RBSP, Atlas V Await Launch on Pad 41

The rollout of the United Launch Alliance Atlas V rocket with NASA’s Radiation Belt Storm Probes spacecraft began on schedule at 8 a.m. EDT, reaching the pad at Space Launch Complex-41 at 8:35 a.m. Preparations are beginning to fuel the rocket’s first stage with about 25,000 gallons of RP-1, a highly refined kerosene. The fueling operation is scheduled to begin at noon and takes 45 minutes to complete.

The launch weather forecast has improved to only a 30 percent chance of not meeting the weather criteria for liftoff at 4:07 a.m. Friday, Aug. 24. Scattered clouds are forecast, with a temperature at launch time near 78 degrees and a light southwest wind. Tropical Storm Isaac will not be a factor if launch occurs on Friday or Saturday.

To learn more about the RBSP mission, visit http://www.nasa.gov/rbsp or find out the latest news via NASA’s RBSP social media sites at http://go.nasa.gov/QR9agk, http://www.twitter.com/RBStormProbes and http://www.twitter.com/nasakennedy.

Atlas V – RBSP