* Astronomy

In the two synchronised sequences performed during the launch countdown on Thursday, June 24, an atypical pressure value was observed in the pressurisation system of Ariane 5's cryogenic main stage.
After precise analysis of this phenomenon, and complementary checks were carried out, Arianespace has decided to resume final countdown operations for Flight 195 with the Arabsat-5A and COMS satellite payloads.
Liftoff of the Ariane 5 launcher is now set for the night of Saturday, June 26, as early as possible in the following launch window:

>> From 6:41 p.m. to 7:52 p.m., local time in Kourou, French Guiana

>> From 5:41 p.m. to 6:52 p.m. in Washington, D.C.

>> From 9:41 p.m. to 10:52 p.m. UTC.

>> From 11:41 p.m. to 00:52 a.m. in Paris, on June26/27.

>> From 00:41 a.m. to 01:52 a.m. in Riyadh, on June 27.

>> From 06:41 a.m. to 07:52 a.m. in Seoul, on June 27.

Source Arianespace

The launch of the dual-payload Ariane 5 mission with the Arabsat-5A and COMS satellite passengers was postponed following a "red" indication for the Spaceport's launch infrastructure that occurred during the final countdown.
The heavy-lift Ariane 5 ECA and its two payloads remain in a safe standby mode on launch pad.
A new launch date will be announced as soon as possible.

Source Arianespace


-- Edited by Blobrana on Friday 25th of June 2010 11:44:52 AM

Countdown resumed.

The launch window has been extended to 22:52 UT