SIRTF Launch Pad Activities

The SIRTF observatory is currently in NASA’s class 10,000 laminar flow clean room at spacecraft Hangar AE awaiting its return to the launch pad in early August.

18 July 2003
Erection of the Boeing Delta II launch vehicle at launch pad 17-B began with the erection of the first stage.

19 July 2003
Installation of the nine solid rocket boosters will begin in sets of three and is scheduled to be completed on July 25.

28 July 2003
The second stage is planned for hoisting atop the first stage.

29 July 2003
The fairing is scheduled to be hoisted into the launch pad clean room.

4 Aug 2003
The Flight Program Verification, an integrated test of the vehicle and the spacecraft, is scheduled to occur Aug. 12. The payload fairing will be installed around SIRTF atop the Delta II on Aug. 14, followed by servicing with cryogenic helium.

12 Aug 2003
The Flight Program Verification, an integrated test of the vehicle and the spacecraft, was completed.

14 Aug 2003
The payload fairing was installed around SIRTF atop the rocket.

15 Aug 2003
Ground support equipment was delivered to the launch pad.

18 Aug 2003
At Pad 17-B, loading of the storable propellants aboard the Boeing Delta second stage has been completed. Oxidizer loading was performed.

19 Aug 2003
Loading of the fuel was completed.

21 Aug 2003
Servicing of the SIRTF observatory with cryogenic liquid helium is currently scheduled to begin on Thursday morning.

Learn the history behind Launch Complex 17!