US weather satellite, test payload launched into space
LOS ANGELES — (AP) — A satellite intended to improve weather forecasting and an experimental inflatable heat shield to protect spacecraft entering atmospheres were launched into space from California on Thursday. A United Launch Alliance Atlas V rocket carrying the Joint Polar Satellite System-2 satellite and the NASA test payload lifted off at 1:49 a.m. from Vandenberg Space Force Base, northwest of Los Angeles. Mission officials say it represents the latest technology and will increase precision of observations of the atmosphere, oceans and land. After releasing the satellite, the rocket's upper stage was to reignite to position the test payload for re-entry into Earth's atmosphere and descent into the Pacific Ocean. NASA hoped to recover the aeroshell as well as a data recorder that was to be ejected before splashdown.
wftv.comUS spy satellite launched into orbit from California
VANDENBERG SPACE FORCE BASE, Calif. — (AP) — A classified satellite for the U.S. National Reconnaissance Office launched into orbit aboard a United Launch Alliance Delta 4 Heavy rocket on Saturday. The NROL-91 spy satellite lifted off at 3:25 p.m. from Vandenberg Space Force Base in California's Santa Barbara County. It was the last launch of a Delta 4 from the West Coast. This was the 387th flight of a Delta rocket since 1960 and the 95th and final launch from Vandenberg. The National Reconnaissance Office is the government agency in charge of developing, building, launching and maintaining U.S. spy satellites that provide intelligence data to policymakers, the intelligence community and Defense Department.
wftv.comUS spy satellite launched into orbit from California
VANDENBERG SPACE FORCE BASE, Calif. — (AP) — A classified satellite for the U.S. National Reconnaissance Office launched into orbit aboard a United Launch Alliance Delta 4 Heavy rocket on Saturday. The NROL-91 spy satellite lifted off at 3:25 p.m. from Vandenberg Space Force Base in California's Santa Barbara County. It was the last launch of a Delta 4 from the West Coast. This was the 387th flight of a Delta rocket since 1960 and the 95th and final launch from Vandenberg. The National Reconnaissance Office is the government agency in charge of developing, building, launching and maintaining U.S. spy satellites that provide intelligence data to policymakers, the intelligence community and Defense Department.
wftv.comPair of rocket launches make for busy Thursday along Florida’s Space Coast
Pair of rocket launches make for busy Thursday along Florida’s Space Coast (WFTV)BREVARD COUNTY, Fla. — Florida’s Space Coast is set to be busy with a pair of rocket launches Thursday. https://t.co/dTs1RdCHHE pic.twitter.com/KGwfqpr1ul — ULA (@ulalaunch) August 4, 2022For Laura Kretschmer, who is visiting Florida from Germany, the sunrise offered a beautiful backdrop while she watched the Atlas V rocket as it soared into space over the water. Read: ULA, SpaceX set for pair of rocket launches from Florida’s Space Coast ThursdayIn a rare occurrence along the coast, space exploration fans will get an opportunity to see another launch Thursday evening. The second launch — a SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket carrying a lunar orbiter for South Korea — will take place from Cape Canaveral Space Force Station. See: Drone captures ULA Atlas V launch from the coastThe launch is set for 7:08 p.m. from Space Launch Complex 40.
wftv.comULA, SpaceX set for pair of rocket launches from Florida’s Space Coast Thursday
BREVARD COUNTY, Fla. — Florida’s Space Coast is set to be busy with a pair of rocket launches Thursday. The first launch will be a United Launch Alliance Atlas V rocket carrying the SBIRS GEO 6 mission for the U.S. Space Force. pic.twitter.com/pVPYG7iOHu — ULA (@ulalaunch) August 4, 2022The launch will complete the Space Force’s SBIRS constellation which will provide missile warning and defense for the U.S. military. The second launch, a SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket carrying a lunar orbiter for South Korea will launch from Cape Canaveral Space Force Station Thursday evening. ET for a Falcon 9 launch of KPLO to a ballistic lunar transfer orbit from Space Launch Complex 40 in Florida — SpaceX (@SpaceX) August 3, 2022The launch is set for 7:08 p.m. from Space Launch Complex 40.
