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nbn™'s Sky Muster II satellite launch grounded by wind
If at first you don't succeed … you know the rest
nbn™'s second satellite for delivering wireless broadband to remote areas, Sky Muster™ II, is unexpectedly still on the ground.
The launch of Sky Muster™ II was scheduled for 05:00 AM Wednesday, Sydney time, atop an Ariane 5 rocket launched from the the European Spaceport in Kourou, Guyana.
But as Arianspace reports, “Unfavorable weather conditions over the Spaceport in French Guiana have resulted in a 24-hour delay for Arianespace’s Ariane 5 mission with the Sky Muster™ II and GSAT-18 payloads.”
nbn™, the entity building and operating Australia's national broadband network, said “ in particular the high altitude wind direction” delayed the launch.
Arianspace's statement says “As a result, liftoff is now planned for Wednesday, October 5, during a 1-hour, 15-minute launch window that opens at 5:30 p.m. local time in French Guiana.”
That's 0730am Sydney time, on Thursday.
Nbn™ is less specific, saying “The launch of the satellite will be re-scheduled to take place in the next 48 hours.”
Neither nbn™ not Arianspace anticipate any difficulties getting Sky Muster™ II into its desired orbit despite the launch delay. ®
Biting the hand that feeds IT
