BY JUSTIN RAY

November 10, 2000 -- Follow the countdown and launch of a Boeing Delta 2 rocket with the U.S. Air Force's GPS 2R-6 navigation satellite. Reload this page for the very latest on the mission.

FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 10, 2000

A $45 million replacement satellite for the Global Positioning System constellation was lobed into space on Friday by a Boeing Delta 2 rocket following a midday blastoff from Cape Canaveral. Read our full launch story.

1820 GMT (1:20 p.m. EST)

Ground controllers have established contact with with the newly-launched Global Positioning System 2R-6 satellite. The craft is alive in the preliminary orbit where it remain until the Apogee Kick Motor is fired to achieve a circular perch 10,900 miles high. The Air Force plans to place the satellite into service in about a month, becoming the 28th operational craft in the GPS constellation.

1805 GMT (1:05 p.m. EST)

We have posted a video clip of today's launch of the Delta 2 rocket.

1739 GMT (12:39 p.m. EST)

T+plus 25 minutes, 44 seconds. SPACECRAFT SEPARATION! The NAVSTAR Global Positioning System 2R-6 military navigation satellite has been released from the Delta rocket's third stage following a successful launch today.

Over the coming month, activities to prepare the satellite for service will include deploying its solar arrays in order to generate power and recharge onboard batteries, manuevers to circularize the orbital altitude and testing and of the spacecraft bus and communications payload.

Check back later this afternoon for a full report on the launch, a movie clip and some pictures.

1737 GMT (12:37 p.m. EST)

T+plus 23 minutes, 40 seconds. The third stage motor has shut down as planned. A "crisp and clean" burnout, Boeing reports. Standing by for spacecraft separation in less than two minutes.

Periodic dropouts in live telemetry data from the rocket did cause some confusing moments about the second firing of the second stage. However, the burn did occur.

1736 GMT (12:36 p.m. EST)

T+plus 22 minutes, 30 seconds. Officials have confirmed the second and third stages separated. The solid-fueled third stage has ignited.

1736 GMT (12:36 p.m. EST)

T+plus 22 minutes. Boeing data showing an orbit after the second stage burn of 711 miles high, a low point of 107 miles and inclination of 37 degrees.

1735 GMT (12:35 p.m. EST)

T+plus 21 minutes. The Delta rocket's second stage is believed to have completed its second burn today to deliver the third stage and attached GPS spacecraft into the proper orbit. Some data dropouts have been reported today. Coming up on second and third stage separation in less than one minute.

1734 GMT (12:34 p.m. EST)

T+plus 20 minutes, 20 seconds. Still awaiting second stage data from the Ascension Island tracking station.

1733 GMT (12:33 p.m. EST)

T+plus 19 minutes. The current numbers show the Delta 2 is in an orbit with a high point of 259.7 miles, low point of 94.94 miles and inclination of 36.94 degrees.

1732 GMT (12:32 p.m. EST)

T+plus 18 minutes. Less than two minutes until the second stage engine is restarted for a 35-second firing as the GPS 2R-6 satellite continues its journey to space.

1729 GMT (12:29 p.m. EST)

T+plus 15 minutes. Nothing much to report at this point in the flight because the rocket has passed out of range from the downrange tracking station network. The next data will come in a few minutes via the Ascension Island station near the equator.

1728 GMT (12:28 p.m. EST)

T+plus 14 minutes. The official liftoff time was 12:14:02.219 p.m. EST.

1726 GMT (12:26 p.m. EST)

T+plus 12 minutes. The Delta rocket is now in a coast period that will last another 8 minutes before the second stage restarts.

1725 GMT (12:25 p.m. EST)

T+plus 11 minutes, 10 seconds. SECO 1. Confirmation that the second stage engine has cut off as planned and the Delta 2 rocket with the GPS 2R-6 spacecraft have arrive in a preliminary orbit around Earth.

1724 GMT (12:24 p.m. EST)

T+plus 10 minutes. Good chamber pressure reported from the second stage engine. Vehicle rates are normal. Altitude is 97 miles, downrange distance 1440 miles, velocity of 16,000 mph.

1723 GMT (12:23 p.m. EST)

T+plus 9 minutes. Just under two minutes left in the first firing of the second stage engine. Altitude is 96 miles, downrange distance 1160 miles, velocity of 15,200 mph.

1721 GMT (12:21 p.m. EST)

T+plus 7 minutes, 40 seconds. Boeing reports the Delta 2 rocket continuing to perform as expected as it climbs out of the "gravity well" and into space.

