehicle: Delta II
Launch Pad: Space Launch Complex 2, Vandenberg Air Force Base
Launch Date: June 15, 2008
Launch Window: 1:47 - 1:56 a.m. PDT

An air cargo plane delivered the OSTM/Jason-2 spacecraft from Europe to Vandenberg Air Force Base in California on April 29. It was taken to the Astrotech payload processing facility on north Vandenberg to begin processing. The shipping container was then opened, and the spacecraft was transferred to a work stand. Spacecraft checkout begins on May 6.

At Space Launch Complex 2, the Delta II first stage was placed into the pad launcher on April 25. The three solid rocket boosters were mated to the Delta II on May 1. The second stage is being hoisted atop the first stage Friday.

Previous status reports are available on the Web at:


Source: NASA - ELV Status Report 050208

George H. Diller
Kennedy Space Center, Fla.
321-867-2468
George.H.Diller@nasa.gov

STATUS REPORT: ELV-050908

Expendable Launch Vehicle Status Report

Mission: GLAST (Gamma-ray Large Area Space Telescope)
Location: Astrotech payload processing facility
Launch Vehicle: Delta II 7920-H
Launch Pad: 17-B
Launch Date: No Earlier Than June 3, 2008
Launch Window: 11:45 a.m. - 1:40 p.m. EDT

NASA management currently is targeting no earlier than June 3 for the liftoff of GLAST atop a Delta II rocket.

At Pad 17-B on Cape Canaveral Air Force Station, a cryogenic test of the Delta II first stage was conducted May 7. This test included a countdown and the loading aboard of liquid oxygen as a leak check of the first stage. Yesterday a Simulated Flight Test was performed exercising the onboard vehicle systems of the Delta II from liftoff through spacecraft separation. At Astrotech, the spacecraft is in the hazardous processing facility and fueling is scheduled for this weekend.

Mission: OSTM/Jason-2
Location: Astrotech payload processing facility, Vandenberg Air Force Base
Launch Vehicle: Delta II
Launch Pad: Space Launch Complex 2, Vandenberg Air Force Base
Launch Date: June 15, 2008
Launch Window: 1:47 - 1:56 a.m. PDT

At the Astrotech payload processing facility on north Vandenberg, testing of OSTM/Jason-2 is under way and will continue during the next week. Closeouts of the thermal blankets are beginning. Fueling of the satellite with its hydrazine control propellant is planned for May 17. The spacecraft is currently scheduled to go to the launch pad on June 2.

At Space Launch Complex 2, the Delta II is powered on for electrical testing. Cryogenic testing is scheduled for May 19.

Previous status reports are available on the Web at:


Source: NASA - ELV Status Report 050908

George H. Diller
Kennedy Space Center, Fla.
321-867-2468
george.h.diller@nasa.gov

STATUS REPORT: ELV-051608

Expendable Launch Vehicle Status Report

Mission: GLAST (Gamma-ray Large Area Space Telescope)
Location: Astrotech payload processing facility
Launch Vehicle: Delta II 7920-H
Launch Pad: 17-B
Launch Date: No Earlier Than June 3, 2008
Launch Window: 11:45 a.m. - 1:40 p.m. EDT

At Astrotech this week, the GLAST spacecraft underwent final closeouts in preparation for being transported to the launch pad. It was mated to the launch vehicle's payload attach fitting on Wednesday. GLAST is being installed Friday into the payload transportation canister in preparation for transfer to the launch pad. The rollout from Astrotech to Pad 17-B will be done during the overnight hours of Saturday morning, and mating of the spacecraft to the second stage of the Delta II is planned between 5 and 7 a.m. EDT.

Mission: OSTM/Jason-2
Location: Astrotech payload processing facility, Vandenberg Air Force Base
Launch Vehicle: Delta II
Launch Pad: Space Launch Complex 2, Vandenberg Air Force Base
Launch Date: June 15, 2008
Launch Window: 1:47 - 1:56 a.m. PDT

At the Astrotech payload processing facility on north Vandenberg, testing of OSTM/Jason-2 was successfully completed. Fueling of the satellite with its hydrazine control propellant is planned for this weekend. The spacecraft is currently scheduled to be moved to the launch pad on June 2.

At Space Launch Complex 2, second stage propulsion system testing of the Delta II is complete. First stage propulsion system testing continues. Liquid oxygen will be loaded aboard to check the cryogenic systems of the first stage for leaks on May 19 during a countdown dress rehearsal for the Delta II launch team. The following day, a simulated flight test, an electrical and mechanical test of the Delta II, will exercise all of the launch vehicle systems as they will work after liftoff during the rocket's ascent to orbit.

