The launch of the first Wideband Global Satellite slated for Oct. 9 from Cape Canaveral AFS, Fla., was delayed for 24 hours because of a “possibly incorrect data signature” related to its Atlas V launch vehicle, reports Patrick Peterson of Florida Today. The problem, if any, is unrelated to the leaky engine valve problem encountered with a June 15 launch of an Atlas V. After an initial assessment of that anomaly, Space and Missile Systems Center and United Launch Alliance initiated corrective actions, including replacing the valve, for upcoming Atlas V and Delta IV launches. A subsequent independent review confirmed the earlier findings.
Boeing received a $2.47 billion Air Force contract Nov. 25 for 15 more KC-46s, bringing to 183 the number of Pegasus tankers on contract to all customers, foreign and domestic. The new contract—for Lot 12 of the initially planned KC-46 buy—is to be completed by 2029.
