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Science satellite 'Glory' launch delayed again – maybe until mid-March
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Science satellite 'Glory' launch delayed again – maybe until mid-March
Science satellite 'Glory' launch delayed again – maybe until mid-March
Shuttle Discovery is on its way to the International Space Station. The world's most traveled spaceship thundered into orbit for the 39th and final time yesterday afternoon. After this, only two shuttle missions remain, first by Atlantis and then Endeavour.
NASA had planned another important space mission for this week. A rocket carrying the Glory earth science satellite was supposed to lift off from Vandenberg Air Force Base – but it’s still on the ground.
Just before the Glory launch early Wednesday, NASA technicians detected a computer malfunction with the Taurus rocket. They moved the launch back 24 hours – and now they’ve delayed it indefinitely because they’re still not satisfied that the Taurus rocket is working correctly.
The launch might not happen until the middle of next month. The Glory mission is already a year behind schedule.
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Sensors on the satellite are designed to search the Earth’s atmosphere for “dark aerosols” that absorb sunlight and perhaps contribute to climate change. Glory is part of a group of satellites studying atmospheric changes.
It’s a $424 million piece of gear – and that’s good reason to make sure the launch goes right. Two years ago, NASA stuck another earth science satellite on top of a Taurus rocket – and watched that quarter-billion dollar contraption fall into the ocean near Antarctica when its cover didn’t break away as planned.
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But the game has changed: Congress voted to eliminate funding for public media across the country. Here at LAist that means a loss of $1.7 million in our budget every year. We want to assure you that despite growing threats to free press and free speech, LAist will remain a voice you know and trust. Speaking frankly, the amount of reader support we receive will help determine how strong of a newsroom we are going forward to cover the important news in our community.
We’re asking you to stand up for independent reporting that will not be silenced. With more individuals like you supporting this public service, we can continue to provide essential coverage for Southern Californians that you can’t find anywhere else. Become a monthly member today to help sustain this mission.
Thank you for your generous support and belief in the value of independent news.
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