Will Lift Off Eight Days Later Than Originally Planned

A needed hardware upgrade will push the scheduled launch date for an Atlas V rocket off about one week.

Florida Today reports a problem with a hydrogen fuel valve is to blame for the bump, from September 13 to September 21. That valve is reportedly to blame for difficulties with the last Atlas V launch, resulting in that rocket delivering two National Reconnaissance Office (NRO) ocean into lower-than-optimal orbits.

The problem valve, used in both the Atlas V and Delta IV launch booster fleets, is being replaced, according to 45th Space Wing spokesperson Ken Warren. The redesigned component is less susceptible to extreme temperatures, according to industry reports.

"The delay of the Atlas V from (September 13 to September 21) was the result of hardware component upgrades made to the booster to mitigate risks identified during the last Atlas V launch," he said.

Now scheduled to launch September 21 at 2010 EDT, the next Atlas V launch from Cape Canaveral, FL will carry the first of five Wideband Global Satellites for the military.

FMI: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Atlas_V