Wednesday's planned launch of a Delta IV rocket carrying a military satellite for the Air Force has been delayed because of predicted weather conditions.

A new launch window was set for 8:07-8:46 p.m. Thursday.

There was only a 60 percent chance of favorable weather when the launch window was scheduled to open at 8:07 p.m. Wednesday. Lightning, along with cumulus and anvil clouds, were the primary concerns. ULA officials also noted high winds during the launch countdown.

The forecast for Thursday shows a 60 percent chance of favorable weather conditions for launch.


United Launch Alliance produced the Delta IV rocket with Wideband Global SATCOM 7 in Decatur, Alabama. There are currently 21 missions in work at the factory. (PHOTO/ULA via Twitter)

On board the Delta IV rocket is the seventh Wideband Global SATCOM (WGS-7) for the U.S. Air Force. The United Launch Alliance said the WGS satellites are important elements of a new, high-capacity satellite communications system for use by American troops in the field.

The WGS-7 satellite was designed to provide the U.S. military with service for at least the next 10 years.

ULA says the satellite will help with battle management and combat support information.

Meanwhile, three astronauts are set to head for the International Space Station on board a Soyuz rocket, still set to launch from Kazakhstan at around 5:02 p.m. EDT.


WGS-7 (Wideband Global SATCOM spacecraft) mission