1720 GMT (12:20 p.m. EST)

T+plus 6 minutes, 40 seconds. The downrange Antiqua tracking station has acquired the rocket's signal as it heads away from Florida on the way to orbit.

1719 GMT (12:19 p.m. EST)

T+plus 5 minutes, 40 seconds. Altitude is 77 miles, downrange distance 505 miles, velocity of 13,000 mph.

1719 GMT (12:19 p.m. EST)

T+plus 5 minutes, 5 seconds. The protective payload fairing enclosing the GPS satellite atop the rocket has separated with no recontact detected.

1719 GMT (12:19 p.m. EST)

T+plus 5 minutes. Good chamber pressure reported from the second stage main engine as it begins the first of two burns in today's launch.

1718 GMT (12:18 p.m. EST)

T+plus 4 minutes, 50 seconds. MECO. The first stage main engine cutoff confirmed, the stage has been jettisoned and second stage engine ignition has occurred.

1718 GMT (12:18 p.m. EST)

T+plus 4 minutes. About a half-minute left in the first stage burn.

1717 GMT (12:17 p.m. EST)

T+plus 3 minutes. Some minor data dropouts reported from the first stage. But the vehicle continues to perform normally. Altitude is 35 miles, downrange distance 111 miles, velocity of 6,300 mph.

1716 GMT (12:16 p.m. EST)

T+plus 2 minutes, 20 seconds. The three air-start solid rocket boosters have burned out and separated. The rocket continues its trek to orbit on the power of the first stage liquid-fueled main engine.

1716 GMT (12:16 p.m. EST)

T+plus 2 minute. Downrange distance 42 miles, velocity is 3,900 miles per hour.

1715 GMT (12:15 p.m. EST)

T+plus 1 minute, 15 seconds. All six ground-start solid rocket boosters have burned out and separated. The three air-lit solids have ignited.

1714 GMT (12:14 p.m. EST)

T+plus 45 seconds. Vehicle has gone supersonic. Solid rocket boosters and first stage main engine continue to fire well.

1714 GMT (12:14 p.m. EST)

T+plus 30 seconds. Vehicle has already punched into the clouds over Cape Canaveral and out view.

1714 GMT (12:14 p.m. EST)

LIFTOFF! Liftoff of the Boeing Delta 2 to replenish the Global Positioning System satellite constellation. And the vehicle has cleared the tower.

1713 GMT (12:13 p.m. EST)

T-minus 30 seconds. Hydraulics and electronics reported go.

The launch ignition sequence will begin at T-minus 2 seconds when a Boeing engineer triggers the engine start switch. The process begins with ignition of the two vernier engines and first stage main engine start. The six ground-start solid rocket motors then light at T-0 for liftoff. At launch, the rocket will produce over 700,000 pounds of thrust.

1713 GMT (12:13 p.m. EST)

T-minus 1 minute. The Range has given its final clear-to-launch. The Delta 2 rocket's second stage hydraulic pump has gone to internal power after its pressures were verified acceptable. At the telemetry receiving areas where data from the rocket will be transmitted, the data recording charts have gone to high speed as the liftoff nears. Also, the pad 17A water suppression system has started.

1712 GMT (12:12 p.m. EST)

T-minus 90 seconds. The launch pad water system is activated.

1712 GMT (12:12 p.m. EST)

T-minus 2 minutes. The first stage liquid oxygen vents are now being closed so the LOX tank can be pressurized for launch. Puffs of vapor from a relief valve on the rocket will be seen in the remainder of the countdown as the tank pressure stabilizes.

The U.S. Air Force has declared the NAVSTAR Global Positioning System 2R-6 spacecraft on internal power and officially "go" for launch today. The spacecraft will join 27 other operational GPS satellites in space to provide precision navigation and timing information to military forces and civilians on land, in the air and at sea around the globe. Officials are launching the craft to expand the existing constellation and have it already in space when older GPS satellite should each the end of life.

1711 GMT (12:11 p.m. EST)

T-minus 3 minutes. The safety destruct safe and arm devices are being armed.

This will be a 25-minute flight of three-stage Delta 2 rocket. See the timeline for a summary of launch events.

1710 GMT (12:10 p.m. EST)

T-minus 4 minutes and counting. Now in the final phase of the countdown as Delta launch vehicle systems begin transferring to internal power. All systems remain ready for an on-time launch today at 12:14 p.m. EST from pad 17A at Cape Canaveral Air Force Station in Florida.

1709 GMT (12:09 p.m. EST)

All readiness polls of the launch team has been performed by senior officials and the countdown is set to resume as planned in about one minute.

