Satnews Daily
September 3rd, 2008

Hanna Hassles Specialists Needed For GeoEye Launch


GeoEye-1 satellite image 2 GeoEye, Inc. (NASDAQ: GEOY) has had to slip the launch of its GeoEye-1 satellite from Vandenberg Air Force Base, California. While the launch vehicle and satellite are on the pad and ready for a launch later this week, United Launch Alliance (ULA) advised the Company Hurricane Hanna's projected path off the east coast of Florida has impacted the availability of certified Delta II launch specialists available to travel to VAFB to support the GeoEye-1 launch. ULA is currently planning the launch for no earlier than September 7th and is taking all of the steps necessary to support this date. GeoEye will announce a new date as soon as it is confirmed by our launch provider. The 45th Space Wing at Patrick AFB, Florida, has declared HURCON 4 (Hurricane Condition 4), meaning that there is a storm with sustained winds of greater than 50 knots anticipated within 72 hours at the Cape Canaveral Air Force Station (CCAFS). Under this condition, personnel may elect to remain with their families for the duration of the storm instead of travelling to California for the GeoEye-1 launch. ULA frequently shifts personnel from coast to coast to support launches. The Flight Readiness Review was successfully completed on August 28th establishing that all elements were ready for the upcoming launch and this remains the case as soon as this staffing shortfall caused by the hurricane is resolved.