The launch of NASA’s ICESat and CHIPsat spacecraft aboard a Boeing Delta II
expendable launch vehicle from Vandenberg Air Force Base, Calif., has been
postponed.
During a review of test data, a problem within an ordnance box was found.
The difficulty is associated with the signal this unit provides for launch
vehicle devices to unlatch and separate the payload fairing. The removal and
replacement of this unit and the associated retest will take approximately
two weeks.
Launch is currently targeted for no earlier than Jan. 8, 2003, if the work
can be completed successfully as planned.
