From our reliable source - James V. Zimmerman:
"Based on a preliminary review of the engineering data from the 28 January ARGOS/Ørsted/SUNSAT launch abort, Boeing believes it can correct the Delta-2 vernier engine problem and proceed with the next launch attempt as early as 8 February.
Boeing and US Air Force launch officials believe the shutdown early Thursday morning was caused by a propellant valve which failed to open on vernier engine number two. This caused the Delta-2 computers to shut down the vehicle prior to ignition of the solid rockets. If a further review and inspection of the vernier engines confirm this analysis, Boeing should be able to correct the problem within a few days.
Two vernier engines are mounted on the side of the Delta-2 and are used for steering the vehicle during ascent. Vernier engine failures are not common but have occurred on previous Delta launch attempts including the NASA XTE mission several years ago. On these occasions, the Delta launch teams needed 7-10 days to correct the problem and ready the vehicle for launch. In anticipation of this, Boeing officials have already located an additional vernier engine which is being sent to Vandenberg Air Force Base and can be used to replace engine two on the launch pad if this becomes necessary. Boeing also must service several critical systems on the Delta-2 vehicle before any further launch attempts can be made. The vehicle servicing activity will include refurbishing and recharging the Delta-2's on-board batteries at Boeing's Huntington Beach Delta facilities. Assuming these activities can be accomplished without further difficulty, Boeing and the Air Force believe the ARGOS/Ørsted/SUNSAT mission can launched as early as 8 February.
The actual ARGOS/Ørsted/SUNSAT launch date will also be scheduled to avoid a conflict with the NASA/JPL STARDUST mission which is currently scheduled for launching on a Delta-2 from Cape Canaveral on 6 February. Boeing uses some of the same personnel to launch Delta vehicles from both Vandenberg and Cape Canaveral.
I will keep you advised as I have further information regarding plans for the next ARGOS/Ørsted/SUNSAT launch attempt."
Staying up-beat and optimistic in spite of launch delays, the Ørsted project continues its efforts in organizing science activities and collaborations. In this connection we would like to remind you, that you need to communicate to the project any talks given or papers published, which make use of Ørsted data. We would like you to send us BOTH abstract and the reference information. Our plans are to put this information on the web so you and others can follow the activities of the project group. Please send us the info when you SUBMIT a paper or a presentation, and update us on the progress, i.e., paper accepted, published, and presentation actually given or withdrawn.
Send the information to Grethe Jørgensen: gtj@dmi.dk
Another reminder: let us know of any changes regarding PI or Co-I ship in your group (instrument and science groups), including contact information.
Send updates to Grethe Jørgensen: gtj@dmi.dk