NASA scrubbed today's test launch and flight of the Orion spacecraft after several issues came up during its launch window this morning, including problems with valves on the rocket.
The mission's launch was originally scheduled for 7:05 a.m. EST this morning, but was first delayed due to a stray boat in the launch area. After the agency dealt with that issue, the launch was then rescheduled for 7:17 a.m. EST.
At the time, all systems were "go," but then high winds delayed the launch again. That resulted in a new launch time of 7:55 a.m. EST. Yet another issue with high winds delayed that to 8:26 a.m. EST.
But all was not well with the Delta IV rocket responsible for carrying Orion to space. A liquid oxygen fuel and drain valve did not properly close on the rocket. The Orion team attempted cycling all valves on the rocket boosters by opening and closing them, but the issue remained. As the launch window fast approached at 9:44 a.m., the agency admitted defeat and scrubbed the mission.
The next launch window opens tomorrow at 7:05 a.m. EST. At that time, the agency hopes for resolution of all issues so that Orion can launch into space.
Orion is the first vehicle designed to carry astronauts into deep space. It is the first NASA vehicle designed for manned space exploration since the space shuttle. Its first test launch will signal a new era in space exploration as Orion's eventual goal is to carry humans into deep space and eventually to Mars.
Orion's first unmanned test flight will send it into space, about 3,600 miles above Earth's surface. There it will make two laps around Earth before reentering Earth's atmosphere and splashing down into the Pacific Ocean.
Once launched on its first flight, Orion will test its heat shield and parachutes, along with its other technology, as well as other tests necessary before it can safely carry astronauts into deep space. Orion's earliest manned mission will see astronauts to an asteroid in the 2020s, with Mars being a target for the 2030s.
"As development continues on Orion, astronauts aboard the International Space Station are helping us learn how to protect the human body for longer durations, which missions to Mars will require," writes NASA on its website. "Researchers operating increasingly advanced rovers and spacecraft on and around Mars are revealing the planet's history while characterizing its environment to better prepare for human explorers."
Today's launch also ushered in a new era for NASA's Kennedy Space Center. Its new countdown clock got a workout today with the delays.
[Photo Credit: NASA TV]