wftv.comSpaceX and ULA set for rocket launches from Florida’s Space Coast this week
Video: SpaceX and ULA set for rocket launch from Florida’s Space Coast this week Florida’s Space Coast is set to be busy this week. (James Tutten, WFTV.com/WFTV)KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, Fla. — Florida’s Space Coast is set to be busy this week. READ: NASA to launch 2 more choppers to Mars to help return rocksSpaceX is scheduled to launch a Falcon 9 rocket from the Cape Canaveral Space Force Station on Tuesday at 7:30 p.m. On Thursday, United Launch Alliance is set to launch an Atlas V rocket into space. READ: NASA aiming for late August test flight of giant moon rocketThe Atlas V will carry a satellite for the U.S. Space Force.
wftv.comULA, Space Force target June 30 for launch of Space Force satellites
BREAVARD COUNTY, Fla. — United Launch Alliance officials are targeting June 20 for the launch of two national security satellites for the U.S. Space Force. Delve into the details of this week's #AtlasV #USSF12 mission. Launching Thursday at 6:00pmEDT (2200 UTC) from Cape Canaveral, the rocket will deliver two U.S. national security satellites into geosynchronous orbit for the @SpaceForce_DOD. Learn More: https://t.co/cZiz0BJtpH pic.twitter.com/Z2OQLqOl3X — ULA (@ulalaunch) June 27, 2022The launch from Space Launch Complex-41 at Cape Canaveral Space Force Station is scheduled for 6 p.m.Read: 3 disturbances brewing in the AtlanticThe USSF-12 mission for the U.S. Space Force’s Space Systems Command will contain two satellite payloads and place both spacecraft in geosynchronous orbit above the equator aboard a United Launch Alliance Atlas V rocket. Read: NASA asteroid mission on hold due to late software deliveryThe latest forecast shows a 60% chance for launch.
wftv.comULA plans to launch its Atlas V carrying a space sensing mission Friday
BREVARD COUNTY, Fla. — United Launch Alliance is set to launch its Atlas V rocket carrying the USSF-12 mission Friday from Launch Complex 41 at Cape Canaveral Space Force Station. The launch time will be released closer to the launch date. The USSF-12 mission will include two satellite payloads: the Wide Field of View Testbed spacecraft for Space Force’s Space Sensing Directorate and the USSF-12 Ring spacecraft for the Defense Department’s Space Test Program. Expand Autoplay Image 1 of 34 ULA Atlas V USSF-12 Mission (Alexander Polimeni/United Launch Alliance)ULA said it forecasts a 70% chance of favorable weather conditions for the launch. Click here to download the free WFTV news and weather apps, click here to download the WFTV Now app for your smart TV and click here to stream Channel 9 Eyewitness News live.
wftv.comBoeing docks crew capsule to space station in test do-over
APTOPIX Boeing Crew Capsule A United Launch Alliance Atlas V rocket carrying the Boeing Starliner crew capsule lifts off on a second test flight to the International Space Station from Space Launch Complex 41 at Cape Canaveral Space Force station in Cape Canaveral, Fla., Thursday, May 19, 2022. SpaceX has since launched 18 astronauts to the space station for NASA, as well as tourists. Boeing’s first Starliner test flight in 2019 was plagued by software errors that cut the mission short and could have doomed the spacecraft. Before letting Starliner get close to the space station Friday, Boeing ground controllers practiced maneuvering the capsule and tested its robotic vision system. Once Starliner was within 10 miles (15 kilometers) of the space station, Boeing flight controllers in Houston could see the space station through the capsule's cameras.
