As reported in the previous update, the SORCE launch, which was scheduled for December 13th, had to be moved forward to accommodate repairs to key launch vehicle electromechanical actuators. Because of the conflicts with other scheduled launches at KSC, the shift was significant, moving the new proposed launch date to January 25, 2003. The pre-launch activities schedule has been updated to reflect the forward shift and the spacecraft will be maintained in a secured “moth-balled” state until the first week in December. The launch vehicle rework is progressing on schedule and no further delays in that regard are anticipated.

This week, the SORCE team, made up of individuals from LASP, OSC, and NASA, took part in a mission dress rehearsal at LASP SORCE Operations facilities. The dress rehearsal was a run-through of launch and post-launch activities, with simulated “what-if” events to test the teams responsiveness to the types of situations that could arise during the actual launch and post-launch commissioning phases. It was the second rehearsal in a series of three and was a great success. It’s really impressive to observe these folks in action and to know that we will have a very cohesive, well-prepared team come launch day!