ULA Delta IV Heavy NROL-71 Set to Launch this night

Everything continues to progress towards the ULA Delta IV Heavy launch carrying the NROL-71 mission for the National Reconnaissance Office. The mission is set to lift off on a Delta IV Heavy rocket on Tuesday, Dec. 18 from Space Launch Complex-6 at Vandenberg Air Force Base in California.

The forecast remains a 20 percent chance of favorable weather conditions for launch. The launch time is 5:57 p.m. PST.

Launch Forecast Summary:

Overall probability of violating weather constraints: 80%

Primary concerns: Ground Winds

Overall probability of violating weather constraints for 24 hour delay: 20%

Primary concern: Ground Winds

Launch Broadcast

Live broadcast coverage of launch will begin at 5:37 p.m. PST on Dec. 18.

Live launch updates and webcast available at: www.ulalaunch.com

Julie Arnold, ULA Communications photo