The long-awaited launch of the United Launch Alliance (ULA) ‘Vulcan Centaur’ rocket has been postponed, prolonging the wait for the ashes of actress Nichelle Nichols and other members of the original cast of ‘Star Trek‘ reach space.
The vehicle planned to take off on Christmas Eve had to have its schedule changed after a wet test, a crucial stage in the launch process, did not meet expectations.
Inconclusive test
The test, which involves filling the rocket with propellant and simulating the initial phases of the launch without firing the thrusters, was not completed as expected, according to Tory Bruno, CEO of ULA.
Although the rocket’s performance was satisfactory, unspecified problems on the ground caused the delay.
“Christmas Eve is probably ruled out for the launch, I would like a full WDR before our first flight,” shared Bruno in a post on the old Twitter.
The next opportunity for launch is scheduled to open on January 8, with a four-day window available for liftoff.
The launch carries with it Astrobotic’s Peregrine lander, scheduled to perform the first commercial landing on the Moon.
After launch, Peregrine will continue on a maximum 33-day journey towards our natural satellite, planning a landing in Sinus Viscositatis, northeast of the Apollo 12 landing site in 1969.
Mission was postponed due to technical problems – Image: United Launch Alliance/Reproduction
Along with the lunar mission, the rocket will carry precious cargo from Celestis, a company specialized in sending memorials into space.
This shipment includes samples from the ashes of renowned actress Nichelle Nichols, known for her iconic role as Uhura in the original series of ‘Star Trek‘, as well as other members of the original cast.
‘Star Trek’, a space opera entertainment franchise created by Gene Roddenberry in 1966, has evolved over the years with several spin-off series.
The delay in the launch of Vulcan Centaur means that tributes to the series’ cast, destined for outer space, will have to wait a little longer before traveling towards the stars that the franchise celebrates so much.
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