BY JUSTIN RAY

Follow the countdown and launch of the Lockheed Martin Atlas 3B rocket with the EchoStar 7 direct broadcasting satellite. Reload this page for the very latest on the mission. Use our text only page for faster downloads.

WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 20, 2002

All systems remain "go" for launch of Lockheed Martin's maiden Atlas 3B rocket. Mission managers held an "uneventful" final launch readiness review this morning, clearing the way for Thursday's liftoff from Cape Canaveral Air Force Station in Florida. Officials are not reporting any problems.

Countdown clocks at Complex 36 are scheduled to begin ticking down at 10:23 p.m. EST tonight, kicking off a near nine-hour sequence of readying the rocket, EchoStar 7 payload and ground support systems for launch. The mobile service tower will be rolled away from the rocket 4:13 a.m. The three-step process to load super-cold liquid oxygen and liquid hydrogen into the vehicle will begin at 5:27 a.m.

Liftoff is scheduled for 7:13 a.m. EST, which is 17 minutes after sunrise.

The weather forecast has been downgraded slightly to a 70 percent chance of acceptable conditions for the launch. Clouds and rainshowers are the prime concerns.

"Gusty surface winds will continue throughout the day and overnight as the previously mentioned cold front approaches the Florida peninsula. This front is expected to weaken as it slowly moves through the area, however computer guidance now indicates the location of the front to be directly over Central Florida during the launch countdown and window. There will be the chance of scattered rainshowers and areas of Thick Layered clouds along this frontal boundary during the launch countdown. The front is expected to stall just south of Central Florida and surface winds are expected to increase on Friday. The main concerns for launch day will be the chance of Thick Layered Clouds and scattered rainshowers (enhanced Cumulus Clouds) along the frontal boundary," Launch Weather Officer Jim Sardonia reported in his updated forecast today.

Launch time conditions are now predicted to include scattered cumulus clouds at 5,000 feet with 3/8ths sky coverage and tops at 8,000 feet, broken altocumulus clouds at 12,000 feet with 5/8ths sky coverage and tops at 15,000 feet, broken cirrus clouds at 24,000 feet with 5/8ths sky coverage and tops at 25,000 feet, visibility of 7 miles, southerly winds from 190 degrees at 12 gusting to 20 knots, a temperature of 62 to 64 degrees F and relative humidity of 85 percent.

Watch this page for complete live coverage of the final hours of the countdown and launch on Thursday starting just before 4 a.m. EST.

TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 19, 2002

Preparations continue for Thursday's inaugural flight of the Lockheed Martin Atlas 3B rocket. Final chores to ready the booster are underway today, and senior officials will meet Wednesday for the Launch Readiness Review to give a "go" to begin the countdown and proceed with the scheduled liftoff.

Air Force meteorologists are still calling for an 80 percent chance of conditions meeting the launch weather rules during Thursday's window of 7:13 to 8:14 a.m. EST. The two issues that will be watched are cumulus clouds and rainshowers prohibiting launch.

"Gusty surface winds will continue today as a cold front is approaching the Southeastern U.S. The chance of coastal rainshowers will increase in the early AM hours Wednesday and Thursday as this front approaches central Florida. The front is expected to slowly move through the area late Thursday or early Friday bringing a chance of scattered rainshowers and isolated thunderstorms. Weather conditions are expected to be less favorable in the event of a 24-hour delay. The main concern for launch day will be the chance of enhanced cumulus clouds and the chance of isolated coastal rainshowers within 5 nautical miles of the flight path," Launch Weather Officer Jim Sardonia reported in his forecast today.

Launch time conditions are now predicted to include scattered cumulus clouds at 5,000 feet with 3/8ths sky coverage and tops at 8,000 feet, scattered altocumulus clouds at 12,000 feet with 3/8ths sky coverage and tops at 15,000 feet, visibility of 7 miles or better, southerly winds from 170 degrees at 8 gusting to 18 knots, a temperature of 61 to 63 degrees F and relative humidity of 70 percent.

Should the launch slip to Friday for some reason, the forecast now calls for a 60 percent of good weather. Thick layered clouds, cumulus clouds near the flight path and costal showers will be the concerns. Friday's launch time is 7:21 a.m. EST.

The weather is expected to improve on Saturday with an 80 percent chance of acceptable conditions. The concerns will be surface winds blowing above 25 knots and costal showers. Saturday's launch time is 7:29 a.m. EST.

MONDAY, FEBRUARY 18, 2002

Lockheed Martin's Atlas 3B rocket is poised to make its premiere flight Thursday, lofting a direct-to-home TV broadcasting satellite into space and proving the new "stretched" version of the venerable Centaur upper stage works in preparation for its use on the next-generation Atlas 5. Read our launch preview story.