 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
| . |  |
. |
NASA ST5 Mission On Target For Tuesday Launch
Vandenberg AFB CA (SPX) Mar 12, 2006 NASA's Pegasus rocket loaded with the three Space Technology Mission 5 satellites has been transported from its hangar to the runway ramp area and is being mated to its Orbital Sciences L-1011 carrier aircraft in preparation for its scheduled launch on Tuesday. Technicians performed a combined systems test Saturday, including both the Pegasus and the L-1011. NASA said the test will ensure all connections have been established and all systems are functioning properly. Workers also will perform a state-of-health check of the ST5 satellites, as well as a launch-readiness review. The four-hour, 40-minute countdown to launch is to begin Tuesday at 4:20 a.m. Eastern Time. The release of the Pegasus rocket and its ST5 cargo from the L-1011 is planned for 9:02 a.m. ET. The ST5 mission involves three small satellites, called micro-satellites, which will test and attempt to validate new technologies for future science missions. In a statement, NASA said the hope is ST5 "will demonstrate the benefits of a group of small low-cost spacecraft taking measurements at the same time in different locations." The mission is scheduled to operate for at least 90 days. It is part of NASA's New Millennium Program, created to "identify, develop, build, and test innovative technologies and concepts for use in future missions." Related Links ST5
Fourth Time Is The Charm For Ariane 5
Kourou, French Guiana (SPX) Mar 11, 2006After three postponements, an Ariane 5 rocket blasted off successfully from Europe's Spaceport at 7:32 p.m. local time Saturday - about halfway through its launch window of one hour and seven minutes. The vehicle carried the European HOT BIRD 7A and SPAINSAT telecommunications satellites. |
|
|
| The content herein, unless otherwise known to be public domain, are Copyright 1995-2006 - SpaceDaily.AFP and UPI Wire Stories are copyright Agence France-Presse and United Press International. ESA PortalReports are copyright European Space Agency. All NASA sourced material is public domain. Additionalcopyrights may apply in whole or part to other bona fide parties. Advertising does not imply endorsement,agreement or approval of any opinions, statements or information provided by SpaceDaily on any Web page published or hosted by SpaceDaily. Privacy Statement |
