SMAP (Soil Moisture Active Passive)

The launch team is setting up for a 24-hour turnaround for a launch attempt tomorrow morning. Launch time on Friday remains 9:20 a.m. EST.

Adding two minutes gives the launch team some flexibility as they work through the upper level wind issue. During this final built-in hold, managers overseeing the launch will conduct final readiness polls and SMAP will be transferred to internal power. Launch commit criteria weather remains 90 percent "go," however upper level winds are "no-go."

This is the final planned hold in today's countdown. Liquid oxygen topping is complete.

There are no technical concerns and weather remains observed "go" and forecast to be 90 percent "go" for launch. Upper level winds remain "red."

The countdown has resumed following release of the hold. There's still one more built-in hold coming up at T-4 minutes.

Upper level winds remain "red" because of a wind shear at 34,000 feet. During this 20-minute hold, managers and engineers will receive a weather briefing and continue to monitor SMAP and Delta II systems.

Countdown clocks have paused at the T-15 minute mark. This is a planned hold lasting 20 minutes.

Upper level winds are "red" and the launch team will continue to monitor the status as the countdown progresses toward the planned launch of NASA's Soil Moisture Active Passive spacecraft at 9:20 a.m. EST from Vandenberg Air Force Base in California. The U.S. Air Force Western Range has verified the range safety systems are operating …

The engines on each of the rocket's two stages are beginning a series of steering-check movements, or "slews."