EXPENDABLE LAUNCH VEHICLE STATUS REPORT
January 6, 2006

MISSION: New Horizons
LAUNCH VEHICLE: Lockheed Martin Atlas V 551 (AV-010)
LAUNCH PAD: Complex 41
LAUNCH SITE: Cape Canaveral Air Force Station, Florida
LAUNCH DATE: No earlier than Jan. 17, 2006

The borescope inspection of the Atlas V RP-1 propellant tank was successfully completed this week and no defects were observed. The results of the inspection serve to increase confidence in launch success, but further testing and modeling of the vehicle continues in order to provide confidence in proceeding to launch.

Launch vehicle ordnance installation will be completed today. Third stage closeouts are scheduled for Jan. 9. The safe and arm devices will be installed on the solid rocket boosters Jan. 10.

New Horizons spacecraft closeouts and final documentation are scheduled for Jan. 11 to 13. The final power-on integrated test is set for Jan. 12. The fairing doors will be installed for flight Jan. 14.

(From a Kennedy Space Center release, Status Report ELV-010606)