Boeing

Range safety concerns related to wind direction and speed have delayed the launch of a Boeing [NYSE: BA] Delta III expendable launch vehicle carrying the Orion 3 spacecraft for Hughes Space and Communications and Loral Space & Communications. The rocket was scheduled for launch at 9:14 p.m. EDT today.

The rationale behind the scrub was as follows: if the U.S. Air Force range safety officers needed to destroy the launch vehicle during the early ascent phase of flight, the resultant toxic plume might impact populated areas.

Boeing is proceeding with plans for a launch tomorrow, Tues., April 6 at 9:13 p.m. EDT. The launch window extends to 10:22 p.m. EDT. The team will evaluate weather conditions and will issue updated launch information tomorrow.

Boeing and Loral will provide a live video feed beginning at 9 p.m. EDT. Ku-band transmission will be carried on Telstar 5, Transponder 19. The downlink is 12053 vertical. The English audio programming will be carried on 6.2 left. Korean audio programming will be carried on 6.8 right. Video streaming can be accessed via the Internet.

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