United Launch Alliance Delta IV WGS-9 Rocket Launch From Cape Canaveral Pushed Back To March 14

By  //  March 4, 2017

ABOVE VIDEO: The United Launch Alliance Delta IV WGS-9 rocket launch from Cape Canaveral is set for Wednesday, March 8.

BREVARD COUNTY • CAPE CANAVERAL, FLORIDA – The United Launch Alliance (ULA) Delta IV WGS-9 rocket launch from Cape Canaveral has been pushed back to Tuesday, March 14.

Launch was originally scheduled for March 8.

ULA says a booster issue was discovered during pre-launch inspections.

Launch window opening will be announced in the coming days.

MISSION

Witness liftoff of the United Launch Alliance (ULA) Delta IV rocket from Cape Canaveral Air Force Station. The Delta IV rocket will carry WGS-9, the eighth satellite of the Wideband Global SATCOM (WGS) for U.S. Air Force Space Command.

WGS-9 will provide communications services to various branches of the U.S. military.

LAUNCH VIEWING

Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex offers the closest public viewing of launches with the purchase of a launch transportation/viewing ticket. Availability of viewing opportunities and locations is dependent upon the scheduled launch time and is subject to U.S. Air Force approval.

Launch viewing opportunities for WGS-9 are available at LC-39 Observation Gantry, Apollo/Saturn V Center and the main visitor complex with bleacher seating and launch commentary.

Launch Viewing/Transportation Tickets to LC-39 Observation Gantry (SOLD OUT) are available for $49, in addition to daily admission. Tickets to Apollo/Saturn V Center are available for $20, in addition to daily admission.

Tickets for LC-39 and Apollo/Saturn V Center are available online and by calling 855-475-8415.

The main visitor complex viewing area is included with daily admission and is located next to Space Shuttle Atlantis. Restrooms and other amenities are available at all viewing areas.

After arriving and parking at the visitor complex, launch viewing/transportation ticket holders are transported by bus from the main visitor complex to special viewing areas at Kennedy Space Center. Visitors must have a daily admission ticket or annual pass in order to utilize launch viewing/transportation tickets and security protocol requires that all ticket holders must be transported by bus to these secure facilities.

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Bus boarding for launch viewing/transportation ticket holders begins three hours before the scheduled launch time as it takes time to load and transport ticket holders by bus. Parking traffic increases closer to launch time, so plan ahead for parking, entering the complex (including security bag search), and walking to bus boarding.

Arrive early to assure your viewing spot!

Launch date, time, and viewing opportunities are subject to change. Launches can be affected by technical and mechanical issues as well as range operations and weather, either in advance or at the last minute. Learn more about our Launch Scrub Policy.

LAUNCH VEHICLE:

The Delta IV family of launch vehicles meets requirements to launch high-priority U.S. Air Force (USAF), National Reconnaissance Office (NRO), NASA, and commercial payloads to orbit. The Delta IV launch system is available in five configurations: the Delta IV Medium (Delta IV M), three variants of the Delta IV Medium-Plus (Delta IV M+), and the Delta IV Heavy (Delta IV H). Each configuration is comprised of a common booster core (CBC), a cryogenic upper stage and either a 4-m-diameter or 5-m-diameter payload fairing (PLF).

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The Delta IV RS-68A main engine, designed and manufactured by Aerojet Rocketdyne, is the largest existing hydrogen-burning engine. This engine requires 80 percent fewer parts than the Space Shuttle Main Engine, is lower risk, has reduced development and production costs and has inherently reliable operation. The Delta IV second stages rely on the RL10 propulsion system, also manufactured by Aerojet Rocketdyne, to power their second stages.

The Delta IV employs the RL10B-2 with the world’s largest carbon-carbon extendible nozzle. This rocket will fly in the Medium+ (5,4) configuration.

Live coverage of the launch will be start an hour before launch.

Stay Tuned To Space Coast Daily For Updates