Delta IV-H - NROL-71 - (19:10 UTC) January 19, 2019

[jacqmans]

December 19, ULA photos

[jacqmans]

[Jdeshetler]

Check out the unusual clear views shot from hill above SpaceX pad before the Delta Heavy NROL-71 was scrubbed last night.

[Galactic Penguin SST]

https://twitter.com/ulalaunch/status/1075783663323897856

[TGMetsFan98]

If anyone knows a T-0 for a potential Sunday attempt, please do share!

[Ted Molczan]

If anyone knows a T-0 for a potential Sunday attempt, please do share!

To-date the publicly released launch time has moved earlier at the mean rate of 12.9 min/d. On that basis, launch would be near 2018 Dec 30 15:22 PST (23:22 UTC).

Ted Molczan

[Chris Bergin]

NET Jan 6:

 The United Launch Alliance Delta IV Heavy carrying the NROL-71 mission will launch no earlier than Sunday, Jan. 6, 2019

https://twitter.com/ulalaunch/status/1078686393755467777

[TJL]

NET Jan 6:

 The United Launch Alliance Delta IV Heavy carrying the NROL-71 mission will launch no earlier than Sunday, Jan. 6, 2019

https://twitter.com/ulalaunch/status/1078686393755467777

Too bad...once again there will not be two Delta IV Heavy launches in the same calendar year.

[Newton_V]

Too bad...once again there will not be two Delta IV Heavy launches in the same calendar year.

Possible if you use Chinese calendar.
Anyways, I just don't see this launching before F9, unless F9 slips quite a few days.

[zubenelgenubi]

To-date the publicly released launch time has moved earlier at the mean rate of 12.9 min/d.<snip>
Ted Molczan

Dec. 30 + 7 days = Jan. 6 (NET date)

7 days x 12.9 min/day = (rounded) 90 min

Previous launch time - interval minutes = approx. launch time on new date

23:22 - 0:90 = 21:52 (UTC)

(Progression works with original launch UTC dates/times on Dec. 8, Dec. 9, Dec. 19, Dec. 20, Dec. 30.)

21:52 UTC = 13:52 PST

[Llian Rhydderch]

Too bad...once again there will not be two Delta IV Heavy launches in the same calendar year.

Possible if you use Chinese calendar.
Anyways, I just don't see this launching before F9, unless F9 slips quite a few days.

It doesn't really matter what the delays are here.  It's not like there has been much demand for use of the Delta IV launch pad; only five launches scheduled for the one monopsony DIV customer over the the next five years, out to 2023. 

It is quite the opposite with the competition for pad use from the new entrant(s) into the space launch market.

Great graph in this article showing that phenomenon over the past few years.  The Boeing/LockMart, Proton, and "other" are all losing share; Ariane is holding about even. 

[Newton_V]

Too bad...once again there will not be two Delta IV Heavy launches in the same calendar year.

Possible if you use Chinese calendar.
Anyways, I just don't see this launching before F9, unless F9 slips quite a few days.

It doesn't really matter what the delays are here.  It's not like there has been much demand for use of the Delta IV launch pad; only five launches scheduled for the one monopsony DIV customer over the the next five years, out to 2023. 

It is quite the opposite with the competition for pad use from the new entrant(s) into the space launch market.

Great graph in this article showing that phenomenon over the past few years.  The Boeing/LockMart, Proton, and "other" are all losing share; Ariane is holding about even.

What's the point you are trying to make regarding L-71?  We already know the demand for heavy lift launch from WR is about 1 launch every 2 to 3 years.  Even though another LV now exists, it still can't meet the mission requirements (not talking about weight to orbit).

[zubenelgenubi]

Cross-post:

https://twitter.com/MXSOCAL/status/1079806167071612929

Latest information from #Vandenberg regarding the #DeltaIV-  the rocket continues to have issues and the launch schedule is now indefinite.  They expect to have an update next week.

[Jdeshetler]

ULA - Delta Heavy - NROL 71 - Pre Launch - Timelapse 720

Very windy the day before the latest scrubbed due to leaking hydrogen.

[Chris Bergin]

Tanking test today, per L2.

[ZachS09]

Quick question: why does the thread title list the launch data as January 6th?

Wasn't it indefinitely delayed a while ago?

[gongora]

Quick question: why does the thread title list the launch data as January 6th?

Wasn't it indefinitely delayed a while ago?

The thread says "NET" Jan. 6, which technically is still true, although not for much longer.  I guess I can just change it to NET January.

[Newton_V]

Quick question: why does the thread title list the launch data as January 6th?

Wasn't it indefinitely delayed a while ago?

The thread says "NET" Jan. 6, which technically is still true, although not for much longer.  I guess I can just change it to NET January.

The launch date has been on hold, so to speak, since 19 December.  Some of these changing NET dates are just placeholders until this test today could be scheduled.  Because of the holidays, etc. it was difficult to nail down a test date.  And with the SpX hot fire and launch, the NET ILC is now the 11th.   If all goes well today, I expect that date to be good.  We shall see.

[Chris Bergin]

Tanking test confirmed

Tanking test today, per L2.

Confirmed:

https://twitter.com/SpacecoastPix/status/1080890968289624064

[zubenelgenubi]

<snip> And with the SpX hot fire and launch, the NET ILC is now the 11th. <snip>

ILC = Initial Launch Capability