QUOTE (PhilHorzempa @ Jul 22 2008, 01:59 PM) 
For those who were not convinced of my reasoning, check this link that suggests that the LRO's launch will slip to February 2009.
http://www.livescience.com/blogs/author/leonarddavid/
Pretty close to my earlier analysis and prediction.
http://www.livescience.com/blogs/author/leonarddavid/
Pretty close to my earlier analysis and prediction.
I work with the Solar Dyanmics Observatory and received the following email. SDO is one of 3 spacecraft competing for two launch vehicles. LRO is one of the others, so their launch affects ours and vice versa. Nothing in this email is marked confidential, but personal information has been redacted.
QUOTE
Date: July 11, 2008 9:07:31 AM MDT
Subject: Latest on SDO Launch Date
Team,
We have just heard from our management and KSC.
LRO has swapped manifest positions with OTV which was a February 2009 launch. So, OTV now has the December 2008 slot, and LRO has the February 2009 slot. Per KSC/ULA, SDO has priority on any slot that opens up between LRO and MSL (currently September 2009). ULA has waitlisted us on the manifest for June 2009, with a potential of April. My understanding is that the currently manifested June mission is shakier than the April mission. However, both are possibilities.
We will be working over the next month or so to come up with a plan to accommodate the new reality; you will be involved in the planning (even though I realize we will have to work odd hours to touch base with people who are on shiftwe will do so).
The good news is that we will be able to complete our thermal testing without interruption, and will then be in a position to take advantage of almost any launch opportunity that arises.
Thank you,
Subject: Latest on SDO Launch Date
Team,
We have just heard from our management and KSC.
LRO has swapped manifest positions with OTV which was a February 2009 launch. So, OTV now has the December 2008 slot, and LRO has the February 2009 slot. Per KSC/ULA, SDO has priority on any slot that opens up between LRO and MSL (currently September 2009). ULA has waitlisted us on the manifest for June 2009, with a potential of April. My understanding is that the currently manifested June mission is shakier than the April mission. However, both are possibilities.
We will be working over the next month or so to come up with a plan to accommodate the new reality; you will be involved in the planning (even though I realize we will have to work odd hours to touch base with people who are on shiftwe will do so).
The good news is that we will be able to complete our thermal testing without interruption, and will then be in a position to take advantage of almost any launch opportunity that arises.
Thank you,
Take this for what it's worth.
), I've been hearing vague things about some sort of newly-discovered problem with Deltas that might have a ripple effect on everybody. Anybody more in the know have any info?
)