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Delta II COSMO-4 rescheduled
VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. -- Vandenberg is scheduled to launch a Delta II rocket carrying the Thales Alenia Space-Italia COSMO-SkyMed Satellite Nov. 5 at 7:20 p.m. from Space Launch Complex-2 on North Vandenberg.
The rocket launch, originally scheduled for Oct. 29, was most recently delayed due to a second stage low voltage battery issue that has been resolved and the rocket is ready for launch.
This launch is the fourth and final completing the COSMO-SkyMed constellation. The Nov. 5 launch time is the most advantageous for the fourth satellite to be correctly inserted into the constellation.
The overall objective of the COSMO-SkyMed program is global Earth observation, particularly in the Mediterranean area. Some applications include territorial surveillance; analyzing effects of natural disasters; coastal surveillance to assess erosion and sea/river pollution, monitoring of farming, forestry resources and urban buildings; mapping with a resolution on the order of one meter; and territorial security and strategic defense.
The other three COSMO-SkyMed satellites were launched from Vandenberg in June 2007, December 2007 and October 2008.
The Delta II launch vehicle will deliver COSMO-4 into a circular Sun-synchronous orbit, phased on the same orbital plane as COSMO-1, COSMO-2 and COSMO-3, where it will begin its mission of data observation and data recording for the needs of both the military and civilian communities.
This launch is a partnership among the 30th Space Wing, United Launch Alliance, the Boeing Corporation, Thales Alenia Space-Italia, Italian Space Agency and the Italian Ministry of Defense.
Col. Richard Boltz, 30th Space Wing commander, is the launch decision authority.