AEHF-2 satellite launch delayed due to rocket glitch
The United Launch Alliance launch of the Air Force's second Advanced Extremely High Frequency communications satellite was scrubbed May 3 because of a lack of helium flow from the ground support equipment to the interstage adapter compartment on the launch vehicle.
Story update: The United Launch Alliance Atlas V successfully launched the AEHF-2 communications satellite into orbit at 2:42 p.m. EDT May 4.
The United Launch Alliance launch of the Air Force's second Advanced Extremely High Frequency communications satellite was scrubbed May 3 because of a lack of helium flow from the ground support equipment to the interstage adapter compartment on the launch vehicle, reports NASASpaceFlight.com.
The Atlas V rocket, which will carry AEHF-2 into space, is undergoing recycling operations for a second attempt May 4 from Space Launch Complex 41 at the Cape Canaveral Air Force Station, Fla. The launch could be delayed longer if the problem is not immediately resolved, according to FlightGlobal.com.
The Air Force's AEHF constellation eventually will replace the existing Milstar constellation, providing secure communications for the U.S. military and also the United Kingdom, Canada and the Netherlands. AEHF will deliver communications services at data speeds 10 time faster than the legacy Milstar constellation.