Managers gave a “go” to proceed toward the launch of OCO-2 at the conclusion of today’s Launch Readiness Review. The spacecraft is sealed atop a United Launch Alliance Delta II rocket set to lift off from Space Launch Complex 2 on Tuesday, July 1 at 2:56 a.m. PDT, 5:56 a.m. EDT. Tuesday, July 1, at Vandenberg Air Force Base in California. There are no issues or concerns with either the observatory or the rocket, and weather is not expected to be a problem.
Monday is L-1, meaning “one day before launch.” That’s when RP-1 fuel will be loaded aboard the Delta II’s first stage, followed by rollback of the gantry-like mobile service tower surrounding the vehicle (pictured). Cryogenic liquid oxygen loading is scheduled to start early Tuesday, at 1:11 a.m. PDT, setting the stage for liftoff at 2:56 a.m.
Go launch!!
Go Launch!!!
Good Day / Bonjour