Author: Anna Heiney

Today’s launch of NASA’s CYGNSS spacecraft has been scrubbed due to problems with the hydraulic pump that controls the release of the Orbital ATK Pegasus XL rocket from the L-1011 carrier aircraft. A hydraulic pump aboard the Orbital ATK L-1011 airplane, which is required to release the latches holding Pegasus in place, is not receiving power. Teams will assess the issue after the plane lands.

The aircraft is on its way back with the Pegasus XL rocket still safely attached.

The next possible launch opportunity is Tuesday, pending resolution of the pump issue.

The launch team’s strategy, according to NASA Launch Manager Tim Dunn, is to continue down to the L-4 minute mark. If the hydraulic pump is not functioning property at that point, the team will not continue the countdown.

Although there are some new storm cells that could begin affecting the flight path in the next 15-20 minutes, Launch Weather Officer Mike Rehbein reports that weather is currently “green” on all constraints.

The Stargazer L-1011 is flying west now in its racetrack pattern in order to set up for a second launch attempt at 9:05 a.m. EST. Meanwhile, the team continues troubleshooting a problem with the hydraulic system that controls the release of the Pegasus XL rocket from the aircraft.

Should a second launch attempt be approved for today, the drop time would be 9:05 a.m. EST for release and launch of the Pegasus XL rocket carrying NASA’s CYGNSS spacecraft.

Due to a hydraulic pump problem aboard the L-1011 Stargazer aircraft and weather concerns at the drop point, the 8:40 a.m. launch attempt will be bypassed and the team will determine whether a second attempt is possible during today’s launch window. Pilots aboard the aircraft have been directed to recycle for a possible second attempt.

The L-1011 “Stargazer” aircraft carrying the Pegasus XL rocket continues its climb as it flies through a “racetrack pattern” that will ultimately put the vehicle on the path to the drop point. Launch remains scheduled for 8:40 a.m. EST.

Launch Weather Officer Mike Rehbein reports the range currently is “no go” due to violation of the anvil cloud constraint. However, he expects that to clear within ten minutes of the 8:40 a.m. EST launch time, so the Stargazer will continue on its planned flight path for now.

The NASA F-18 Hornet chase plane has departed from the Skid Strip at Cape Canaveral Air Force Station in Florida. Video provided by the chase plane will capture the deployment and first few minutes of the Pegasus XL rocket’s flight.

The Orbital ATK “Stargazer” L-1011 aircraft has taken off from the Skid Strip at Cape Canaveral Air Force Station in Florida. Attached to its underside is the company’s Pegasus XL rocket containing the eight CYGNSS microsatellites.

Launch remains scheduled for 8:40 a.m. EST. From now until then, the crew aboard the L-1011 will work through its checklists in concert with the launch team on the ground to ensure the aircraft is in position and the rocket and CYGNSS payload are ready to fly when the vehicle reaches the drop point.