NASA Launch Manager Tim Dunn reports all is well with the SMAP spacecraft following a successful countdown and flawless launch this morning from Vandenberg Air Force Base in California.
“We’re in contact with SMAP and everything looks good right now,” Dunn said. “Deployment of the solar arrays is underway. We just couldn’t be happier.”
He went on to compliment the teams that worked in tandem to bring the launch to fruition.
“I just can’t say enough about the team that we have. We had zero launch vehicle problems on Delta II. We had zero spacecraft problems. The 30th Space Wing continues to provide rock-solid support,” he said. “Absolutely spectacular performance from all agencies contributing to the SMAP mission.”