The launch of the Lockheed Martin Atlas III rocket was scrubbed this evening because of a
malfunctioning radar at a Bermuda tracking station. The tracking station is a mandatory Eastern Range telemetry support system to monitor the launch vehicle’s flight.
 
Pending resolution of the technical issue, the launch is rescheduled for May 16. The window remains the same – 5:37 to 7:57 p.m. Eastern Daylight Time. The weather forecast for a Tuesday, May 16, launch attempt calls for 90% favorable conditions.
 
This is the inaugural launch of the newest Atlas, and it will carry EUTELSAT’s W4 communications satellite to orbit powered by the
Russian-designed and-built RD-180 engine, the first time ever that a Russian engine has been used on an American rocket.
 
The launch will be broadcast on Telstar 6, Transponder 1, C-band, starting at 4:30 p.m. Eastern Daylight Time.
 
For more information about International Launch Services and Lockheed Martin Space Systems-Astronautics Operations, visit our websites at
http://www.ilslaunch.com/ and http://www.ast.lmco.com/.
 
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CONTACT:
Michelle Lyle (ILS Reston)
703-390-3073
email: michelle.lyle@lmco.com
 
Julie Andrews (ILS San Diego)
619-645-6400
email: julie.c.andrews@lmco.com
 
Joan Underwood (LMSS Astronautics)
303-971-7398
Pager: (888)369-2496
email: joan.b.underwood@lmco.com
 
Evan McCollum (LMSS Astronautics)
303-977-5937
Pager: (888)617-1239
email: evan.d.mccollum@lmco.com