Launch News SUCCESS! Delta IV-M+(5,2) NROL-47 Jan 12, 2018 (1 p.m. PST)

[Nicholas Kang]

(Jan. 11, 2018, 5:10 pm PST)– The launch of a United Launch Alliance Delta IV carrying the NROL-47 mission was scrubbed today due to an issue with a ground system valve.

The launch is planned for Friday, Jan. 12, from Space Launch Complex-6 at Vandenberg Air Force Base. The forecast shows a 90 percent chance of favorable weather conditions for launch. The launch time is 1 p.m. PT.

Rocket: Delta IV Medium+ (5,2)
Mission: NROL-47
Launch Date: Thursday, Jan. 12, 2018
Launch Time: 1 p.m. PST
Live Broadcast: Tune in beginning at 12:40 p.m. PST
Launch Location: Space Launch Complex 6, Vandenberg Air Force Base, California
Launch Notes: The NROL-47 mission will mark ULA’s first launch of 2018 and 27th for the National Reconnaissance Office. NROL-47 will be the 36th flight of the Delta IV rocket since its inaugural launch 2002.

Mission Profile:

Live Webcast:

[ame="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=h9O-JH4DtiQ"]Delta IV NROL-47 Live Launch Broadcast (Jan. 12, 2018) - YouTube[/ame]

Weather Forecast (Previous launch window weather forecast):

L-1 forecast shows a 30 percent chance of favorable weather conditions for launch. The launch time is 1 p.m. Pacific (4 p.m. Eastern).

Launch Forecast Summary:
Overall probability of violating weather constraints: 70%
Primary concerns: Ground Winds

Overall probability of violating weather constraints for 24 hour delay: 10%
Primary concern: Ground Winds

Gallery:

Go Delta! Go NROL-47!

 

[boogabooga]

Scrub for day due to weather.

 

[GLS]

Another one up that nobody will probably see again...

 

[Nicholas Kang]

124! Successful mission (including payload separation :lol

 

[ADSWNJ]

That's a real sooty smoke flare on liftoff! It's a dirty rocket before it gets to 1000 ft!

Nice launch though. Go Delta IV, go ULA.

 

[Andy44]

I'm pretty sure the charring of the insulation at ignition is gaseous hydrogen burning, it's a Delta IV trademark IIRC.

4:30 of that video. That control room is the polar opposite of a SpaceX launch, older guys in uniforms or suits and ties, 1970s-looking hideous décor, and no glass wall with hipster spectators all over the place lol!

 

[ADSWNJ]

I'm pretty sure the charring of the insulation at ignition is gaseous hydrogen burning, it's a Delta IV trademark IIRC.

https://forum.nasaspaceflight.com/index.php?topic=9803.0

indeed ... hydrogen fire around the foot of the vehicle, 100% nominal. Just ... looks dirty!