[meteorite-list] Mars Exploration Rovers Update - June 13, 2003

From: Ron Baalke <baalke_at_meteoritecentral.com>
Date: Thu Apr 22 10:22:38 2004
Message-ID: <200306131542.IAA18408_at_zagami.jpl.nasa.gov>

SPACECRAFT AND EXPENDABLE VEHICLES STATUS REPORT
June 13, 2003

George H. Diller
Kennedy Space Center
321/867-2468

MISSION: Mars Exploration Rover (MER-A)
LAUNCH VEHICLES: Delta II
LAUNCH PAD: 17-A
LAUNCH DATE: June 10, 2003

The MER-A Delta II launch vehicle carrying the "Spirit" Mars Exploration
Rover was launched successfully from Pad 17-A at Cape Canaveral Air Force
Station on Tuesday, June 10. The official liftoff time was 1:58:46.773 p.m.
EDT. Communication with the spacecraft through the Deep Space Network
indicates that the spacecraft is in good health and on the proper
trajectory. There are no issues or concerns with the mission at this time.


MISSION: Mars Exploration Rover (MER-B/Opportunity)
LAUNCH VEHICLE: Delta II Heavy
LAUNCH PAD: 17-B
LAUNCH DATE: June 25, 2003 NET
LAUNCH TIME: 12:38:16 a.m. / 1:19:19 a.m. EDT

Mating of the spacecraft to the upper stage booster, the Delta's third
stage, was completed on Thursday in the Payload Hazardous Servicing Facility
(PHSF). Today the spacecraft is being placed into its transportation
canister in preparation for going to the launch pad. That is scheduled to
occur before dawn on Tuesday, June 17.

Meanwhile, at Pad 17-B, preparations are under way for the Simulated Flight
test of the Delta II launch vehicle to occur sometime within the next few
days. This is a test that activates the Delta's mechanical and electrical
systems during a simulated flight of the vehicle to verify how they will
perform during ascent. A decision on the final launch date is expected on
Monday after the test has been completed.

The MER-B vehicle's first stage is on Pad 17-B. Erection of the nine solid
rocket boosters was completed May 22. The second stage was hoisted atop the
first stage on May 29. Encapsulation of the spacecraft into the payload
fairing atop the Delta II is currently planned for June 21.

[snip]

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Received on Fri 13 Jun 2003 11:42:50 AM PDT