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NASA's Launch of Carbon-Seeking Satellite Is Unsuccessful

Jet Propulsion Laboratory https://www.jpl.nasa.gov/ Feb. 24, 2009
Artist concept of NASA's Orbiting Carbon Observatory.
Credit: NASA/JPL

NASA's Orbiting Carbon Observatory satellite failed to reach orbit after its 1:55 a.m. PST liftoff Tuesday from California's Vandenberg Air Force Base.

PASADENA -- NASA's Orbiting Carbon Observatory satellite failed to reach orbit after its 1:55 a.m. PST liftoff Tuesday from California's Vandenberg Air Force Base.

Preliminary indications are that the fairing on the Taurus XL launch vehicle failed to separate. The fairing is a clamshell structure that encapsulates the satellite as it travels through the atmosphere.

A Mishap Investigation Board will be immediately convened to determine the cause of the launch failure.

For more information, visit:

http://www.nasa.gov
  • › NASA Names Chairman for Investigation
  • › Contingency briefing on NASA TV
  • › JPL Blog: Thoughts After Launch
  • › Orbiting Carbon Observatory site

News Media Contact

Alan Buis

818-354-0474

alan.buis@jpl.nasa.gov

Steve Cole

202-358-0918

stephen.e.cole@nasa.gov

George Diller

321-861-7643

george.h.diller@nasa.gov

2009-026

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