Einstein probe launch delayed
Print storyWeather worries cited
Posted in Science, 20th April 2004 14:30 GMT
See what The Register's experts have to say on application security
The launch of the Gravity Probe B has been delayed for 24 hours because of concerns about the accuracy of the weather profile uploaded to the onboard computers.
According to a statement on the NASA website a hold was called around three minutes before lift off. The launch team had noted what NASA describes as "marginal" wind conditions during the countdown, and wanted to double check the data against information from a final weather balloon.
Delay was impossible because of the extremely short launch window, and the launch was canned when it became clear that the data could not be cross-checked in time.
The probe has been designed to test two predictions of Einsteins's Theory of Relativity. It carries four of the most perect spheres ever made, which should be able to detect the Earth's influence on space-time.
The launch is now scheduled for 16:57:24 GMT today, Tuesday. ®
Related stories
See what The Register's experts have to say on application security
Can Outsiders Enhance Exchange?
The future of SaaS and IT infrastructure management
Solving on-premise email challenges with on-demand services
The business case for application security
Reducing messaging and web security costs with managed services
Win a Samsung C6625!
Is your cameraphone an oxymoron?
Reg Mobile and Wireless newsletter is go! go! go!
Sign up, sign up for The Register IT security newsletter