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ULA(Vandenberg Air Force Base, Calif., Dec. 18, 2018) – The launch of a United Launch Alliance Delta IV Heavy carrying the NROL-71 payload for the National Reconnaissance Office was scrubbed today due to high ground winds.
The next launch attempt is planned for Wed., Dec. 19, from Space Launch Complex 6 at Vandenberg Air Force Base, Calif. The forecast indicates an 80 percent chance of favorable weather conditions for launch. The targeted launch time is 5:44 p.m. PST.
Launch webcast begins at L-20 minutes (5:24 p.m. PST; 8:24 p.m. EST; 0124 UTC)
10:35 a.m. PST (1:35 p.m. EST; 1835 UTC)
Launch officials continue to monitor strong ground winds at Vandenberg. They are receiving periodic updates from meteorologists on the current and forecast conditions. Tower retraction remains on hold at this time.
9:27 a.m. PST (12:27 p.m. EST; 1727 UTC) – Countdown begins
Countdown clocks have been initiated at Vandenberg for today’s Delta IV Heavy launch. Weather permitting, we are just eight-and-a-half hours away from liftoff of the triple-core rocket on a vital mission for U.S. national security.
The application of power to the avionics aboard the Delta IV Heavy rocket is beginning at the start of the countdown. The equipment will be powered up for launch day testing and final preparations for fueling operations.
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