Jan 23, 2009

George H Diller Kennedy Space Center, Fla 321-867-2468 george h diller@nasa gov

STATUS REPORT: ELV-012309

EXPENDABLE LAUNCH VEHICLE STATUS REPORT

Mission: NOAA-N Prime Launch Vehicle: Delta II 7320 Launch Pad: Space Launch Complex 2, Vandenberg Air Force Base, Calif Launch Date: Feb 4, 2009 Launch Window: 2:22:01 - 2:32:01 a m PST

The Flight Program Verification, an integrated test of the Delta II and NOAA-N Prime, was successfully completed Jan 22 This is the last major test before launch Checkout of the spacecraft's communications and telemetry systems is currently under way

The payload fairing is scheduled to be installed around the spacecraft on Jan 27 Loading of the Delta II second stage with hypergolic propellants is scheduled to occur on Jan 31

There are no significant issues or concerns, and the launch remains scheduled for Feb 4

Mission: Orbiting Carbon Observatory (OCO) Launch Vehicle: Taurus XL (Orbital Sciences) Launch Pad: Space Launch Complex 576-E, Vandenberg Air Force Base, Calif Launch Date: Feb 23, 2009 Launch Time: 1:51 a m PST (7 min , 30 sec launch window)

In processing activities on the Taurus launch vehicle in Building 1555 on north Vandenberg, thermal blanket and avionics subsystem installation is under way Stage 1 is planned to be mated to Stage 2 between Jan 24 and Jan 26 Flight Simulation No 2 is currently planned for Jan 27 Flight Simulation No 3 is currently planned for Feb 11

Stage 0, the stage providing the initial liftoff thrust, will be hoisted into position at the launch pad on Jan 30 The spacecraft will be encapsulated into the payload fairing on Feb 7 The spacecraft is planned to be integrated with the Taurus third stage on Feb 3 Finally, the payload/upper launch vehicle integrated stack is planned to be hoisted atop Stage 0 on Feb 16

Mission: Kepler Launch Vehicle: Delta II 7925 Launch Pad: 17-B, Cape Canaveral Air Force Station, Fla Launch Date: March 5, 2009 Launch Time: 10:48:43 p m EDT

Testing of the Kepler spacecraft instruments is complete Compatibility tests with the Deep Space Network are under way A Kepler mission scenario test is scheduled for Jan 24-25

Launch preparations for the Delta II rocket continue on schedule at Pad 17-B Loading the first stage with liquid oxygen as a leak check, as well as to serve as a countdown demonstration and certification for the launch team, was successfully completed Jan 19 A flight simulation exercising the electrical and mechanical systems of the rocket as they are to operate during the flight after liftoff was successfully conducted the following day

Routine testing to flight qualify the Delta II for the upcoming launch is continuing The Kepler spacecraft is scheduled to arrive at Pad 17-B and be attached to the Delta II on Feb 18

Previous status reports are available at:

http://www nasa gov/centers/kennedy/launchingrockets/status/index html

-end-

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