Launch of OA-7 Cygnus mission slips to NET March 27
The OA-7 Cygnus is prepared for encapsulation inside the Atlas V 401 payload fairing. Encapsulation took place March 17, 2017. Photo Credit: Michael Howard / SpaceFlight Insider
CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. — United Launch Alliance (ULA) needs a bit more time before sending Orbital ATK’s S.S. John Glenn OA-7 Cygnus spacecraft on its way to the International Space Station (ISS). This is according to a March 20, 2017, announcement made by ULA on its website.
ULA needs the additional time to troubleshoot a hydraulic issue that was uncovered on ground support equipment required for launch. It has now set a new no-earlier-than launch date of Monday, March 27, 2017.
When it does take to Florida’s skies, it will do so atop an Atlas V 401 rocket from Cape Canaveral Air Force Station’s Space Launch Complex 41. Cygnus was encapsulated inside the rocket’s payload fairing on March 17. The cargo spacecraft is filled with 7,626 pounds (3,459 kilograms) of cargo, crew supplies, and experiments bound for the orbiting outpost.
The Atlas V was scheduled to fly at the opening of a 30-minute window starting at 9 p.m. EDT March 24 (01:00 GMT March 25). As the launch window to the ISS shifts about 23 minutes earlier each day, a March 27 liftoff should occur in a 30-minute window that starts at 7:51 p.m. EDT (23:51 GMT).
Dulles, Virginia-based Orbital ATK has a $1.9 billion agreement with NASA to deliver cargo to the orbiting laboratory under the space agency’s Commercial Resupply Services contract.
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.
