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.
While the Space Force is still making long-term plans to establish high-fidelity live and virtual test and training ranges in the coming years, officials say they're also working with operators to identify near-term gaps and quickly field capabilities to address them.