wftv.comBoeing Starliner launch: 10 photos captured by skygazers
Boeing Starliner launch: 10 photos captured by skygazers A United Launch Alliance Atlas V rocket carrying the Boeing Starliner crew capsule lifts off on a test flight to the International Space Station from Space Launch Complex 41 at Cape Canaveral Space Force station in Cape Canaveral, Fla., Thursday, May 19, 2022. See views from the Space Launch Complex-41 launch pad and spacecraft separation during today's #Starliner #OFT2 liftoff atop a @ulalaunch #AtlasV. Stay tuned for docking with @Space_Station on May 20. pic.twitter.com/Ztjs36IwQf — Boeing Space (@BoeingSpace) May 20, 2022Skygazers took to social media to share photos of the launch with the hashtag #Starliner. Here are some of our favorites:United Launch Alliance's #AtlasV successfully launched Boeing's #Starliner spacecraft from LC-41 @ CCSFS tonight. After an orbital insertion burn 31 minutes later, the #Starliner spacecraft was on it’s way for docking with the @Space_Station.
wftv.comHappening today: ULA to launch Atlas V rocket from Space Coast
CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. — An Atlas V rocket will lift off from Cape Canaveral this afternoon. The United Launch Alliance rocket will be carrying a series of advanced weather satellites called “GOES-T” into orbit. The satellites will stay fixed just 22,000 miles over Hawaii, tracking storms moving across the country. READ: Atlas V rocket rolls out ahead of Tuesday launch from Space CoastThe launch window opens at 4:38 p.m.You can watch the launch on Channel 9 or on its website by clicking here. PHOTOS: Rocket launches from Central FloridaFinal preps are underway at Space Launch Complex-41 for tomorrow’s countdown and launch of #AtlasV with #GOEST.
wftv.comThe Final Frontier: ULA Vulcan rocket to host Enterprise Flight in late 2022
The Final Frontier: ULA Vulcan rocket to host Enterprise Flight in late 2022 (ULA/Celestis)BREVARD COUNTY , Fla. — When United Launch Alliance’s Vulcan Centaur embarks on its maiden flight later this year it will carry some special cargo. In addition to carrying Astrobotic’s Peregrine lunar lander, the rocket will also contain the remains of the Star Trek creator and several of the show’s fans. Read: SpaceX plans to launch Falcon 9 rocket from Space Coast on ThursdayCelestis Inc announced Wednesday they had reached a launch services agreement with the launch service provider for its Enterprise Flight in late 2022. The Enterprise Flight is a tribute to the creator and several cast members of the original Star Trek television series. More information on the Celestis Enterprise Flight can be found here.
wftv.com‘It was really cool’: Spectators gather to watch first ULA rocket launch of 2022
MERRITT ISLAND, Fla. — United Launch Alliance successfully launched its Atlas V rocket Friday afternoon during its first mission of the year. The launch is part of a national security mission for the U.S. Space Force. WATCH: SpaceX successfully launches Falcon 9 rocket from Kennedy Space CenterIt was also the second launch from Florida’s Space Coast this week. “I thought it was really cool seeing,” said launch spectator Valentina Perdomo. I liked it.”WATCH: NASA chief scientist wants new, additional mission for agency -- climateThe USSF-8 mission launch will support national security by enhancing space flight safety, including satellite collision avoidance.
wftv.comULA rocket to blast off from Cape Canaveral Friday afternoon
BREVARD COUNTY, Fla. — Another rocket launch is set to blast off from the Space Coast. On Friday, a United Launch Alliance Atlas 5 rocket will launch the USSF 8 mission. The rocket will fly in the 511 vehicle configuration with a five-meter fairing, one solid rocket booster and a single-engine Centaur upper stage, ULA said. Read: SpaceX set to launch third ‘rideshare’ mission to orbit from Florida’s Space CoastThe launch window opens at 2 p.m. The rocket will blast off from the Cape Canaveral Air Force Station.
