The Ministry of Science, Technology and Innovation and the Argentine National Space Activities Commission (CONAE, in Spanish) informed that it has been decided to postpone the launch of the SAOCOM 1B satellite, which was planned by the end of this month.
The decision was made taking into account the restrictions imposed by the COVID-19 pandemic, which could affect the availability of CONAE’s own resources and foreign third-party resources, necessary not only for a safe insertion into orbit, but also for further operation of the satellite.
The postponement was agreed with the launch service supplier company, SpaceX, considering that it is the best decision in these moments of uncertainty and dynamic changes that the whole world suffers because of COVID-19.
This measure will be complemented with activities to be carried out in the launch base, which will secure the conditions for the adequate storage of the SAOCOM1B satellite at the SpaceX facilities.
The authorities of this Commission will await the evolution of the conditions that make it possible to resume activities related to the launch of the SAOCOM1B and its subsequent insertion into its final orbit in a reliable manner, according to the original plans.
SOURCE:
CONAE
