An unexpected “data signature” with the upper stage engine on a Delta IV rocket caused the launch of the Air Force’s Global Positioning System (GPS) IIF-3 satellite to experience a reduced thrust level, United Launch Alliance (ULA) said in an Oct. 5 statement. “ULA successfully launched and deployed the GPS IIF-3 satellite in a precise orbit Oct. 4, but during the launch, observed an unexpected data signature with the upper stage engine throughout a portion of the flight,” ULA said…
ULA Says Unexpected ‘Data Signature’ Caused GPS IIF-3 Launch Issue
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