1705 GMT (12:05 p.m. EST)

Now half-way through this 10-minute built-in hold at T-minus 4 minutes. There are no problems being reported. Liftoff still set for 12:14 p.m. EST.

1702 GMT (12:02 p.m. EST)

The latest computer program based upon upper level winds have been uploaded to the Delta 2 rocket's guidance computer. The information tells the computer what wind conditions to expect during the climb to orbit today.

1700 GMT (12:00 p.m. EST)

T-minus 4 minutes and holding. The countdown has entered the final planned hold point for today's launch attempt. During this planned 10-minute hold, officials will poll the various team members behind the scenes, in the "soft blockhouse", Range Operations Control Center and Mission Directors Center. The final Launch Decision Authority rests with Lt. Col. David Buck, commander of the 1st Space Launch Squadron at Cape Canaveral Air Force Station. He will give the approval to launch the Delta rocket and the Air Force's NAVSTAR Global Positioning System 2R-6 satellite.

1656 GMT (11:56 a.m. EST)

The first stage fuel tank vent is being closed and the tank is being pressurized for launch.

1654 GMT (11:54 a.m. EST)

T-minus 10 minutes and counting. The countdown is heading to T-minus 4 minutes for a 10-minute long hold. Liftoff the Boeing Delta 2 rocket from Cape Canaveral Air Force Station is still slated to occur at 12:14 p.m. EST to place the NAVSTAR Global Positioning System 2R-6 satellite into space.

For these NAVSTAR GPS launches, Boeing uses a model 7925-9.5 Delta 2 rocket. The expendable launch vehicle consists of three stages, nine strap-on solid rocket boosters and a 9.5-foot diameter payload fairing. The rocket stands 126 feet tall. See our rocket fact sheet for more.

1653 GMT (11:53 a.m. EST)

Checks are now under way of the Range Safety command destruct receivers that would be used to destroy the Delta rocket should a problem arise during the launch. A little earlier, the Range completed RF link checks with the rocket.

1651 GMT (11:51 a.m. EST)

The trickle charge is being stopped to the Global Positioning System 2R-6 spacecraft atop the Delta rocket, and the satellite is switching to internal power for launch.

1649 GMT (11:49 a.m. EST)

Another update from Launch Weather Officer Joel Tumbiolo indicates none of the weather rules are being violating currently. The cold front is currently between the Atlas rocket pads at Complex 36 and the Delta's Complex 17. There are some rain showers and low clouds around, but neither are a concern. The only thing of note is a significant shift in the winds expected at pad 17A once the front passes by in the next 10 to 15 minutes. The wind speeds are not expected to exceed limits, either.

1644 GMT (11:44 a.m. EST)

T-minus 20 minutes and counting. Countdown clocks are running again following the planned 20-minute hold. The count will continue to the T-minus 4 minute mark where another hold is scheduled. Launch remains set for 12:14 p.m. EST.

The latest check on upper level winds is still showing acceptable conditions. Ground weather remains forecast "go" for an on-time liftoff as a cold front sweeps through the local area today. The light drizzle and clouds are moving away and should not be a factor, meteorologists say.

1640 GMT (11:40 a.m. EST)

The Boeing launch conductor has polled the launch team for a "go" to pick up the countdown as planned. No problems were announced. The Air Force launch conductor then polled his management team. Clocks are set to resume in four minutes.

1634 GMT (11:34 a.m. EST)

Now half-way through this 20-minute built-in hold in the countdown. The communications loops between members of the launch team are pretty quiet at the moment since there nothing much to talk about. There are no technical issues with the rocket or payload to be addressed and the team is simply waiting for the countdown clock to resume.

1624 GMT (11:24 a.m. EST)

T-minus 20 minutes and holding. The countdown has entered into the first of two planned hold periods during the last 20 minutes of the Terminal Count for today's 12:14 p.m. EST (1714 GMT) launch. This pause will last 20 minutes in duration. These holds are designed to give the launch team a chance to deal with any problems and catch up on work that could be running behind schedule. At this point, the countdown is reported to be going very smoothly.

Engineers have just completed gimbal checks of the nozzles on the first stage main engine and twin vernier engines and second stage engine. This test is performed to ensure the engines will be able to steer the rocket during launch.

Sitting atop the Delta rocket is the Lockheed Martin-built GPS 2R-6 spacecraft, which will be the 34th operational satellite to be launched since 1989.

The Navigation Signal Timing and Ranging Global Positioning System (NAVSTAR GPS) was established in the 1970s to provide the military with navigation data for ground, sea and air forces. The first 11 satellites, known as Block 1, were launched from 1978 through 1985 and served to test the fundamentals behind the GPS concept. Beginning in 1989, the Block 2 and 2A series satellites began flying to form the current constellation that provides precise navigation data not only to the military but civilians as well.

