Orb-1 Launch Delayed Due to Frigid Temps

The first operational launch of Orbital Sciences Corporation’s Cygnus cargo spacecraft to the International Space Station (ISS) is being delayed for one or two days because of forecasted frigid temperatures at the Wallops Flight Facility on the coast of Virginia.

Originally scheduled for December 2013, the launch initially was delayed so ISS astronauts could focus on repairing a malfunctioning coolant loop.  With that problem fixed, a new launch date of January 7 was set, but very cold weather at Wallops Island, VA led Orbital and NASA to decide to wait for better weather.   Orbital says that a launch on January 8 between 1:32-1:37 pm ET is possible, but it is more likely the launch will be on January 9 between 1:10 – 1:15 pm ET.   In either case, berthing to the ISS would take place on Sunday, January 12.

This is Orbital’s first operational cargo mission to the ISS.  The company successfully completed a demonstration mission in September 2013.