After a series of delays caused by mechanical problems, an Earth observation satellite has finally blasted off from Vandenberg Air Force Base.
Vandenberg officials confirmed a Delta II rocket carrying the Thales Alenia Space-Italia COSMO-4 satellite successfully launched from the base at 7:20 p.m. on Nov. 5.
The latest launch was the last in a series of four COSMO-SkyMed satellites, which will use radar to develop images of the earth surface.
According to First Lt. Ann Blodzinski, deputy chief of public affairs for the 30th Space Wing of the U.S. Air Force, the Delta II rocket will bring the COSMO-4 into a circular sun-synchronous orbit, where it will join three other satellites in recording data for scientific and military purposes.
The first three COSMO satellites were launched from Vandenberg in June 2007, December 2007, and October 2008.
The COSMO-4 launch, originally scheduled for Oct. 29, had been delayed four times before the Nov. 5 success. According to base officials, the first attempt was canceled due to propellant issues. A malfunctioning engine section heater prompted the abortion of the Oct. 31 attempt, and subsequent attempts were hindered by insufficient flow of gaseous nitrogen in the rocket’s engine compartment and a low-voltage battery issue.
The overall objective of the COSMO system is to specifically examine different aspects of the Mediterranean region, including environmental factors such as coastal erosion and sea and river pollution, control of farming, forestry resources and urban planning, analyzing data for the prevention of natural disasters, and mapping, as well as surveillance for territorial security and strategic defense.
The system was developed under a partnership between the 30th Space Wing of the U.S. Air Force, Boeing, the United Launch Alliance, the Italian Defense Ministry, and Space Agency.
This article appears in Nov 11-18, 2010.