Parker Solar Probe's First Launch Attempt Scrubbed

August 11, 2018

The launch of Delta IV Heavy for NASA's Parker Solar Probe mission was scrubbed just under 2 minutes from liftoff after a gaseous helium regulator pressure alarm caused a hold in the countdown.

United Launch Alliance's Delta IV Heavy was poised on the launch pad at Space Launch Complex 37 at Cape Canaveral Air Force Station in Florida. Just a few hours before launch time, the weather forecast had improved from 80% to 95% chance of favorable conditions at launch time. After an initial planned launch time of 03:33 AM EDT, teams worked a technical anomaly, holding the count and pushing back liftoff time to 03:53 AM. Following additional work on the issue, Delta IV Heavy was given the GO to proceed with a new liftoff target at 04:28 AM.

However, after resuming the count at T-00:04:00 with just 10 minutes left in the launch window, a "HOLD HOLD HOLD" call was given at T-00:01:55. The launch was subsequently scrubbed due to a gaseous helium regulator pressure alarm. Launch teams moved to a 24-hour recycle process and will work the issue.

The next launch attempt will be Sunday at 03:31 AM EDT / 07:31 UTC. The current weather forecast shows a 60% chance of favorable conditions at launch time. Additional launch attempts will be available throughout the mission's launch period until August 23, 2018.

Continued coverage by RocketLaunch.Live can be found at the Parker Solar Probe Mission Page.