NASA: Launch Mishap Ends OCO (Orbiting Carbon Observatory) Mission

[OKIsItJustMe]

http://www.nasa.gov/mission_pages/oco/main/index.html

Launch Mishap Ends OCO Mission

NASA's Orbiting Carbon Observatory satellite failed to reach orbit after its 4:55 a.m. EST liftoff Feb. 24 from California's Vandenberg Air Force Base.

Preliminary indications are that the fairing on the Taurus XL launch vehicle failed to separate. The fairing is a clamshell structure that encapsulates the satellite as it travels through the atmosphere.

The spacecraft did not reach orbit and likely landed in the ocean near Antarctica, said John Brunschwyler, the program manager for the Taurus XL.

A Mishap Investigation Board is to determine the cause of the launch failure.

http://www.nasa.gov/home/hqnews/2009/feb/HQ_09-039_OCO_failure.html

NASA's Launch Of Carbon-Seeking Satellite is Unsuccessful

WASHINGTON -- NASA's Orbiting Carbon Observatory satellite failed to reach orbit after its 4:55 a.m. EST liftoff Tuesday from California's Vandenberg Air Force Base.

Preliminary indications are that the fairing on the Taurus XL launch vehicle failed to separate. The fairing is a clamshell structure that encapsulates the satellite as it travels through the atmosphere.

A Mishap Investigation Board will be immediately convened to determine the cause of the launch failure.

…

http://www.nasa.gov/home/hqnews/2009/feb/HQ_09-038_OCO_failure_briefing.html

Media Briefing Scheduled To Discuss Orbiting Carbon Observatory Mission

WASHINGTON -- NASA's Orbiting Carbon Observatory failed to reach orbit this morning after a 4:55 a.m. EST liftoff from Vandenberg Air Force Base in California. A media briefing on the mishap has been tentatively scheduled for 7:15 a.m. from Vandenberg. The briefing will be carried on NASA TV.

…

http://mfile.akamai.com/18566/wmv/etouchsyst2.download.akamai.com/18355/wm.nasa-global/ksc/van_022409_oco_mishap_conf.asx|View Mishap Press Conference>