Previous status reports are available on the Web at:


Source: NASA - ELV Status Report 051608

George H. Diller
Kennedy Space Center, Fla.
321-867-2468
george.h.diller@nasa.gov

STATUS REPORT: ELV-051608

Expendable Launch Vehicle Status Report

Mission: GLAST (Gamma-ray Large Area Space Telescope)
Location: Astrotech payload processing facility
Launch Vehicle: Delta II 7920-H
Launch Pad: 17-B
Launch Date: No Earlier Than June 3, 2008
Launch Window: 11:45 a.m. - 1:40 p.m. EDT

The rollout of the GLAST spacecraft from Astrotech to Pad 17-B began shortly after midnight on May 17, arriving at Pad 17-B on Cape Canaveral Air Force Station at 5 a.m. The spacecraft was then hoisted atop the Delta II at 7:30 a.m. Spacecraft state of health checks are successfully complete.

Thursday the Flight Program Verification was conducted. This is an electrical and mechanical test of the Delta II and GLAST working together as a single integrated system during countdown and launch milestones. Once this test is complete, spacecraft closeouts will begin. GLAST will be encapsulated into the Delta II fairing on May 27.

Mission: OSTM/Jason-2
Location: Astrotech payload processing facility, Vandenberg Air Force Base
Launch Vehicle: Delta II
Launch Pad: Space Launch Complex 2, Vandenberg Air Force Base
Launch Date: June 15, 2008
Launch Window: 1:47 - 1:56 a.m. PDT

At the Astrotech payload processing facility on north Vandenberg, fueling of the OSTM/Jason-2 spacecraft was successfully completed on May 19, and the tanks were pressurized the following day. Spacecraft closeouts are now under way. Next week, the spacecraft will be weighed and mated to the Delta II payload attach fitting. On June 1, OSTM/Jason-2 will be installed into the payload transportation canister and then moved to the launch pad the following day.

At Space Launch Complex 2, also on May 19, liquid oxygen was loaded aboard the first stage to check the cryogenic systems of the first stage for leaks. This test also served as a countdown dress rehearsal for the Delta II launch team. The following day, a simulated flight test was conducted. This was an electrical and mechanical test of the Delta II that exercised all of the launch vehicle systems as they will work after liftoff during the rocket's ascent to orbit..

Previous status reports are available on the Web at:


Source: NASA - ELV Status Report 052308

George H. Diller
Kennedy Space Center, Fla.
321-867-2468
george.h.diller@nasa.gov

STATUS REPORT: ELV-051608

Expendable Launch Vehicle Status Report

Mission: GLAST (Gamma-ray Large Area Space Telescope)
Location: Astrotech payload processing facility
Launch Vehicle: Delta II 7920-H
Launch Pad: 17-B
Launch Date: June 5, 2008
Launch Window: 11:45 a.m. - 1:40 p.m. EDT

The launch of NASA's GLAST spacecraft aboard a United Launch Alliance Delta II rocket is being scheduled for Thursday, June 5, instead of no earlier than June 3. The launch window extends from 11:45 a.m. to 1:40 p.m. EDT and remains unchanged through Aug. 7.

The June 5 date is already reserved for the launch of GLAST on the Eastern Range. The decision was made at the conclusion of Thursday's Flight Readiness Review to give the launch team sufficient time to determine that remaining open engineering issues are resolved.

Loading of the hypergolic propellants into the Delta II second stage is scheduled for Monday, June 2. On launch day, June 5, the mobile service tower will be retracted from around the rocket at 2 a.m. Loading of the liquid oxygen to begin the final phase of the launch countdown will begin at 10 a.m. which will lead to a liftoff targeted for 11:45 a.m. EDT.

Mission: OSTM/Jason-2
Location: Astrotech payload processing facility, Vandenberg Air Force Base
Launch Vehicle: Delta II
Launch Pad: Space Launch Complex 2, Vandenberg Air Force Base
Launch Date: June 15, 2008
Launch Window: 1:47 - 1:56 a.m. PDT


At the Astrotech payload processing facility on north Vandenberg, the spacecraft has been mated to the Delta II payload attach fitting, and spacecraft closeouts have been completed. On Sunday, June 1, OSTM/Jason-2 will be installed into the payload transportation canister. The following day, June 2, it will be moved to Space Launch Complex 2 to be mated with the Delta II rocket.