In 1997 a newer, more advanced series of GPS satellites, the Block 2R, debuted. However, the first was lost in a launch failure. The second was successfully launched in July of that year. Today, the sixth of 21 is scheduled to leave the Earth aboard the Delta 2 rocket. The craft are considered to be operational replenishment satellites and are developed by Lockheed Martin. They will carry GPS into the next century. Block 2R satellites are designed to provide at least 14 days of operation without contact from controllers and up to 180 days of operation when operating in the autonomous navigation (AUTONAV) mode. The spacecraft maintain their accuracy by communicating with other Block 2R satellites in orbit. This so-called cross-link ranging will be used to estimate and update the parameters in the navigation message of each Block 2R satellite without contact from ground control. Other enhancements include reprogrammable micro-processors for upgrading in-flight, additional radiation protection, greater fuel capacity, the ability to determine their own position and two atomic clocks working at all times, providing a "hot backup."

The GPS constellation is comprised of 24 primary satellites divided into six orbital planes with four spacecraft in each. They circle in formation about 10,900 nautical miles above Earth every 12 hours in orbits inclined 55 degrees to the equator. The GPS 2R-6 satellite being launched today will join the 27 spacecraft currently in operation. Controllers plan to place the new craft in Plane F, Slot 1 of the constellation. The craft currently in that position -- GPS 2A-17 -- will be moved to the backup slot F5 for the rest of its useful life.

The continuous navigation signals sent from the satellites allow users to find their position in latitude, longitude and altitude and measure time. A GPS user receiver measures the time delay for the signal to reach the receiver, which is the direct measure of the apparent range to the satellite. Measurements collected simultaneously from four satellites are processed to solve for the three dimensions of position, velocity and time. Users can determine their location to within feet, speed within a fraction of a mile per hour and time to within a millionth of a second.

Countless uses have been found for the revolutionary GPS system. Everyday, GPS guides U.S. military troops, aircraft, submarines and ships around the globe. Troops also relied on the system extensively in the featureless desert battlefield of the Gulf War. Weapons can use GPS data for guidance. GPS also found its way into the civilian commercial market -- assisting planes, automobiles, boats, hikers and map makers.

1614 GMT (11:14 a.m. EST)

Now exactly one hour from the scheduled liftoff time for the Boeing Delta 2 rocket with the U.S. Air Force's NAVSTAR Global Positioning System Block 2R-6 military navigation satellite. The countdown continues to proceed on time, there are no technical problems are being reported and the weather is forecast to be acceptable.

Over the next few minutes, the "slew" or steering checks of the first and second stage engines will be performed and RF link tests between the Range and rocket are scheduled.

1610 GMT (11:10 a.m. EST)

Boeing engineers assessing the upper level winds from data gathered by weather balloons say conditions are acceptable for launch.

1607 GMT (11:07 a.m. EST)

Launch Weather Officer Joel Tumbiolo just briefed officials on the current conditions and the forecast for liftoff today. A cold front is moving through the Cape Canaveral region right now. In fact, it is located between the Shuttle Landing Facility at Kennedy Space Center and the Delta 2 rocket's Complex 17 launch pad, Tumbiolo reported.

There are some rain showers in the area but are so light that they are not being picked up on radar. The clouds overhead are not a concern. All weather rules are currently "go" for launch with conditions expected to improve even more by launch time in about an hour.

1600 GMT (11:00 a.m. EST)

The Delta rocket is now fully fueled for launch today at 12:14 p.m. EST (1714 GMT) to deliver the NAVSTAR Global Positioning System 2R-6 satellite into orbit.

The vehicle's first stage was successfully loaded with RP-1 kerosene fuel and liquid oxygen this morning. The second stage was loaded with its storable nitrogen tetroxide and Aerozine 50 fuels earlier this week; and the third stage and strap-on booster rockets are solid-propellant.

1554 GMT (10:54 a.m. EST)

The Delta 2 rocket's first stage liquid oxygen tank has been topped off at 100 percent. The tank will be replenished through the remainder of the countdown to replace the liquid oxygen that naturally boils away. It took 23 minutes, 20 seconds to load the LOX tank today, an operation completed at 10:53:44 a.m. EST.

1550 GMT (10:50 a.m. EST)

The launch team just reported the first stage liquid oxygen tank is now three-quarters full. The "rapid load" phase of filling the tank will continue to the 95-percent level before the slower "fine load" takes over to reach the 99-percent mark.

