[amsat-bb] NASA Completes First Review of Wallops Launch Site Damage

[Eric Rosenberg]

>From Via Satellite:

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NASA Completes First Review of Wallops Launch Site Damage
By Caleb Henry | October 30, 2014 | Satellite TODAY News Feed

[Via Satellite 10-30-2014] NASA's Wallops Incident Response Team has
concluded its preliminary assessment of the launch pad at Wallops Island,
Va. following Orbital Sciences' Oct. 28 Antares launch vehicle explosion.
Initial findings show the damage was largely contained to the southern
third of the island. The team discovered imploded doors and shattered
windows at many nearby support buildings. The closest buildings and a
sounding rocket launcher adjacent to the pad were the most affected
infrastructure. The transporter erector launcher and lightning suppression
rods at Pad 0A were also damaged.

Several environmental tests are currently underway. Air samples from three
different sites detected no hazardous substances, and the U.S. Coast Guard
and Virginia Marine Resources Commission have not observed obvious signs of
water pollution, such as oil sheens. More testing of air, water, and soil
samples are planned for comparative analysis.

The response team will take several weeks to continue evaluating the extent
and influence of the damage. Local authorities such as the Virginia
Department of Environmental Quality, the Virginia Department of Emergency
Management and the Virginia Marine Police are also involved. NASA cautions
anyone who discovers debris from the explosion to keep distance and report
it to the Incident Response Team at 757-824-1295.