The Flight Program Verification, an integrated test of both the Delta II and the OSTM/Jason-2 spacecraft, will be conducted on June 5. This is the last major test before launch. The payload fairing will be installed around the spacecraft on June 9. The Delta II second stage hypergolic propellants will be loaded into the vehicle on June 12.

Previous status reports are available on the Web at:


Source: NASA - ELV Status Report 053008

George H. Diller
Kennedy Space Center, Fla.
321-867-2468
george.h.diller@nasa.gov

STATUS REPORT: ELV-051608

Expendable Launch Vehicle Status Report

Mission: GLAST (Gamma-ray Large Area Space Telescope)
Location: Astrotech payload processing facility
Launch Vehicle: Delta II 7920-H
Launch Pad: 17-B
Launch Date: No earlier than June 11, 2008
Launch Window: 11:45 a.m. - 1:40 p.m. EDT

NASA is targeting no earlier than June 11 for the launch of the GLAST spacecraft aboard a United Launch Alliance Delta II rocket. The launch window extends from 11:45 a.m. to 1:40 p.m. EDT and remains unchanged through Aug. 7.

The additional time is necessary to allow for replacement of the rocket's Flight Termination System battery which displayed indications of a problem Wednesday.

Loading of the hypergolic propellants into the Delta II second stage is planned for this weekend. On launch day, June 11, the mobile service tower will be retracted from around the rocket at 2 a.m. The terminal countdown sequence will begin at 9:15 a.m. by loading the first stage with RP-1 fuel, a highly refined kerosene. This will be followed at 10:15 a.m. by cryogenic fueling, loading the first stage with liquid oxygen. This will lead to a liftoff targeted for 11:45 a.m. EDT.

Mission: OSTM/Jason-2
Location: Astrotech payload processing facility, Vandenberg Air Force Base
Launch Vehicle: Delta II
Launch Pad: Space Launch Complex 2, Vandenberg Air Force Base
Launch Date: No earlier than June 19, 2008
Launch Window: 12:59 a.m. - 1:08 a.m. PDT


At the Astrotech payload processing facility on north Vandenberg, the OSTM/Jason 2 spacecraft is ready for transportation to Space Launch Complex 2 for mating with the Delta II rocket. An initial attempt was planned for Monday, June 2, but was postponed due to high wind. These windy conditions have continued throughout the week and have precluded shipping of the encapsulated spacecraft to the launch pad and hoisting of the spacecraft into the mobile service tower. Technicians hope the wind will begin to diminish sometime over the weekend. Launch has been retargeted for no earlier than June 19.

Previous status reports are available on the Web at:


Source: NASA - ELV Status Report 060608

George H. Diller
Kennedy Space Center, Fla.
321-867-2468
george.h.diller@nasa.gov

STATUS REPORT: ELV-080108

Expendable Launch Vehicle Status Report

Mission: IBEX (Interstellar Boundary Explorer)
Launch Vehicle: Pegasus XL (Orbital Sciences)
Launch Pad: Reagan Test Site, Kwajalein Pacific Atoll
Launch Date: Oct. 5, 2008
Launch Window: 12:41:54 p.m. EDT (4:41:54 a.m. local time)

The IBEX spacecraft arrived at Vandenberg Air Force Base in California on Monday, July 28. It was taken to the Astrotech Space Operations facility for processing. The following day the spacecraft was removed from its shipping container and placed on a test stand in the clean room high bay. IBEX was powered on July 31 to begin the state-of-health checks of the spacecraft's operating systems. Next week, testing of the spacecraft science instruments is scheduled.

At the Orbital Sciences launch vehicle hangar, prelaunch processing of the Pegasus XL rocket is under way. Work to attach the second and third stages is scheduled to begin Aug. 6. Integration of the first and second stages is planned to start Aug. 8. Fairing preparations also are scheduled to begin next week.

The L-1011 carrying the Pegasus XL rocket with IBEX is currently planned to depart from Vandenberg on Sept. 26. After a stop in Hawaii, the flight will continue and arrive at the Reagan Test Site at Kwajalein Atoll in the south Pacific on Sept. 28.

