A mission set to ride a SpaceX rocket into orbit from Vandenberg Space Force Base has been delayed, with the new departure date expected within two days. The launch window is now opening at 7:09 p.m. on Tuesday, marking the third delay for the rocket set to lift off from Space Launch Complex-4.
The mission will include the first-stage booster’s return to the launch site, potentially causing sonic booms that may be heard by residents of nearby counties. The primary payload is a space telescope called SPHEREx, which will capture a panoramic view of the universe and search for ingredients of life. It will also team up with another NASA mission, PUNCH, which will study the sun.
NASA officials cited concerns over launch vehicle hardware data as the reason for the delay. Despite facing challenges in the final weeks, including wildfires in California, the team at Jet Propulsion Laboratory did a “fantastic job” managing the mission.
The SPHEREx and PUNCH live broadcast is scheduled to begin on Tuesday at 6:15 p.m., streaming live on NASA+ and YouTube.
Source: https://www.noozhawk.com/launch-of-nasa-satellites-from-vandenberg-sfb-delayed-2-days