All systems are go for tonight’s launch of the NROL-71 (spy) satellite by ULA (United Launch Alliance) at 5:44 p.m. PST (8:44 p.m. EST) from SLC-6, Vandenberg Air Force Base, California using a Delta IV-Heavy rocket. This launch was originally scheduled for Fri, Dec 7, 11:19 p.m. and has been scrubbed and postponed multiple times.
Since sunset in the Los Angeles area is at 4:47 p.m. PST and skies are clear, this promises to put on another dazzling twilight display, as we have seen with other launches performed soon after sunset.
Watch this space for updates and pictures, as the usual cadre of pro and amateur photographers start posting their creative pictures.
UPDATE: The launch was scrubbed due to a Hydrogen leak and is now scheduled for 5:31 p.m. PST, Thu Dec 20.
Here is a video describing the mission -
You can watch the livestream, starting at 5:24 p.m. PST on YouTube.
Other launches in the past few days
This has been yet another busy week of space launches.
Rocket Lab had a successful launch in New Zealand over the weekend with its rocket constructed out of 3D-printed parts.
The Indian space agency had a successful launch of a military satellite today -
A Soyuz rocket launched a French military satellite today from Arianespace’s launch complex in French Guiana.
The Blue origin flight is now scheduled for Friday.
SpaceX launch of GPS III SV01 from Florida has been postponed again. New time is Thu Dec 20 at 9:03 a.m., EST. The weather situation is not favorable. No booster recovery due to some tight Air Force regulations for this mission.
Previous Twilight Launch from Vandenberg
Here are a few mesmerizing photographs of the SpaceX launch on Oct 7. See diary at www.dailykos.com/... for more.
Are any of you planning to watch the ULA launch tonight? Got your cameras ready? If you do, please come back and share your pictures.