NASA delays the launch of NASA’s Soil Moisture Active Passive (SMAP) launch, this time until Jan. 31, pending completion of minor repairs to the vehicle prior to launch.
Launch provider United Launch Alliance (ULA) said, in a statement during inspections following the Jan. 29 launch attempt, minor debonds to the booster installation were identified. These insulation debonds are associated with cryogenic conditions experienced during tanking operations and a standard repair will be implemented.
NASA hoped to launch Jan. 30, but ULA President and CEO Tory Bruno said on Twitter that the cryo exposure lifted a couple of spots on the insulation.
SMAP will produce global maps of soil moisture, which will help improve the United States’ understanding of earth’s water and carbon cycles and the nation’s ability to manage water resources. ULA is a joint venture of Lockheed Martin {LMT] and Boeing [BA].