CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. — The United Launch Alliance said its Atlas V rocket arrived at its Cape Canaveral launchpad for Saturday’s liftoff of Lucy.
The rocket will deliver NASA’s Lucy spacecraft to a hyperbolic orbit.
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The mission will study the Trojan asteroids, remnants from formation of the outer planets 4.5 billion years ago.
Lucy will be the first spacecraft to visit the Trojan asteroids.
READ: Lucy mission launch set for Saturday, has 90% favorable weather conditions
ULA said the seven-hour launch countdown will begin Friday night.
The rocket will liftoff at 5:34 a.m. Saturday from space Launch Complex-41 at Cape Canaveral Space Force Station.
Our #AtlasV rocket has arrived at its Cape Canaveral launch pad for Saturday's liftoff of the #LucyMission to study the Trojan asteroids, remnants from formation of the outer planets 4.5 billion years ago. https://t.co/RPT8Xwp5Cp pic.twitter.com/FXGiHnjSBK
— ULA (@ulalaunch) October 14, 2021
READ: NASA, ULA confirm ‘all systems go’ for launch of Lucy spacecraft from Kennedy Space Center
During a prelaunch briefing, officials said the weather will be a 90% go for launch.
Lucy has a 23-day launch window. Should the teams need a backup window, they have it.
READ: ULA, NASA finish ‘wet dress rehearsal’ for upcoming launch for to study ‘Trojan asteroids’
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