1545 GMT (10:45 a.m. EST)

Loading of liquid oxygen continues. Now 15 minutes into this approximate 25-minute process. Meanwhile, a light drizzle is still falling around Cape Canaveral at this hour. Officials remain hopeful, however, conditions will improve for liftoff at 12:14 p.m. EST, the opening of a 26-minute launch window today.

1530 GMT (10:30 a.m. EST)

Cryogenic liquid oxygen, chilled to Minus-298 degrees F, is now flowing from a storage tank at pad 17A, through plumbing and into the bottom of the Boeing Delta 2 rocket. The LOX will be consumed by the first stage main engine along with RP-1 kerosene loaded aboard the vehicle over the past hour.

FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 10, 2000
1525 GMT (10:25 a.m. EST)

The launch team has been given a "go" to begin loading liquid oxygen into the Delta 2's first stage, the final step in fueling the three-stage rocket for flight.

1517 GMT (10:17 a.m. EST)

Checks of the rocket's C-band beacon have been completed. The interrogation ensures this beacon is strong and working properly so the vehicle can be tracked during flight.

1459 GMT (9:59 a.m. EST)

The first stage fuel tank of the Boeing Delta 2 rocket has been fully loaded for today's planned 12:14 p.m. EST liftoff from Cape Canaveral Air Force Station in Florida. The tank was loaded with 9,930 gallons of a highly refined kerosene, called RP-1, during a 20-minute, 15-second process today that concluded at 9:58:49 a.m. EST.

The next major task in the countdown will be loading super-cold cryogenic liquid oxygen into the first stage starting at about 10:30 a.m. EST.

1454 GMT (9:54 a.m. EST)

The first stage fuel tank has been loaded with 9,000 gallons so far. Once the tank is filled with 9,730 gallons, or 98 percent, the "rapid load" valve will be closed and the slower "fine load" phase will top off the tank to 9,930 gallons for launch.

1448 GMT (9:48 a.m. EST)

Fueling of the rocket's first stage has now been underway for 10 minutes. The launch team has calculated that the full load for propellant tank today is 9,930 gallons. Nearly 6,000 gallons has already been pumped aboard at this point.

1443 GMT (9:43 a.m. EST)

Now five minutes into this approximate 25-minute process to load the rocket's first stage with nearly 10,000 gallons of refined kerosene. The flow rate is currently measured at 584 gallons per minute as the "rapid load" phase of fueling continues. The rate will be decreased once the tank is 98 percent full.

1438 GMT (9:38 a.m. EST)

Valves have been configured and about 10,000 gallons of propellant is now flowing from a storage tank into the Boeing Delta 2 rocket's first stage. Called RP-1, the highly refined kerosene will be guzzled along with liquid oxygen (to be pumped into the rocket a little later this morning) by the first stage Rocketdyne RS-27A main engine and twin vernier steering thrusters during the initial four-and-a-half-minutes of flight.

1431 GMT (9:31 a.m. EST)

The Delta 2 rocket's first stage helium and nitrogen systems have been pressurized for flight. Similar work on the second stage is still to be completed. Meanwhile, the launch team is currently activiating the rocket's guidance computer, which is basically the vehicle's brain. And fueling of the first stage will be starting in the next few minutes.

1414 GMT (9:14 a.m. EST)

T-minus 150 minutes and counting. The clock is running. The terminal countdown is now underway for today's launch of the Boeing Delta 2 rocket with the NAVSTAR Global Positioning System 2R-6 military navigation satellite. Over the next three hours, the launch team will ready the three-stage rocket, payload and ground support systems for the planned 12:14 p.m. EST (1714 GMT) liftoff from pad 17A at Cape Canaveral Air Force Station in Florida.

A warning horn will be sounded at the seaside complex one final time now to alert any remaining personnel to depart and head back to road blocks. Officials believe the Complex 17 area already has been cleared of workers as a safety precaution with hazardous final pre-launch procedures beginning.

Upcoming in the next few minutes, launch team members in the Delta Operations Building, or "soft blockhouse", located about eight miles west of the pad will oversee the pressurization of helium and nitrogen storage tanks inside the rocket's first and second stages; and the second stage fuel and oxidizer tanks will be pressurized for launch. In addition, the Delta's onboard guidance computer -- called the Redundant Inertial Flight Control Assembly or RIFCA -- will be turned on and configured for the mission. The loading of 10,000 gallons of RP-1 fuel into the first stage is scheduled to start in just under 20 minutes from now.

1408 GMT (9:08 a.m. EST)

Launch Conductor George Stout just polled launch team members to ensure everyone in position and ready to continue with countdown activities this morning. No problems were reported and the Terminal Count is due to pick up at 9:14 a.m. EST.

