Feb. 24, 2009 George Diller Kennedy Space Center, Fla. 805-605-3051 george.h.diller@nasa.gov Steve Cole Headquarters, Washington 202-657-2194 stephen.e.cole@nasa.gov Alan Buis Jet Propulsion Laboratory, Pasadena, Calif. 818-653-8339 alan.buis@jpl.nasa.gov RELEASE: 09-039 NASA'S LAUNCH OF CARBON-SEEKING SATELLITE IS UNSUCCESSFUL WASHINGTON -- NASA's Orbiting Carbon Observatory satellite failed to reach orbit after its 4:55 a.m. EST liftoff Tuesday from California's Vandenberg Air Force Base. Preliminary indications are that the fairing on the Taurus XL launch vehicle failed to separate. The fairing is a clamshell structure that encapsulates the satellite as it travels through the atmosphere. A Mishap Investigation Board will be immediately convened to determine the cause of the launch failure. For more information, visit: http://www.nasa.gov -end- To subscribe to the list, send a message to: ksc-subscribe@newsletters.nasa.gov To remove your address from the list, send a message to: ksc-unsubscribe@newsletters.nasa.gov
