[Launch Alert] Launch Date Change

[Launch Alert]

The Delta II/NPP satellite launch from Vandenberg AFB has been delayed. The
following details are courtesy of NASA.

EXPENDABLE LAUNCH VEHICLE STATUS REPORT

Spacecraft: NPP (NPOESS Preparatory Project)
Launch Vehicle: Delta II 7920
Launch Site: Vandenberg Air Force Base, Calif.
Launch Pad: Space Launch Complex 2
Launch Date: Oct. 28, 2011
Launch Window: 2:48:01 a.m. - 2:57:11 a.m. PDT (9 min., 10 sec.)
Orbital Altitude: 512 miles 

The launch of the NPOESS Preparatory Project (NPP) spacecraft aboard a 
United Launch Alliance Delta II rocket from Vandenberg Air Force Base 
has been retargeted for Friday, Oct. 28. The postponement for at 
least 24 hours will allow time to complete the necessary engineering 
review before the payload fairing is installed around the spacecraft.

The launch window on Oct. 28 is unchanged and extends from 2:48:01 
a.m. - 2:57:11 a.m. PDT.

NPP represents a critical first step in building the next-generation 
of Earth-observing satellites. NPP will carry the first of the new 
sensors developed for this satellite fleet, now known as the Joint 
Polar Satellite System (JPSS), to be launched in 2016. NPP is the 
bridge between NASA's Earth Observing System (EOS) satellites and the 
forthcoming series of JPSS satellites. The mission will test key 
technologies and instruments for the JPSS missions.