Launch of GPS IIF 11 delayed due to problem with ground equipment
Photo Credit: Jason Rhian / SpaceFlight Insider
CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla — With slightly more than 16 hours before launch, United Launch Alliance (ULA) was forced to slightly postpone the launch of the 11th Block IIF GPS satellite due to a leak in ground support equipment located at Cape Canaveral Air Force Station’s Space Launch Complex 41 (SLC-41) in Florida.
Everything had been going as planned to launch the satellite atop a ULA Atlas V 401 rocket on Oct. 30 at 12:17 p.m. EDT (16:17 GMT) – however, the issue was discovered late in the day, leaving the Colorado-based firm to issue the following statement:
Cape Canaveral Air Force Station, Fla. (Oct. 29, 2015) — During final launch preparations of the ULA Atlas V launch vehicle carrying GPS IIF-11 for the United States Air Force, a leak was discovered in a ground support equipment valve for launch pad water suppression system. The valve will require repair or replacement. The team is proceeding with these actions. The ULA Atlas V launch has been rescheduled for Saturday, Oct. 31. The launch window is 12:13-12:32 p.m. EDT.
Jason Rhian
Jason Rhian spent several years honing his skills with internships at NASA, the National Space Society and other organizations. He has provided content for outlets such as: Aviation Week & Space Technology, Space.com, The Mars Society and Universe Today.