Also, it was announced there are no Collision Avoidance periods, or COLAs, that would prohibit liftoff during any portion of today's 26-minute launch window from 12:14 to 12:40 p.m. EST. COLA cutouts of the launch window protect against passing too close to objects already in space.

It is a cool, overcast and misty morning here in Central Florida. However, weather forecasters are expecting the heavy clouds to clear out by launch time.

1257 GMT (7:57 a.m. EST)

Just like a day ago, workers have rolled back the mobile service tower from around the Boeing Delta 2 rocket as activities continue for a planned launch attempt later today. The 12-story tower is used to assemble the rocket atop Cape Canaveral Air Force Station's pad 17A, as well as to provide access and weather protection to the vehicle.

Yesterday's launch opportunity was scrubbed after a review of engineering photos revealed a mis-installed wire inside the rocket. With that problem now fixed, Boeing is again preparing the Delta 2 to carry a Global Positioning System satellite into Earth orbit. Liftoff is slated for 12:14 p.m. EST (1714 GMT) today.

0150 GMT (8:50 p.m. EST)

A Boeing-built Delta 2 rocket has been cleared for another launch attempt after officials resolved a last-minute concern with a locking wire running between a pneumatic line and the liquid oxygen feed line inside the "boattail" of the vehicle. Pre-launch engineering photos of the area indicated the wire might not be installed properly.

The wire extends from nuts mounted on the lines, with each nut turning counter to each other to ensure good torque at all times. Boeing had said earlier that the nut on the liquid oxygen line was possibly mis-installed. That oxidizer lines leads to one of the twin vernier steering engines on the bottom of rocket.

In the end, internal inspections revealed the wire between the line needed to be restrung and that is what workers did Thursday, allowing officials to declare the rocket was fit to fly, a Boeing spokesperson said.

The terminal phase of the launch countdown will begin at 9:14 a.m. EST (1414 GMT) in the morning with blastoff planned three hours later at 12:14 p.m. EST (1714 GMT).

The Delta 2 is slated to deliver a replacement Global Positioning System satellite into Earth orbit at the culmination of the 25-minute flight.

Weather forecasters are calling for a 60 percent chance of acceptable conditions. The 40 percent "no go" factor is based upon concerns for cumulus clouds, rain in the flight path and strong ground winds.

THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 9, 2000
1545 GMT (10:45 a.m. EST)

Scrub turnaround operations are continuing at launch pad 17A where a Delta 2 rocket will remain for another day because of concerns with a locking wire nut inside the vehicle's first stage.

Boeing officials say the suspect nut may or may not be installed properly inside the rocket's boattail. Engineers will have to enter the vehicle for inspection and correct any installation problems if found. The nut is associated with a fuel line leading to one of the rocket's two vernier steering engines on the first stage. At this point, officials are confident another launch attempt will be possible tomorrow during a window of 12:14 to 12:40 p.m. EST (1714-1740 GMT).

The updated weather forecast, however, is somewhat iffy with a 40 percent chance cumulus clouds, rain and high winds could prevent the launch. Launch Weather Officer Joel Tumbilio just issued this forecast:

"Cold front currently over the Mississippi Valley and central Gulf of Mexico will move east-northeast and will come through Florida during the morning or early afternoon hours on Friday. Exact timing on the frontal passage will be critical to conditions during the launch window. Concerns during the launch window will be for cumulus cloud avoidance, flight through precipitation, and ground level winds. Conditions will be much improved beyond Friday."

The conditions are launch time tomorrow are predicted to include a few clouds at 3,000 feet, broken clouds at 12,000 and 25,000 feet, visibility of 10 miles or better, northwesterly winds 12 gusting to 20 knots and a temperature between 76 and 78 degrees F.

Should the launch slip to Saturday or Sunday for some reason, there is less than a 10 percent chance of weather problems on either days.

Once launched, the Boeing Delta 2 rocket will carry the Lockheed Martin-built Global Positioning System 2R-6 spacecraft into orbit for the U.S. Air Force.

1530 GMT (10:30 a.m. EST)

The countdown sequencer has formally stopped today since the launch attempt has been scrubbed for at least 24 hours. Friday's available launch window extends from 12:14 to 12:40 p.m. EST (1714-1740 GMT). The weather forecast is calling for an 80 percent chance of acceptable conditions. The slight concerns will be cumulus clouds and rain in the rocket's flight path.

1520 GMT (10:20 a.m. EST)

The launch team is in the process of draining the near-10,000 gallons of kerosene fuel that has been pumped into the Delta 2 rocket's first stage this morning now that today's liftoff has been scrubbed.