wftv.comAtlas V rocket launch: 10 photos shared on social media
Atlas V rocket launch: 10 photos shared on social media A United Launch Alliance Atlas V rocket launches on the Department of Defense’s Space Test Program 3 (STP-3) mission from Space Launch Complex 41 at Cape Canaveral Space Force Station on Tuesday, Dec. 7, 2021, from NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida. (NASA/Joel Kowsky)CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. — The United Launch Alliance’s Atlas V rocket lifted off early Tuesday from Kennedy Space Center in Florida, WFTV is reporting. >> PHOTOS: Atlas V rocket successfully launches from Kennedy Space CenterSkygazers took to social media to share their photos of the launch. Here are some of our favorites:>> Read more trending newsExpand Autoplay Image 1 of 11 Photos: Atlas V rocket successfully launches from Kennedy Space Center A United Launch Alliance Atlas V rocket carrying the Department of Defense’s Space Test Program 3 (STP-3) mission is seen illuminated by spotlights at Space Launch Complex 41 at Cape Canaveral Space Force Station on Tuesday, Dec. 7, 2021, from NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida. The mission’s Space Test Program Satellite-6 (STPSat-6) spacecraft hosts NASA’s Laser Communications Relay Demonstration (LCRD) and the NASA-U.S.
wftv.comHappening at 4:04 a.m.: Atlas V rocket to liftoff from the Space Coast
CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. — After its launch was scrubbed twice in recent days, United Launch Alliance is scheduled to try again to send an Atlas V rocket into space on Tuesday. ULA said the launch is part of the Space Test Program-3 (STP-3) mission for the U.S. Space Force’s (USSF) Space Systems Command (SSC). Expand Autoplay Image 1 of 14 ULA rocket The United Launch Alliance rolled out its Atlas V rocket on Friday ahead of a launch set for this weekend. (United Launch Alliance/United Launch Alliance)There is a lot of advanced technology flying on the mission, including sensors for nuclear detonation detection. WATCH: SpaceX successfully launches batch of Starlink satellites aboard Falcon 9 rocketWelcome to Rollout Day for ULA's #AtlasV rocket and @SpaceForceDoD's #STP3 mission to Space Launch Complex-41 at Cape Canaveral.
wftv.comAtlas V rocket launching mission for US Space Force Sunday morning: Watch it live
The two-stage Atlas V is scheduled to blast off from Cape Canaveral Space Force Station in Florida at 4:04 a.m. EDT (0904 GMT) on Sunday, carrying a mix of payloads for the U.S. Space Force. Watch it live here.
space.comULA rolls out Atlas V rocket ahead of launch set for this weekend
ULA, Space Force launch of Atlas V rocket from Cape Canaveral File photo of ULA rocket. (United Launch Alliance)CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. — The United Launch Alliance rolled out its Atlas V rocket on Friday ahead of a launch set for this weekend. ULA said the launch is part of the Space Test Program-3 (STP-3) mission for the U.S. Space Force’s (USSF) Space Systems Command (SSC). Liftoff is planned for 4:04 a.m. Sunday at the Cape Canaveral Space Force Station. Welcome to Rollout Day for ULA's #AtlasV rocket and @SpaceForceDoD's #STP3 mission to Space Launch Complex-41 at Cape Canaveral.
wftv.comNASA rocket named Lucy soars into the sky -- with diamonds
Lucy in the sky: A United Launch Alliance Atlas V rocket carrying the Lucy spacecraft lifted off from Cape Canaveral on Saturday. (John Raoux/Associated Press )CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. — Lucy blasted off into the Florida sky on Saturday -- with diamonds, of course. Now begins a 12-year journey to visit more asteroids than any other mission: https://t.co/iRKKvRs28J pic.twitter.com/85xb8aG3u6 — NASA (@NASA) October 16, 2021Lucy is named after the 3.2 million-year-old skeletal remains of a human ancestor found in Ethiopia nearly 50 years ago, according to The Associated Press. NASA included the lyrics to the song and a disc made of lab-grown diamonds, the AP reported. “I’m so excited -- Lucy is going back in the sky with diamonds.
wftv.comDelta II rocket joins garden at Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex
After being closed for months due to COVID-19, the Kennedy Space Center Visitor Center is fully open with a glistening new rocket on display in the rocket garden. It was truly amazing,” said ULA’s Director of Launch Operations, Ron Fortson, recalling the first time he worked on a Delta II launch. AdThe Delta II was a busy rocket over its nearly 30-year life flying 155 times. The Delta II also carried numerous science missions for NASA. Visitors will also notice a big structure under construction behind the new Delta II rocket.
