Earth observation satellite fails to reach orbit
{{#rendered}} {{/rendered}}NASA television is reporting that a rocket that blasted off carrying an Earth-observation satellite doesn't have the velocity to reach orbit.
Vandenberg Air Force Base officials say the Taurus XL rocket carrying NASA's Glory satellite lifted off about 2:10 a.m. PST Friday from the base.
But NASA launch commentator George Dillar said 15 minutes later that a payload fairing didn't separate from the Glory spacecraft and consequently it doesn't have the velocity to reach orbit.
{{#rendered}} {{/rendered}}He says says Launch Director Omar Baez has called for a contingency plan for the spacecraft. The status of the flight wasn't immediately clear.
NASA officials declined comment when reached by The Associated Press, saying a press statement would be forthcoming.
Glory was launched on a three-year mission to analyze how airborne particles affect Earth's climate. Besides monitoring particles in the atmosphere, it will also track solar radiation to determine the sun's effect on climate change.
{{#rendered}} {{/rendered}}The $424 million mission is managed by the NASA's Goddard Space Flight Center in Maryland.