Chandra X-ray Observatory

Tuesday, July 13, 1999

Dave Drachlis
Media Relations Department
Marshall Space Flight Center
Dave.Drachlis@msfc.nasa.gov
(256) 544-0034
/centers/msfc/NEWSROOM/

UPDATE: 99-137

The Chandra X-ray Observatory has been declared ready for launch following the successful completion of a final dress rehearsal over the weekend by the Chandra operations team. This simulation included all aspects of the Shuttle mission involving Chandra – from countdown through placing the observatory in its final operating orbit.

A separate simulation involving the Inertial Upper Stage booster also was successfully completed. The booster is attached to Chandra, and will help the observatory reach operating orbit after deployment from the Shuttle’s payload bay.

The launch countdown clock will begin at 10 p.m. EDT Friday, July 16, and Columbia's payload bay doors will be closed for flight on Saturday, July 17.

NASA’s largest and most powerful telescope will fly to space on the Space Shuttle Columbia on Tuesday, July 20. Lift off is scheduled for 12:36 a.m. EDT, from Launch Pad 39B.

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