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The launch of an often-delayed US spy satellite was postponed again, this time not earlier than Jan. 6, according to the United Launch Alliance.
A ULA Delta IV Heavy rocket was to launch the covert satellite mission NROL-71 on Sunday (December 30th) from California's Vandenberg Air Force Base. The launch was delayed several times due to rocket issues, most recently on December 19, due to an alleged leak of hydrogen on the propeller.
United Launch Alliance's Delta IV Heavy rocket carrying the NROL-71 spy satellite for the US National Reconnaissance Office stands at the top of its launch pad at California's Vandenberg Air Force Base, in anticipation of a launch attempt at the 19 December 2018.
Credit: United Launch Alliance
"The United Launch Alliance Alliance Delta IV NROL-71 mission will not be launched until Sunday, January 6, 2019," said a representative of the ULA. "The mission will be launched from Space Launch Complex-6 at the Vandenberg Air Force Base in California."
ULA's attempts to launch the NROL-71 mission on 7 and 8 December were delayed by technical problems. An attempt on 18 December was thwarted by high winds, resulting in the cleanup of the launch on 19 December.
Email Tariq Malik at [email protected] or follow him. @tariqjmalik. follow us @Spacedotcom and Facebook. Originally published on Space.com.
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