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    Wheels Up! Stargazer, Pegasus XL Takes Off with CYGNSS

    Stargazer is airborne after takeoff from Cape Canaveral Air Force Station at 7:37 a.m. EST.

    The Orbital ATK "Stargazer" L-1011 aircraft has taken off from the Skid Strip at Cape Canaveral Air Force Station in Florida. Attached to its underside is the company's Pegasus XL rocket containing the eight CYGNSS microsatellites. Launch remains scheduled for 8:40 a.m. EST. From now until then, the crew aboard the L-1011 will work through …

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    Launch Team ‘Go’ for L-1011 Takeoff

    The Orbital ATK Stargazer L-1011 aircraft carrying the Pegasus XL rocket and NASA's CYGNSS spacecraft has been cleared for takeoff at 7:37 a.m. EST. Launch time is targeted for 8:40 a.m. Stand by for takeoff.

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    Meet the L-1011 Flight Crew

    The Orbital ATK Stargazer L-1011 flight crew.

    Here are the pilots and flight engineers charged with delivering the Orbital ATK Pegasus XL rocket to its drop point 39,000 feet above the Atlantic Ocean. From left to right are pilots Ebb Harris and Bob Gordon, chief pilot Don Walter, flight engineer Bob Taylor, ret. Chief pilot Bill Weaver, and flight engineer Mark Kenny.

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    New Launch Time: 8:40 a.m. EST

    Launch managers now are targeting the drop and launch of the Orbital ATK Pegasus XL rocket with NASA's CYGNSS spacecraft for 8:40 a.m. EST. The L-1011's anticipated departure time is now 7:37 a.m., allowing time for the pilot to navigate around some precipitation on the way to the drop point. This adjusted timeline keeps NASA …

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    Fog Situation Beginning to Improve

    Stargazer aircraft on runway

    Now that the sun has risen, the fog already has lifted to a half-mile of visibility at the Skid Strip runway at Cape Canaveral Air Force Station and in other areas has improved a bit beyond that, according to NASA Launch Commentator George Diller. The L-1011's engines are being powered on and we're standing by …

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    Ground Fog May Delay Takeoff

    Fog is visible in this image of the L-1011 aircraft. Credit: NASA Television

    At the Skid Strip runway at Cape Canaveral Air Force Station in Florida, the Stargazer aircraft and a NASA F-18 chase plane provided by the agency's Armstrong Flight Research Center in California are preparing for takeoff. Due to heavy fog in the area, discussions are on the way among launch managers and Launch Weather Officer Mike …

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    CYGNSS Launch Coverage Starts Here at 6:30 a.m. EST

    NASA's CYGNSS mission is set to begin with launch aboard an Orbital ATK Pegasus XL rocket this morning. Updates from the countdown will begin right here at 6:30 a.m. and on NASA Television at 7 a.m. The Pegasus XL rocket is an air-launched vehicle that begins its flight after it is dropped from Orbital ATK's …

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    Forecast Improves to 60 Percent ‘Go’

    The L-1 Day forecast from the U.S. Air Force 45th Weather Squadron has improved to a 60 percent chance of favorable weather for the launch of NASA's CYGNSS mission spacecraft. Launch is scheduled for 8:24 a.m. EST Monday during the one-hour window, which opens at 8:19 a.m. CYGNSS will take off aboard an Orbital Sciences …

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