Launch of NASA’s WISE Spacecraft Delayed Until Dec. 14

WASHINGTON – The launch of NASA’s Wide-field Infrared Survey Explorer, or WISE, spacecraft aboard a Delta II rocket from Vandenberg Air Force Base in California has been rescheduled for Monday, Dec. 14. The launch window extends from 9:09 to 9:23 a.m. EST. The first launch attempt scheduled for Dec. 11 was delayed because of a problem with the motion of a booster steering engine.

Mission managers have implemented a plan to resolve the issue. This plan includes removing and replacing a suspect component today. The current weather forecast calls for an 80 percent chance of acceptable weather at launch time on Monday.

NASA TV coverage of the countdown and WISE launch will begin at 7 a.m. on Dec. 14 and also will be available on the NASA Web site at: http://www.nasa.gov

The WISE mission news center is operational at the NASA Vandenberg Resident Office. Reporters can call 805-605-3051 for launch information. Recorded status reports are available by dialing 805-734-2693.

For more information about the WISE mission, visit: http://www.nasa.gov/wise