File image.
File image. |
The anomaly was discovered during the spacecraft's launch preparation tests on 7 September 2008 in Plesetsk, which subsequently led to the postponement of the launch.
The cause of the anomaly in the guidance and navigation system has meanwhile been identified and reproduced. The necessary hardware changes will require a minimum of two months of additional work by the manufacturer.
As a consequence, the launch of GOCE cannot take place earlier than February 2009; however, the exact launch date will only be decided at a later stage once the corrective measures have been fully implemented and validated.
Related Links
European science satellite launch delayed until at least February
Paris (AFP) Oct 24, 2008
| The content herein, unless otherwise known to be public domain, are Copyright Space.TV Corporation. AFP and UPI Wire Stories are copyright Agence France-Presse and United Press International. ESA Portal Reports are copyright European Space Agency. All NASA sourced material is public domain. Additional copyrights may apply in whole or part to other bona fide parties. Advertising does not imply endorsement, agreement or approval of any opinions, statements or information provided by Space.TV Corp on any Web page published or hosted by Space.TV Corp. Privacy Statement |