GOES N Launch Update
The launch of the Geostationary Operational Environmental Satellite (GOES-N) aboard a Boeing [NYSE:BA] Delta IV rocket has been delayed.
Following a temporary hold in the countdown on August 16, the count resumed and the launch team transferred power from ground support equipment to launch vehicle internal power. During this activity, the telemetry engineer observed a red alarm and called a hold when the auto system monitoring battery voltage on the launch vehicle's second stage determined that the voltage did not transition within the predicted time period.
Engineers are investigating the situation to determine why the system exceeded limits and what adjustments need to be made prior to the next launch attempt.
Boeing is unable to determine a new launch date at this time. The flight termination system batteries on the vehicle have now exceeded their demonstrated test life, and Boeing does not have the ability to install new batteries in time for an attempt prior to the eclipse period.
Further updates will be provided on the Boeing Launch Hotline (714) 896-4770.
Frequently Asked Questions:
Question: How long is an eclipse season and what affect does it have on satellites?
Answer: A geostationary orbit eclipse season spans approximately 48-days. Boeing satellites are equipped with solar arrays that convert sunlight into electricity in order to power the satellite. During the eclipse season, there is not enough solar energy gathered by the GOES N satellite to fully charge its power systems to safely pass through the first eclipses that occurs immediately after the solar wing is deployed.
Question: When is this upcoming eclipse season?
Answer: The start of eclipse season is dependant on the inclination of the final orbit. For a Geosynchronous orbit, eclipse season starts in late August or early September.
Question: Why can't you launch GOES N, even though the eclipse season begins in late August or early September?
Answer: Given the fact that it takes approximately 10-14 days to get the satellite into proper orbit, and about 2 days to deploy the solar array, the launch of GOES N would need to occur before the eclipse season begins.
Question: Can you launch during an eclipse season?
Answer: A launch of GOES N could occur at the tail-end of an eclipse season as the satellite would reach orbit and deploy its solar array after the season has completed.
August 18, 2005