At Cape Canaveral's Space Launch Complex-41, loading of the RP-1 fuel aboard the United Launch Alliance Atlas V first stage was finished last night.
Though it was completed late at 9:30 p.m. EDT due to weather conditions, launch preparations are on schedule this morning.
The launch of NASA's Radiation Belt Storm Probes has been confirmed on the Eastern Range for Aug. 30 at 4:05 a.m.
The terminal countdown to load the cryogenic liquid oxygen and liquid hydrogen into the rocket will begin at 1:35 a.m.
The launch weather forecast has improved with a 30 percent chance of not meeting the launch weather criteria on Thursday morning due to cloud conditions.
Atlas V RBSP to Return to Launch Pad Today
Activity at Space Launch Complex-41 is on schedule for the rollout of the United Launch Alliance Atlas V rocket with NASA's Radiation Belt Storm Probes.
First motion today is planned for 2 p.m. EDT. Once at the pad, preparations will begin for the loading of storable propellant aboard the Atlas booster.
The first-stage fuel is RP-1, a highly refined kerosene. Liquid oxygen is planned to start flowing into the Atlas V when the terminal countdown begins at 1:35 a.m. on Thursday.
Liftoff is targeted for 4:05 a.m. at the start of a 20-minute window.
At this time, there is a 60 percent chance favorable weather criteria at launch time, with clouds the primary concern.
