A sequential listing of this week’s launch delays is as follows;
Wednesday/Thursday’s Early Morning Scrub
(Cape Canaveral Air Force Station, Florida, October 1, 2020) – The launch of a United Launch Alliance Delta IV Heavy carrying the NROL-44 mission for the National Reconnaissance Office was scrubbed today when the terminal countdown sequencer rack (TCSR) identified an unexpected condition prior to the engine start sequence. The TCSR, which controls the final 10 seconds of the countdown, performed as intended and safely initiated a hold at T-minus seven seconds. The team is currently reviewing all data and will determine the path forward.
Tuesday’s launch was scrubbed again this time not just because of unfavorable weather conditions …
Launch Scrubbed
Cape Canaveral Air Force Station, Florida, (September 29, 2020) – The launch of the United Launch Alliance Delta IV Heavy NROL-44 mission has been scrubbed. The local weather resulted in a significant delay to pre-launch preparations including the roll of the Mobile Service Tower (MST). When the MST roll began we discovered a hydraulic leak in the ground system required to move the tower which needs further evaluation. Subsequent weather will prevent the team from moving forward with tonight’s attempt.
Launch is now scheduled for 11:54 p.m. EDT on Wednesday, September 30, 2020.
Yesterday the announcement was
Cape Canaveral Air Force Station, Florida, (September 28, 2020) – The launch of the United Launch Alliance Delta IV Heavy NROL-44 mission has been scrubbed due to weather. Launch is now scheduled for 11:58 p.m. EDT on Tuesday, September 29, 2020.
Today’s forecast shows a 60 percent chance of favorable weather conditions for launch. The launch time is 12:02 a.m. EDT.
Launch Forecast Summary:
Overall probability of violating weather constraints: 40 percent
Primary concerns: Thick Cloud Layer, Cumulus Cloud Rules
Overall probability of violating weather constraints for 24 hour delay: 60 percent
Primary concern: Cumulus Cloud, Anvil Cloud, Debris Clouds Rules
This will be 141st mission for United Launch Alliance and our 29th for the NRO. It is the 385th Delta launch since 1960, the 12th Delta IV Heavy and the 8th Heavy for the NRO.