The United Launch Alliance (ULA) has postponed the launch of its Atlas V rocket for the second time in a week, as a technical issue hinders the deployment of the telecommunications satellite ViaSat-3 F2. Scheduled to launch from the SLC-41 platform at the United States Space Force’s Cape Canaveral Space Launch Complex on November 6, the mission was halted due to a malfunction with the liquid oxygen drain valve in the rocket’s first stage.
Technical Hurdles and Industry Impacts
This delay underscores the intricate challenges faced by space agencies and commercial providers in ensuring the precision and safety of rocket launches, particularly as they support critical infrastructure such as broadband communications. The postponed launch affects not only ULA’s schedule but also Viasat’s strategic objectives in enhancing their satellite network capacity.
Understanding the Valve Issue
The first indication of trouble appeared during the final pre-launch inspections on the night of November 6, when the valve failed to open correctly. Despite efforts to dry and re-test the equipment, subsequent launch attempts yielded the same result. ULA CEO Tory Bruno explained that moisture absorbed by the valve during heavy rainfall likely froze during fueling, impeding its functionality.
Rocket and Satellite Details
The mission involves the Atlas V configured in the 551 variant, equipped with a 5-meter-diameter, five-segment payload fairing, five solid rocket boosters, and an RD-180 liquid engine on its first stage. Collectively, these components deliver approximately 12 meganewtons of thrust. The Centaur upper stage, powered by an RL10C-1-1 engine, plans to execute three ignitions to position the satellite into geosynchronous transfer orbit.
ViaSat-3 F2: A Critical Component for Viasat
Under the protective shroud lies the ViaSat-3 F2 satellite, weighing approximately six tons and constructed on Boeing’s 702MP+ platform, incorporating electric propulsion and Spectrolab solar arrays. The satellite aims to significantly boost the Ka-band broadband capacity by over 1 Tbps across the United States, which is crucial for Viasat’s network expansion following the attenuated capabilities due to an antenna deployment error in the previous ViaSat-3 F1, launched via SpaceX’s Falcon Heavy in 2023.
Future Developments
Following the current setback, the Atlas V rocket will be transported back to the Vertical Integration Facility (VIF) for a rigorous evaluation of the drainage system, with potential valve replacement and recertification. This meticulous process seeks to resolve lingering issues and pave the way for finalizing a new launch schedule. Such endeavors are vital for retaining the trust of commercial clients who depend on ULA’s reliability and timely mission completions.
ULA’s Atlas 5 rocket on the SLC-41 launch pad at Cape Canaveral Space Force Station on November 6. Photo: Adam Bernstein / Spaceflight Now
The Centaur upper stage, nearly fully loaded with liquid oxygen, was in an active refueling phase when the launch was aborted. Meteorological forecasts predicted only a 50% chance of favorable launch conditions amid dense stratiform clouds and rain, complicating the proceedings further.
The Market Landscape and Competitive Launches
Significant progress is anticipated over the next few months regarding autonomous tests and assessments post-launch for ViaSat-3 F2, with a service activation target in early 2026. Meanwhile, ULA is diligently addressing the valve issue, which will not only restore confidence in the Atlas V’s reliability but also in ULA’s ability to meet the expectations of commercial clientele, a critical factor in the ever-competitive space launch market.
ViaSat-3 F2 in the assembly shop. Photo: ViaSat
Viasat’s Chairman and CEO Mark Dankberg notes that ViaSat-3 F2’s dynamic bandwidth allocation will direct strength to high-demand zones, amplifying user numbers without quality loss. Successful deployment and testing are imperative for maintaining operational momentum and network integrity.