NASA delays launch of Glory Earth observation satellite

Science workers monitor a crane lifting NASA's Glory satellite's upper stack for attachment onto the Taurus XL rocket at Vandenberg Air Force Base in California. Source: AP

 

 

NASA has delayed the launch of the Glory Earth observation satellite until tomorrow, due to a glitch less than 15 minutes before it was to be launched today atop a four stage Taurus-XL rocket. NASA said an unexpected reading in a ground control interface with the launcher prompted the postponement, initially for 24 hours and then until tomorrow at 9.09pm (AEDT).
"Engineers from NASA and Orbital Sciences Corp. continue to troubleshoot a technical issue that arose during Wednesday's initial launch attempt," the space agency said in a statement.
"The target launch date also will ensure personnel get the required rest before entering another countdown," it added.
Data from the Glory mission will allow scientists to better understand how the sun and tiny atmospheric particles called "aerosols" affect Earth's climate and how they may affect human life.

Source: www.theaustralian.com