Computer Aborts Delta 2 Launch at Takeoff
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KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, Fla. — The launch of an advanced navigation satellite was aborted at the last second Wednesday night when a computer sensed a failed valve and stopped the Delta 2’s main engine from igniting.
“We have a main engine cutoff,” said Lt. Col. Ron Rand, the Air Force launch commentator.
The 12-story-tall rocket remained locked firmly on the launch pad, and Rand said the launch team used remote controls to make the vehicle safe and stable.
The $30-million Delta 2 was to have boosted into orbit a $65-million Navstar satellite that will enable U.S. and allied military units such as ships, planes, submarines and tanks to determine their location within 50 feet anywhere on the globe.
It was the fourth launch attempt in five days. The other attempts were blocked by bad weather.
Air Force Lt. Col. Bob Tayloe, the launch test director, said that the main valve in the engine’s propellant line failed to open.
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