18 March 2010 - As previously announced (http://earth.esa.int/object/index.cfm?fobjectid=6732) the Envisat data transmission via Artemis (ESA Data Relay Satellite) will be interrupted for approximately one day as a consequence of the use of Artemis to support the forthcoming launch of the USV-2 (Unmanned Space Vehicle) mission. As already communicated, no preventive cancellation of Envisat planning will be performed. Affected Envisat requests will only be cancelled if/when the USV-2 launch takes place, and affected users will only be informed a posteriori. The unavailability will only affect Envisat data downlink (both high and low bit rate) performed via Artemis. Data downlink transmitted directly to ground stations will not be affected.
Please note that the USV-2 launch window has now been extended to end of April 2010.