By Mustafa Caglayan
NEW YORK
The liftoff of National Aeronautics and Space Administration's newest Earth-observing satellite was called off Thursday due to high winds over the launch site in California, the space agency said.
The launch of Soil Moisture Active Passive mission was scrubbed minutes before the satellite was to lift off from Vandenberg Air Force Base north of Los Angeles, as a wind shear recorded at an altitude of 34,000 feet rendered the launch too risky.
The agency at first announced it would try to launch the satellite into space again Friday, but the liftoff was later postponed to Saturday after "minor debonds to the booster insulation" were identified in the satellite's launch vehicle during inspections following the initial attempt.
"A launch attempt on Jan. 31 would take place at 9:20 a.m. EST (GMT1320)," the agency said.
The satellite is designed to provide high-resolution measurements of groundwater content globally, a new capability expected to allow scientists to better predict natural hazards of extreme weather, climate change and droughts.
Its key objective is to map the entire globe every two to three days for at least three years and provide the most accurate maps of soil moisture ever obtained, according to the agency.