‘Majestic’ ULA Delta IV Heavy rocket lift offs off sending spy satellite into orbit
The United Launch Alliance rocket fired up and soared off the pad at 8:09 p.m. from Cape Canaveral Space Force Station Launch Complex 34. Formerly an Air Force Station, it is now Cape Canaveral Space Force Station. Patrick Air Force Base was also renamed as a Space Force base. Last month, ULA launched another spy satellite for the NRO on an Atlas V rocket from a different launch pad. That launch window opens at 11:20 a.m. and will take flight from Space Launch Complex 40, also at Cape Canaveral Space Force Station.
Boeing, NASA set March date for Starliner orbital test flight redo
Boeing and NASA announced March 29, 2021 for the next launch of the capsule designed to carry astronauts to the International Space Station. There won’t be any humans on this flight but it’s the final test before Boeing can launch astronauts for NASA. Boeing revealed the mission patch for OFT-2 slated for March 2021 (WKMG 2020)After an extensive joint investigation with NASA, Boeing officials say they are ready for orbital flight test 2, or OFT-2. The Boeing CST-100 Starliner spacecraft near the U.S. Army’s White Sands Missile Range in New Mexico. If OFT-2 goes well, Starliner will next launch three NASA astronauts, Nicole Mann, Mike Fincke and Barry “Butch” Wilmore.
ULA launches national security satellite from Cape Canaveral
CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – A United Launch Alliance rocket blasted off from Cape Canaveral Friday evening into a clear colorful sky carrying a secret spy satellite for the National Reconnaissance Office. The Atlas V rocket’s mission was to launch a satellite known as as NROL-101 for the National Reconnaissance Office. Liftoff happened after a few brief delays at 5:32 p.m. from Cape Canaveral Air Force Station Space Launch Complex-41. The liftoff was scheduled for about 20 minutes earlier but ULA reported a timing issue with some engine valves that was quickly resolved. Meanwhile, downrange SpaceX is preparing to launch a Falcon 9 rocket from Kennedy Space Center sending four astronauts to the International Space Station.
ULA delays Atlas V launch from Cape Canaveral due to Tropical Depression Eta
The planned weekend launch of an Atlas V rocket from Cape Canaveral Air Force Station will push into next week due to a tropical system near Florida, United Launch Alliance said Friday. Tropical Depression Eta, recently downgraded from hurricane status, is expected to strengthen and skirt the west coast of Florida, diminishing Atlas V’s chances of flying Sunday evening. Atlas V’s last launch attempt on Wednesday was scrubbed due to issues with the fueling system at Launch Complex 41, but ULA also confirmed the hardware has been fixed. “The issue with the remotely commanded ground system liquid oxygen valves has been resolved and the rocket and payload are healthy,” ULA said. Their Crew Dragon capsule is scheduled to launch from pad 39A at 7:49 p.m. Nov. 14.
ULA scrubs national security satellite liftoff from Cape Canaveral
CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – United Launch Alliance was preparing to launch one of its Atlas V workhorse rockets from Cape Canaveral Wednesday, offering a nice distraction from the ongoing ballot counting country-wide, however, due to a technical issue the liftoff has been delayed. The Atlas V rocket made the 1,800-feet journey to the launch pad for the second time Tuesday afternoon from the hangar at Cape Canaveral Air Force Station. [RELATED: When is the next rocket launch from Florida?] Another NRO satellite launch was delayed a handful of times in August, September and October before ULA announced the launch was delayed indefinitely. The Falcon 9 will liftoff from Space Launch Complex 40 at Cape Canaveral Air Force Station.
No Election Day launch, ULA delays national security satellite liftoff
CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – Central Florida voters won’t see a rocket launch on Election Day after all. The #AtlasV stands atop its Cape Canaveral pad for Tuesday's #NROL101 launch in support of U.S. national security. Another NRO satellite launch was delayed a handful of times in August, September and October before ULA announced the launch was delayed indefinitely. The company is slated to launch a GPS satellite for the U.S. Space Force and Air Force on Thursday. The Falcon 9 will liftoff from Space Launch Complex 40 at Cape Canaveral Air Force Station.
