United Launch Alliance (ULA) scrubbed its March 28 launch of Delta IV Heavy, not because of bad weather, but due to "an issue with the gaseous nitrogen pipeline which provides pneumatic pressure to the launch vehicle systems," according to the aerospace company.
Pneumatic pressure is created by gasses in the launch vehicle's systems to move mechanical components and for other purposes. Gaseous nitrogen is often used because it doesn’t react with other substances and can be stored at high pressure.
ULA on March 25 had predicted that its send-off was likely to be interrupted by impaired visibility and wind, and had March 29 as a back-up date if inclement weather should make a March 28 launch impossible. But now, March 29 is out, too. ULA's latest update said its team will troubleshoot the pipeline and "more time is needed to instill confidence in the system."
Meanwhile, ULA will have to coordinate another attempt with its client, the National Reconnaissance Office (NRO). NRO's website on March 28 sported a message across its NROL-70 mission landing page: "The launch team will continue to work to confirm the next launch attempt and a new date will be provided upon resolution."
The NRO payload to be carried by the Delta IV Heavy is classified, though since NRO is a Department of Defense intelligence agency that develops and operates spy satellites, the payload may be satellites.
Preparation for Delta IV Heavy launch
United Launch Alliance, LLC
- Headquarters: Centennial, Colorado
- Florida launch operations: Cape Canaveral Space Force Station
- Contact: ulalaunch.com
