The Delta IV Heavy with Orion on its nose streaked past the service tower as swing arms connected to the rocket swiveled backward out of its way.
The Delta IV Heavy with Orion on its nose streaked past the service tower as swing arms connected to the rocket swiveled backward out of its way.
The Orion spacecraft is heading into orbit on the brilliant fire and power of the United Launch Alliance Delta IV Heavy rocket!
Second stage tanks are the last to be secured at flight levels and pressure. The first stage engines will ignite at T-4.5 seconds and build up pressure before liftoff. Standby for launch!
The countdown resumed on time for liftoff at 7:05 a.m. EST.
Launch Conductor Scott Barney reports Orion and the Delta IV Heavy are go for liftoff on time at 7:05 a.m. EST.
Orion is now operating on its own battery power.
We remain on course for liftoff at 7:05 a.m. EST. The countdown remains in its planned hold for another six minutes.
Lead Flight Director Mike Sarafin polled his team at Mission Control in Houston and reports the team is “go” for today’s launch of the Orion Flight Test. The launch conductor here in Florida will conduct his poll shortly.
The countdown has paused as planned for 15 minutes so the launch and flight teams can perform their final polls and checks before moving into the last phase of the countdown. Everything is on track for a 7:05 a.m. EST launch.