NOAA DSCOVR Launch

* * * Mission was scrubbed for today – unsure when launch will be rescheduled * * *

Here is a picture of NOAA’s Discover satellite sitting on the launch pad waiting for a launch at 5:10 pm CST today. All systems were go for the launch and weather was just about perfect.

The Deep Space Climate Observatory (DSCOVR) is a satellite designed to monitor and warn of harmful solar activity that could impact Earth. It was originally schedule for launch on January 23, 2015.

DSCOVR arrived in Florida November 20, 2014. Clearing the Operational Readiness Review certified DSCOVR had a successful assessment of its ground system readiness, flight concept of operations, project management, operations and sustainment plans, safety and mission assurance, system design, technical management, training and product validation.

NOAA will manage the DSCOVR mission, giving advanced warning of approaching solar storms. NASA, funded by NOAA, refurbished the DSCOVR satellite and instruments, which were in storage for several years. The U.S. Air Force is funding and overseeing the launch of DSCOVR, which will be aboard a SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket.

NOAA’s mission is to understand and predict changes in the Earth’s environment, from the depths of the ocean to the surface of the sun, and to conserve and manage our coastal and marine resources.

-Brian-

Category: Alabama's Weather