ULA pushes back Delta IV Heavy launch planning date
CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – United Launch Alliance says it’s adjusting its launch planning date for its next Delta IV Heavy liftoff, saying teams need more time to make sure systems will perform properly. ULA extended its planning period to Oct. 23 to allow crews to perform additional analysis and data monitoring of ground systems. Once the analysis is complete, ULA will release a new launch date to send up a security payload. — ULA (@ulalaunch) October 13, 2020The further precautions come as the last Delta IV Heavy launch attempt was scrubbed 7 seconds before liftoff on Oct. 1. Once all systems are sorted, the Delta IV Heavy is slated to launch from Complex 37 at Cape Canaveral Air Force Station in its sixth attempt to complete the NROL-44 mission.
SpaceX CEO Elon Musk coming to Space Coast to investigate scrub issues
Some locals are calling the unusually long streak of launch scrubs “Scrubtoberfest” but to SpaceX CEO Elon Musk it’s not a joke. The ultimate goal is for the Cape to run as efficiently as an airport with rockets being able to take off within hours of each other on multiple launch pads, News 6 partner Florida Today said. Over the past month, United Launch Alliance’s Delta IV Heavy launch of a top secret military satellite has scrubbed five times due to weather, hardware and technical issues causing two SpaceX launches to reschedule multiple times. [TRENDING: DeSantis to lift restaurant limits in Fla. | Here’s how to track your mail-in ballot | How can I tell difference between flu and COVID-19?] Musk attributed the Friday night abort to an “Unexpected pressure rise in the turbomachinery gas generator.”Musk tweeted that his team will be problem-solving all weekend.
Double scrubs: SpaceX, ULA launches both delayed continuing streak
It started out with the chance for three launches but as of Thursday morning, after two scrubs in less than 12 hours from ULA and SpaceX, it’s down to one remaining Falcon 9 liftoff. A Falcon 9 rocket was set to liftoff at 9:17 a.m. from launchpad 39A at KSC but it wasn’t meant to be. One of Falcon 9′s fairing halves was used during two previous Starlink launches, according to SpaceX. SpaceX CEO Elon Musk said in a tweet the company is “prioritizing emergency responders and locations with no Internet connectivity at all” for its first customers. Happy to have the support of @SpaceX’s Starlink internet as emergency responders look to help residents rebuild the town of Malden, WA that was overcome by wildfires earlier this month.
UPDATE: ULA launch scrubbed after weather delayed prelaunch preparations
CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – ***11:33 p.m. 9/29/2020 Update***The launch of the United Launch Alliance Rocket has been scrubbed after the weather in Central Florida resulted in a delay to relaunch preparations, according to ULA. Launch officials said a hydraulic leak in the ground system required crews to move the tower and it needed further evaluation. The weather prevented the team from moving forward with the attempt on Tuesday, according to ULA. When it does launch, it will mark the 13th round of Starlink satellites for SpaceX’s constellation. Space Force Weather forecasters are predicting a 40% chance of favorable launch weather for the heavy lift rocket.
SpaceX Starlink launch scrubbed Monday
SpaceX Starlink launch scrubbed MondayPublished: September 28, 2020, 3:00 pmSpaceX’s first launch of the week was scrubbed Monday due to cloudy weather but the company still has another mission ready to liftoff on Tuesday, meanwhile, downrange, there is a United Launch Alliance rocket waiting for liftoff just after midnight Tuesday following another technical delay.
ULA looks towards Tuesday for Delta IV rocket launch from Cape Canaveral
CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – ***UPDATE ***United Launch Alliance says it is ready to launch the NROL-44 satellite after multiple postponed launches. “We are taking extra precautions to ensure all issues are resolved with the swing arm retraction system,” ULA said in a tweet. “Additional time is needed for the team to test and evaluate the swing arm retraction system,” ULA officials said. “(The mission) is delayed due to an issue with the swing arm retraction system,” ULA tweeted. Although only two will launch on ULA’s heavy lift rocket, the launch set for Sept. 26 and NROL-82 from Vandenberg Air Force Base in California later this year.
