Cape Canaveral, Florida – The much-anticipated launch of United Launch Alliance’s Delta 4 Heavy rocket faced a setback on March 28 due to an issue with a gaseous nitrogen pump just minutes before liftoff. However, after resolving the problem, a second launch attempt is scheduled for Tuesday afternoon at Cape Canaveral Space Force Station.
The launch, set for 12:53 p.m. EDT, will mark the final mission of the Delta family of rockets. The NROL-70 mission, carrying a classified payload for the National Reconnaissance Office (NRO), will aim to deliver essential capabilities from space to those on the ground.
During the previous attempt, two issues arose in the final minutes before liftoff, including a violation of ground wind limits and the gaseous nitrogen pump problem. Air Liquide, the prime contractor managing the pipeline system, worked with NASA to resolve the issue before the upcoming launch.
NASA confirmed Air Liquide’s efforts to address the pump problem, emphasizing the importance of successful resource delivery for the launch. The 45th Weather Squadron forecasted favorable conditions for the second launch, with a 90 percent chance of good weather during the launch window.
The Delta 4 Heavy rocket has a history of supporting NRO missions, with the upcoming launch being the 16th flight. ULA’s Vulcan rocket is set to replace the Delta 4 Heavy in capabilities, with its first certification mission already completed in January.
Amidst preparations for the Delta 4 Heavy’s final launch, ULA is gearing up to send its first astronaut crew to low Earth orbit with the Boeing Starliner Crew Flight Test. Excitement builds as the space industry continues to push boundaries in exploration and innovation.