Lockheed Martin announced this afternoon that it will postpone the Atlas launch of EchoStar V for 24 hours due to weather conditions at Cape Canaveral resulting from Tropical Storm Harvey. The launch is now scheduled for September 23, 1999, with the launch window extending from 1:07 – 3:06 a.m. EDT.
The launch operation forecast for September 22 indicated that Tropical Storm Harvey would produce thick cloud cover, rain, thunderstorms, and 50-knot winds during Tuesday evening¿s countdown and Wednesday morning¿s launch window. Also, there is a potential for tornado warnings along Florida¿s east coast. The 45th Space Wing weather officer has predicted no opportunity for a launch during the September 22 launch window.
EchoStar V was built by Space Systems/Loral of Palo Alto, CA, based on its FS 1300 design. Once in final orbit at 110 degrees West, EchoStar V will enable EchoStar¿s DISH Network to expand direct-to-home television broadcasting services to its consumers.