ULA finds cause of dramatic Delta IV Heavy launch scrub; targeting new date
United Launch Alliance teams have determined the cause behind a Delta IV Heavy rocket’s dramatic, last-second abort late last month, setting the stage for another attempt no earlier than next week, News 6 partner Florida Today reports. We will replace or rebuild as needed, re-test, and then resume towards launch.”He said teams are currently targeting no earlier than Friday, Sept. 18, for the next pre-dawn attempt. If the timeline holds, it will actually mark Delta IV Heavy’s third attempt to launch a secretive intelligence-gathering satellite for the National Reconnaissance Office known as NROL-44. The first launch on Aug. 27 was scrubbed due to a pneumatics issue in ground support equipment. Elsewhere on the Eastern Range, SpaceX is tentatively targeting about 12 hours before Delta IV Heavy – so next Thursday afternoon – for its next mission from Kennedy Space Center’s pad 39A.
ULA Delta IV Heavy rocket launch scrubbed again
CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – ***4:15 a.m. Aug. 29, 2020 p.m.***The United Launch Alliance Delta IV Heavy rocket launch of a national security satellite was scrubbed for the second time this week. ULA Launch Director Lou Mangieri announced another attempt would not be made Saturday within the launch window. ***ORIGINAL***United Launch Alliance will launch a U.S. national security mission using its Delta IV Heavy rocket early Saturday morning and it should be a treat for early risers because the heavy-lift rocket is a rare sight. The launch will take place from Space Launch Complex 37 at Cape Canaveral Air Force Station. Ahead of the launch, ULA did something unusual with the rocket.
ULA scrub leaves 2 SpaceX launches remaining this weekend
There are two more launch opportunities this weekend for ULA but the company has not announced when the next liftoff attempt will happen from Space Launch Complex-37 at Cape Canaveral Air Force Station. According to ULA CEO Tory Bruno, the first scrub was caused by an issue is with the gas ground system involved in preparing the rocket for launch. Meanwhile, SpaceX will attempt two launches on Sunday, including the landing of two rocket boosters. Due to the ULA scrub, SpaceX delayed its launch for the Argentina Space Agency, or CONAE, which was scheduled for Friday. Here’s a recap of the launches happening in the next 48 hours:SaturdayULA Delta IV Heavy with NROL-44Launch time: 2:04 a.m.
SpaceX, ULA line up 3 rocket launches in 3 days but will it happen?
The current forecast from the 45th Space Wing shows an 80% chance of favorable launch weather for the four-hour window. A Delta IV Heavy launch alone would be a treat to see because the powerful three-booster, 235-foot-tall rocket doesnt launch very often. Ahead of the launch, ULA did something unusual with the rocket. It used the rocket and launch hangar as a backdrop to project an interactive video, known as 3D mapping. Its the first time a real rocket has been used as a landscape for art, according to ULA.
Launch alert: ULA Delta Heavy rocket ready to rumble
CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. United Launch Alliance will launch a U.S. national security mission on Aug. 26 using its Delta IV Heavy rocket, a treat for early risers because the heavy-lift rocket is a rare sight. Liftoff is scheduled for 2:16 a.m. from Space Launch Complex 37 at Cape Canaveral Air Force Station. Last October, the heavy-lift rocket launched NASAs Parker Solar Probe from Cape Canaveral on a mission to study the sun. Tropical Storm Laura is forecast to become a Category 1 hurricane off Floridas west coast next week. Meanwhile, Tropical Depression 14 is moving on a projected path toward Houston, where it could make landfall as a tropical storm after becoming a Category 1 hurricane.
