Update 10pm 03/28/2024: ULA has deferred any launch of Delta IV Heavy on Friday, March 28th, and according to various sources, has scheduled the next attempt for Monday, April 1st. This is emerging information and will be updated as it becomes clearer.

The weather was a great concern for Thursday’s first attempt to launch the last Delta IV Heavy mission, but with just under four minutes to the planned liftoff of the third most powerful operational rocket, faulty ground equipment kept the vehicle on the ground today at SLC-37 at Cape Canaveral Space Force Station. United Launch Alliance said shortly afterward that they would try again tomorrow at 1:37 PM EDT.

“The launch of a ULA Delta IV Heavy carrying the NROL70 mission for the National Reconnaisance Office was scrubbed due to an issue with the gaseous nitrogen pipeline which provides pneumatic pressure to the launch vehicle systems. The team initiated operations to secure the vehicle.”

United Launch Alliance on X, March 28, 2024

Tory Bruno, CEO of ULA, also gave a bit more information on X: “During the hold, a GN2 pipeline ground pump failed causing a scrub.” He soon added that the “Pump has been repaired. On track for tomorrow’s window.” (Update: that guidance changed later.)

Weather

Today’s weather started postcard perfect—rain missed most of the Space Coast overnight, while other parts of central Florida experienced heavy storms. Partly cloudy skies with light breezes greeted the dawn. However, that would change by mid-morning as a line of storms passed through, necessitating ULA to push the originally-planned liftoff time slightly backward to allow the weather to clear.

Afterward, winds were as predicted: just beyond acceptable for launching a rocket like Delta IV Heavy, which has a lot of surface area distributed over its three massive cores. According to ULA CEO Tory Bruno, that creates a condition where the rising vehicle can be pushed into its launch tower. Those winds diminished enough to allow a launch attempt for 2:45 PM, but unfortunately, at T-Minus 3:58, the count was halted due to the nitrogen feed problem that brought about the scrub.

Tomorrow’s weather also has high winds in the forecast, but according to the 45th Weather Squadron forecast, they only present a 40% Probability of Violation, meaning a 60% chance of acceptable conditions.

Launch Viewing: In Person

The launch is from SLC-37 at Cape Canaveral, which means that the best direct views of liftoff are Banana River Bridge on FL-528 W near Port Canaveral or the southern parks on US-1 / S. Washington Avenue in Titusville. Kennedy Point Park and, Rotary Riverview Park (among others) are your best bets.

Cocoa Beach, Cocoa Beach Pier, Jetty Park Pier will have indirect views, meaning that liftoff will not be visible, but after the rocket clears the pad and any ground obstructions, you will be able to see Falcon 9 ascending clearly assuming there are no clouds between you and the rocket.

There is a long launch window, so be sure to bring a chair so that you can be comfortable, and since the weather is going to be breezy, a long-sleeve shirt or a windbreaker may not be a bad idea.

Online Viewing

SpaceCoastLaunchCalendar.com will have a livestream of the launch if you’re not able to watch the launch in person: Livestream