George H. Diller
Kennedy Space Center, Fla.
321-867-2468


STATUS REPORT: ELV-102006


EXPENDABLE LAUNCH VEHICLE STATUS REPORT


Mission: STEREO
Launch Pad: 17-B, Cape Canaveral Air Force Station
Launch Vehicle: Boeing Delta II
Launch Date: Oct. 25, 2006
Launch Time: 8:38 - 8:53 p.m. EDT


STEREO, at Pad 17-B atop the Boeing Delta II rocket, was encapsulated
into the Delta II fairing on Thursday. The second stage is scheduled
to be loaded with storable propellants on Monday, Oct. 23. Because
this is a hazardous operation, the launch pad will be closed to all
other work.


The Delta II flight program verification, a complete integrated
electrical and mechanical test with STEREO and the rocket, was
successfully completed on Monday. There are no significant launch
vehicle or spacecraft issues or concerns at this time.


On launch day, Oct. 25, the gantry-like mobile service tower is
scheduled to be retracted from around the Delta II at 11:15 a.m. The
terminal countdown procedure begins at 5:38 p.m. Engineers are
scheduled to begin loading the first stage with RP-1, a highly
refined kerosene fuel, at 5:58 p.m. The launch team will load the
first stage with liquid oxygen 50 minutes later at 6:48 p.m. Liftoff
is scheduled for 8:38 p.m. at the opening of a 15-minute launch
window.


Previous status reports are available on the Web at:


http://www.nasa.gov/centers/kennedy/launchingrockets/status/2006