Spaceflight community mourns loss of ULA Chief Scientist Bernard Kutter
The space and engineering community is grieving for the loss of one of spaceflight’s most gifted minds after the death of United Launch Alliance Chief Scientist Bernard Kutter. Kutter, who was considered a leader in NewSpace and the architect of ULA lunar plan, died unexpectedly of a heart attack on Aug. 12, according to the National Space Society. It is with a very heavy heart we share that Bernard Kutter, our Chief Scientist and manager of Advanced Programs, unexpectedly passed away. He hosted workshops on lunar science for ULA employees and other members of the spaceflight and planetary science community. Phil Metzger, a planetary scientist at the University of Central Florida, described Kutter as a “central part” of space.
2020's final Mars mission poised for blastoff from Florida
A United Launch Alliance Atlas V rocket that will launch to Mars arrives at Space Launch Complex 41 at the Cape Canaveral Air Force Station, Tuesday, July 28, 2020, in Cape Canaveral, Fla. The rocket scheduled to launch on Thursday will land on Mars in February 2021 and the Mars 2020 rover, named Perseverance, will study Martian geology. (AP Photo/John Raoux)CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. The summers third and final mission to Mars featuring NASA's most elaborate life-hunting rover is on the verge of liftoff. The rover Perseverance will follow Chinas rover-orbiter combo and a United Arab Emirates orbiter, both launched last week. First things first, though: Good flying weather is forecast for United Launch Alliance's Atlas V rocket.
Live updates: NASAs Mars rover set for launch from Cape Canaveral
NASA and United Launch Alliance are in the final hours before launching a rover and helicopter to Mars from Floridas coast. The liftoff is scheduled for 7:50 a.m. Thursday from Cape Canaveral Air Force Station where ULA will launch its Atlas V rocket with the rover named Perseverance and the chopper nicknamed Ingenuity on their journey to the red planet. Follow updates below throughout the countdown and liftoff:3 p.m. Live views of the launch padA camera at Cape Canaveral Air Force Station is showing live views of Atlas standing tall on the launch pad ready for Thursdays morning liftoff. Wondering when and where you may see the #AtlasV launch of Mars 2020? Launch is scheduled for tomorrow morning at 7:50amEDT from Cape Canaveral.
Launch of NASA Mars rover delayed again, 2 weeks left to fly
CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. NASA has delayed the launch of its newest Mars rover yet again to the end of July at the earliest this time for a rocket issue. Rocket maker United Launch Alliance needs extra time to deal with a liquid oxygen sensor line that showed questionable readings during a recent practice countdown, officials said Tuesday. The United Arab Emirates and China, meanwhile, still are pressing ahead with launches this month or next of Mars spacecraft. Russia and the European Space Agency had to bow out, delaying their Mars rover until 2022 because of delayed spacecraft testing and travel limitations due to the coronavirus pandemic. ___The Associated Press Health and Science Department receives support from the Howard Hughes Medical Institutes Department of Science Education.
NASA Mars rover launch shifts again to end of July
United Launch Alliance was scheduled to launch the rover, named Perseverance, on an Atlas V rocket sometime in July. The last launch date was pushed to July 22 now NASA says it is targeting no earlier than July 30. NASA officials said they experienced rocket processing delays preparing to mount the spacecraft to the rocket that will carry the rover to Mars leading to the first launch time change. NASA said flight analysis teams have expended this year’s Mars launch window by five additional days to August 15 and are looking into whether that could push further into August. After launch, the Perseverance rover will land in the Mars Jezero creator in late February where it will seek signs of ancient life and collect samples to return to Earth on another mission.
ULA launches Atlas V carrying X-37B after initial launch was scrubbed
The rocket is carrying the X-37B Orbital Test Vehicle under the newly formed U.S. Space Force. Liftoff of the United Launch Alliance #AtlasV rocket on the #USSF7 mission featuring the #X37B Orbital Test Vehicle for the United States Space Force! ULA will launch the spacecraft, which resembles a small space shuttle, on an Atlas V rocket Saturday from Space Launch Complex 41 at Cape Canaveral Air Force Station. The launch will mark the sixth flight of the X-37B Orbital Test Vehicle and the fourth launched aboard an Atlas V rocket. They were directly involved in building a satellite scheduled to launch into space May 16 aboard the X-37B Orbital Test Vehicle.