Troubled NOAA-N Prime Ready For Launch

NOAA-N Prime Atop Delta II Rocket Ready For Launch Feb. 4
“The launch of the NOAA-N Prime polar-orbiting weather satellite for NASA and the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, or NOAA, aboard a United Launch Alliance Delta II rocket is scheduled for Wednesday, Feb. 4.”
NOAA-N-Prime Satellite Mishap Investigation Report Released
“Proximate Cause: The NOAA N-PRIME satellite fell because the LMSSC operations team failed to follow procedures to properly configure the TOC, such that the 24 bolts that were needed to secure the TOC adapter plate to the TOC were not installed.”
Earth Science Missions Anomaly Report: GOES/POES Program/POES Project: 6 Sep 2003
“As the NOAA-N Prime spacecraft was being repositioned from vertical to horizontal on the “turn over cart” at approximately 7:15 PDT today, it slipped off the fixture, causing severe damage. (See attached photo). The 18′ long spacecraft was about 3′ off the ground when it fell.”
Editor’s note: I’d be willing to bet that this satellite operates flawlessly ….