Officials have not announced when another launch attempt will be made.

1510 GMT (10:10 a.m. EST)

SCRUB! A misinstalled lock wire between a pneumatic line and the liquid oxygen feed line inside the "boattail" -- or buttom -- of the Delta 2 rocket has forced the U.S. Air Force and Boeing to postpone today's launch, the Launch Director just announced. Photo documentation spotted the problem and officials caucusing this morning determine the rocket could not fly today.

Loading of the first stage RP-1 fuel tank will be completed in the next minute or two before the kerosene propellant is drained for the turnaround to the next launch attempt.

1509 GMT (10:09 a.m. EST)

SCRUB! Today's launch attempt has been scrubbed. Details momentarily.

1502 GMT (10:02 a.m. EST)

Now 10 minutes into the fueling procedure with over 5,000 gallons of RP-1 propellant aboard the Delta 2 rocket. The launch team has just verified that the tank's full load is 9,926 gallons today.

1458 GMT (9:58 a.m. EST)

Over a third of the first stage fuel tank has been loaded now. Some 4,000 gallons of the RP-1 kerosene has been pumped into the vehicle from the launch pad 17A storage tank.

1452 GMT (9:52 a.m. EST)

RP-1 fuel, a refined kerosene, is now flowing into the Boeing Delta 2 rocket's first stage as the countdown continues at Cape Canaveral Air Force Station in Florida for liftoff today at 12:18 p.m. EST. The fuel, along with liquid oxygen to be pumped into the rocket a little later this morning, will be consumed by the first stage main engine during the initial four-and-a-half-minutes of flight.

1447 GMT (9:47 a.m. EST)

The first stage helium and nitrogen systems have been pressurized, clearing the way for the stage's propellant tank to be loaded with 10,000 gallons of a highly refined kerosene fuel.

1440 GMT (9:40 a.m. EST)

Fueling operations for the first stage have been held up a couple of minutes because other countdown activities are running slightly behind schedule.

1418 GMT (9:18 a.m. EST)

T-minus 150 minutes and counting. The terminal countdown has begun today's liftoff of the Boeing Delta 2 rocket carrying the NAVSTAR Global Positioning System 2R-6 military navigation satellite. Over the next three hours, the launch team will ready the three-stage rocket, payload and ground support systems for the planned 12:18 p.m. EST (1718 GMT) blastoff from pad 17A at Cape Canaveral Air Force Station in Florida.

With the countdown underway, the Complex 17 area will be cleared of workers as a safety precaution. A warning horn will be sounded at the seaside complex to alert personnel to depart and head back to road blocks.

Upcoming in the next few minutes, launch team members in the Delta Operations Building, or "soft blockhouse", located about eight miles west of the pad will oversee the pressurization of helium and nitrogen storage tanks inside the rocket's first and second stages; and the second stage fuel and oxidizer tanks will be pressurized for launch. In addition, the Delta's onboard guidance computer -- called the Redundant Inertial Flight Control Assembly or RIFCA -- will be turned on and configured for the mission.

The loading of 10,000 gallons of RP-1 fuel into the first stage is scheduled to start in just under 20 minutes from now.

1415 GMT (9:15 a.m. EST)

A poll of launch team members to ensure everyone in position was just performed by Launch Conductor George Stout. Air Force Launch Director Lt. Col. David Buck then gave the "go" to pick up the terminal countdown as planned in about three minutes.

Also, officials announced there are no Collision Avoidance periods, or COLAs, that would prohibit liftoff during any portion of today's 26-minute launch window. COLA cutouts of the launch window protect against passing too close to objects already in space.

1259 GMT (7:59 a.m. EST)

The 12-story mobile service tower enclosing the Boeing Delta 2 rocket at Cape Canaveral's pad 17A was rolled back overnight as preparations continue for today's launch.

Boeing officials have not reported any problems and the weather forecast continues to show acceptable conditions for blastoff at 12:18 p.m. EST (1718 GMT).

Pre-launch activities are ongoing in advance of starting the terminal countdown at 9:18 a.m. EST at T-minus 150 minutes.

Once terminal count begins, the loading of RP-1 fuel will follow as 10,000 gallons of the highly refined kerosene is pumped into the rocket's first stage. Later super-cold liquid oxygen will be loaded into the stage.

A pair of holds, lasting a half-hour in total duration, are built into the countdown. One hold for 20 minutes is planned at T-minus 20 minutes while a final hold at T-minus 4 minutes should last 10 minutes.

WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 8, 2000
1930 GMT (2:30 p.m. EST)

A Boeing Delta 2 rocket is sitting inside its metal cocoon-like gantry at Cape Canaveral Air Force Station's pad 17A today awaiting a lunchtime blastoff tomorrow to truck a $45 million military navigation satellite into Earth.

Liftoff remains set for 12:18 p.m. EST (1718 GMT), the opening of a 26-minute launch window extending to 12:44 p.m. EST (1744 GMT).

The 25-minute flight of the three-stage Delta 2 will place the NAVSTAR Global Positioning System Block 2R-6 spacecraft into a planned transfer orbit of 10,998 nautical miles at apogee and 101 nautical miles at perigee. The satellite will later fire its onboard kick motor to circular the orbit.

The weather forecast appears very promising with less than a five percent chance conditions would prevent launch. Launch Weather Officer Joel Tumbilio gave this summary today:

"Surface and upper level high pressure will remain in control resulting in overall benign conditions up to and including launch day. Low level southeast winds on Thursday may result in a few cumulus clouds developing along the east coast sea breeze by early afternoon. Cold front currently over the Mississippi Valley will move east-northeast and may come through Florida on Friday. This front will bring a slight chance of showers on Friday. Very slight concern during the launch window will be for cumulus cloud avoidance. This concern will be slightly higher on Friday."

The launch time forecast calls for partly cloudy skies with a few clouds at 3,000 and 25,000 feet, visibility of 10 miles or better, southwesterly winds 10 gusting to 15 knots, a temperature of 80 to 82 degrees F and relative humidity of 60 percent.

Should the launch be delayed to Friday for some reason, there is a 20 percent of unacceptable conditions due to concerns with the Cumulus Cloud Rule and precipitation in the rocket's flight path.

The final readiness reviews were conducted today, first by senior Boeing officials and then by the U.S. Air Force, which is governing this launch. "All went well," Boeing Mission Director Rich Murphy said in an interview this afternoon. "We are not currently working any problems."

Technicians are right now preparing the rocket and the Mobile Service Tower for the structure's retraction around 2 a.m. EST tomorrow. The tower will be rolled into the launch position as final pre-flight activities get into full swing early on launch morning. The Terminal Countdown is slated to begin at 9:18 a.m. EST.

The rocket's second stage was loaded with its supply of storable propellants on Tuesday. The first stage will be fueled with a highly refined kerosene and super-cold liquid oxygen during the final hours of the countdown on Thursday. The third stage is solid-propellant.

Murphy says the work to ready this Delta rocket for launch has gone well. "Generally speaking, this has been a smooth flow to get the vehicle ready."

The Air Force-run Eastern Range is available to support another launch attempt on Friday, and probably on Saturday and Sunday if necessary.

The Range is also double checking to ensure all steps are being taken to warn boaters of the impending launch so they do not intrude into the restricted waters off the coast of Cape Canaveral. "The (Air Force) is making sure. It is a middle-of-the-day launch and the weather is nice, so it is always a concern," Murphy said of boats wandering into the Launch Danger Zone.

Boaters have been a real problem at the Cape in recent months, causing many launches to be held up or even scrubbed. The plans on Thursday call for the usual military helicopters to be deployed to search the danger zone in the Atlantic Ocean that extends 70 miles eastward from the pad. In addition, a pair of commercial aircraft will be dispatched to assist in spotting boats and alerting the choppers of a vessel's location. A dedicated telephone line will be active to give mariners and aviators details on where they can and cannot go during the launch. Plus, signs will be posted in nearby Port Canaveral.

The GPS 2R-6 satellite, which the Air Force also refers to as Space Vehicle No. 41, will join the 27 spacecraft currently operating in the well-known Global Positioning System constellation. The network provides precision location, speed and timing information to guide U.S. military troops, aircraft, submarines, ships, weapons and civilians around the globe. The constellation relies on 24 primary satellites with some backups. Two craft have recently been retired.

Controllers plan to place the new GPS 2R-6 satellite in Plane F, Slot 1 for the six-plane GPS constellation. The craft currently in that position -- GPS 2A-17 -- will be moved to slot F5 for the rest of its operational life, the Air Force told Spaceflight Now. That is an extra position being created in the constellation to ensure the network remains healthy while not retiring a satellite that still has some of its life left. GPS 2A-17, also known as Space Vehicle No. 29, was launched in December 1992. Although it has reached the originally-advertised life span, the satellite continues to function.

On Thursday we will have extensive live coverage throughout the countdown and launch with running updates on this page and a QuickTime streaming broadcast starting at 9:10 a.m. EST when the Terminal Countdown begins.