(IMG:http://www.spaceflightnews.net/special/delta/cosmo_skymed3/images/102308/index.jpg) United Launch Alliance is preparing for tonight's launch of COSMO-3, the third satellite of the Italian COSMO-SkyMed (Constellation of Small Satellites for Mediterranean basin Observation) constellation. COSMO-3 will be launched aboard a Delta II launch vehicle from space Launch Complex 2-West at Vandenberg Air Force Base. Launch of COSMO-3 is schedule for 10:28:25 p.m. EDT
READ: COSMO-SKYMED 3 MISSION BOOKIMAGE: DELTA 7420-10 LAUNCH VEHICLEIMAGE: DELTA LAUNCH ASCENT PROFILEIMAGE: COSMO-SKYMED 3 ORBITAL INSERTION TRACEUnited Launch Alliance provides the Delta II launch vehicle and mission services under a commercial launch service contract administered by Boeing Launch Services. Thales Alenia Space, Italia (TAS-I) purchased the flight on a Delta II 7420-10 launch vehicle through Boeing Launch Services. COSMO-1 and COSMO-2, the first two COSMO-SkyMed satellites, were launched by the Delta II in June 2007 and December 2007, respectively. COSMO-3 will be launched into a circular sun-synchronous orbit, phased on the same orbital plane as COSMO-1 and COSMO-2, where COSMO-3 will begin its mission of data observation and data recording for the needs of both the military and civil community.COSMO-SkyMed, the new system for Earth observation, entirely developed and produced in Italy, is based on a constellation of four radar satellites. Each satellite is equipped with a high-resolution Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR) operating in X-band and flexible and innovative transmission equipment for the high-speed downlink of the acquired data to the receiving ground stations.The overall objective of the COSMO-SkyMed program is global Earth observation, particularly in the Mediterranean area. Specific applications include territorial surveillance and prevention of natural disasters, coastal surveillance to assess coastal erosion and sea/river pollution and control of farming, forestry resources and urban buildings. COSMO-SkyMed enhances territorial security and strategic defense with mapping using images with a resolution in the order of one meter.The Delta II rocket being launched today is flying in the 7420-10 configuration. The vehicle features a 10 foot payload fairing and flies with the assistance of four strap-on graphite epoxy (GEM) solid rocket boosters. After liftoff from SLC-2W, the rocket will fly west and south along a 196 degree flight azimuth. The strap-on motors burn out at one minute, 4 seconds into the flight. After an 18.5 second delay to clear oil platforms in the ocean below, the spent boosters are jettisoned to fall into the Pacific. The Delta will perform a dogleg maneuver beginning at 1 minute, 25 seconds until 2 minutes after launch to place the vehicle on the proper trajectory for the required orbital inclination.The first stage RS-27 main engine will shut down at T+4 minutes, 24 seconds, followed 8 seconds later by stage one and two separation. Five and a half seconds after separating, the Aerojet AJ-10 second stage will engine ignite, followed by payload fairing jettison.The second stage shutdown (SECO-1) will occur at 11 minutes, 25.1 seconds after liftoff. After cutoff, the upper stage will orient itself to the proper attitude for its restart and second burn. After the reorientation maneuver, the upper stage will begin a 1 degree per second thermal control roll beginning at T+ 19 minutes, 20 seconds and lasting until T+51 minutes, 25 seconds.The second stage will restart at 53 minutes, 27 seconds into the mission as the vehicle is flying over the Hertebeesthoek, South Africa tracking station. The engine will burn for 12.4 seconds, and at the end of it the upper stage and payload will be inserted into an orbit 334.7 x 341.0 miles high with an inclination of 97.86 degrees to the Earth's Equator.Separation of the Cosmo-Skymed 3 payload from the Delta second stage begins 57 minutes, 30 seconds after launch with the payload attach fitting (PAF) clampband is released. Thirty seconds later, secondary latches will be released, separating the spacecraft and completing the mission of Delta 336.The weather forecast for launch is forecast to be nearly ideal, with a 100% chance of acceptable conditions at launch time. The temperature will be in the mid 60's with scattered cirrus clouds in the sky. The winds are forecast to be north-northwest at 10-15 knots. (The Spacearium / Space Media Corporation)

Here is the United Launch Alliance mission book for the launch:

At 9:28 p.m. EDT we are one hour from launch. Everything is go. First stage loading with liquid oxygen was just completed and the rocket is fully fueld with LOX and RP-1 refined kerosene for launch.

10:09, first stage fuel tank pressurization beginning.

T-6 minutes. Weather conditions verified "go"

T-5 minutes. Spacecraft configured for launch. Launch enables are being turned "on" by the various vehicle systems.

The countdown will enter a built-in hold at T-4 minutes.

T-4 minutes and holding. This is a 10 minute preplanned built-in hold.

The rocket sits on the launch pad, ready to go:

There is an instantaneough launch window today. It opens at 10:28:21 p.m. EDT and closes 1 second later.