[Launch Alert] Launch Delayed Again

[Brian Webb]

DELTA II LAUNCH DELAYED

VANDENBERG AFB, Calif. - The launch of a Delta II rocket from Space Launch
Complex-2 has been rescheduled due to a problem with a payload fairing air
conditioning compressor at the launch pad.  

Launch management will meet midday on Thursday to review launch readiness
for an attempt on Friday, Feb. 6 at 2:22 a.m. PST.

The rocket will carry a NOAA-N Prime polar-orbiting weather satellite for
NASA and the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. 

The NOAA-N Prime satellite will improve weather forecasting and monitor
environmental events around the world, according to the NASA Web site.
NOAA-N Prime is the fifth and last in the current series of five
polar-orbiting satellites with improved imaging and sounding capabilities. 

The satellite will collect meteorological data and transmit the information
to NOAA's Satellite and Information Service, which processes the data for
input to the National Weather Service for its long-range weather and climate
forecasts, according to NASA. Forecasters worldwide also will be able to
access the satellite's images and data. 

NOAA-N Prime has sensors that will be used in the Search and Rescue
Satellite-Aided Tracking System to monitor for distress signals around the
world.