Previous status reports are available at:


Source: NASA - ELV Status Report 080108

George H. Diller
Kennedy Space Center, Fla.
321-867-2468
george.h.diller@nasa.gov

STATUS REPORT: ELV-080808

Expendable Launch Vehicle Status Report

Mission: IBEX (Interstellar Boundary Explorer)
Launch Vehicle: Pegasus XL (Orbital Sciences)
Launch Pad: Reagan Test Site, Kwajalein Pacific Atoll
Launch Date: Oct. 5, 2008
Launch Window: 12:42 p.m. - 12:45 p.m. EDT
(04:42 a.m. - 04:45 a.m. local Kwajalein time)

At Vandenberg Air Force Base in California this week, the IBEX spacecraft is undergoing testing of its science instruments. On Monday, Aug. 11, the spacecraft will be fueled. Meanwhile, the upper stage motor was spin-balanced on Aug. 7. This will be followed by spacecraft spin balancing on Aug. 14. On Aug. 15, IBEX will be mated to the upper stage, and the integrated stack spin-balanced the following day.

At the Orbital Sciences launch vehicle hangar, prelaunch processing of the Pegasus XL rocket continues on schedule. Mating of the second and third stages is under way. Mating of the first and second stages is scheduled for next week.

The L-1011 carrying the Pegasus XL rocket with IBEX is currently planned to depart from Vandenberg on Sept. 25. After a stop in Hawaii, the flight will continue and arrive at the Reagan Test Site at Kwajalein Atoll in the south Pacific on Sept. 26.

For information about IBEX and its mission, visit:


Previous status reports are available at:


Source: NASA - ELV Status Report 080808

George H. Diller
Kennedy Space Center, Fla.
321-867-2468
george.h.diller@nasa.gov

STATUS REPORT: ELV-081508

Expendable Launch Vehicle Status Report

Mission: IBEX (Interstellar Boundary Explorer)
Launch Vehicle: Pegasus XL (Orbital Sciences)
Launch Pad: Reagan Test Site, Kwajalein Pacific Atoll
Launch Date: Oct. 5, 2008
Launch Window: 12:42 p.m. - 12:45 p.m. EDT
(04:42 a.m. - 04:45 a.m. local Kwajalein time)

At Vandenberg Air Force Base, Calif., the IBEX spacecraft was fueled with hydrazine control propellant on Aug. 12. This was followed by spacecraft spin balancing on Aug. 14. Friday, IBEX is scheduled to be attached to the upper stage booster. Technicians will then perform a final spin-balance test of the entire flight stack on Aug. 16. After de-integration, the upper stage will be transported to the Pegasus launch vehicle hangar on Aug. 19. The IBEX spacecraft will be moved there on Aug. 20.

At the Orbital Sciences launch vehicle hangar, prelaunch processing of the Pegasus XL rocket continues to occur on schedule. Mating of the first and second stages was completed yesterday. Attachment of the second and third stages was done on Aug. 12.

The L-1011 aircraft carrying the Pegasus XL rocket with IBEX currently is planned to depart from Vandenberg on Sept. 25. After a stop in Hawaii, the flight will continue and arrive at the Reagan Test Site at Kwajalein Atoll in the south Pacific on Sept. 26.

For information about IBEX and its mission, visit:


Previous status reports are available at:


Source: NASA - ELV Status Report 081508

George H. Diller
Kennedy Space Center, Fla.
321-867-2468
george.h.diller@nasa.gov

STATUS REPORT: ELV-082908

Expendable Launch Vehicle Status Report

Mission: IBEX (Interstellar Boundary Explorer)
Launch Vehicle: Pegasus XL (Orbital Sciences)
Launch Pad: Reagan Test Site, Kwajalein Pacific Atoll
Launch Date: Oct. 5, 2008
Launch Window: 12:42 p.m. - 12:45 p.m. EDT
(04:42 a.m. - 04:45 a.m. local Kwajalein time)

At Vandenberg Air Force Base in California, final spin-balance testing of the integrated IBEX spacecraft and upper stage booster flight stack was successfully completed on Aug. 16. The upper stage motor and the IBEX spacecraft were then moved to the Pegasus launch vehicle hangar Aug. 19-20. They will be attached to the Pegasus rocket Sept. 8-9.

Meanwhile, at the Orbital Sciences launch vehicle hangar, prelaunch processing of the Pegasus XL rocket continues to occur on schedule. Mating of all of the three stages now is complete, and the interface verification test is planned for Tuesday, Sept. 2.

The L-1011 carrying the Pegasus XL rocket with IBEX currently is planned to depart from Vandenberg on Sept. 25. After a stop in Hawaii, the flight will continue and arrive at the Reagan Test Site at Kwajalein Atoll in the south Pacific on Sept. 26.

For information about IBEX and its mission, visit:


Previous status reports are available at:


Source: NASA - ELV Status Report 082908