Opal Weekly Update -- August 20, 1999

1. The launch has been officially delayed till October 15, 1999.  Particular reasons were not given though I believe it has to do  with range logistics rather than rocket readiness.  If it delays past this (which it could), it'll be much later...ie December is what I've heard. 
2. Due to the delayed launch, vibe testing of the payload stack has been postponed again.  They were completing a moments of inertia test on the 20th.  Vibe tests will be performed the week of the 30th.  They would be ready for the week of the 23rd but they expect delays due to the Small Satellite Conference in Logan.
3. We were concerned about replacement of solar panels and OSSS assured us that they would be attached during no testing times. They will be attached all the way till placement on the rocket.
4. We asked about updated orbital information, ie time of launch, estimated keps, etc.  Orbital Sciences was not online for the telecon so that information was not available.
5. Trickle charging is available to us till encapsulation.  After encapsulation, only a 30 day delays will allow us to get back into the fairing. The next PIWG is the week before shipment.  That is around September 15th.
6. fLaunch Date: October 15, 1999.