A Delta IV rocket is set to light up the skies over Brevard County on Thursday night as the Air Force sends a new GPS satellite into orbit.
The 19-minute launch window opens at 8:40 p.m. Thursday at Cape Canaveral Air Force Station.
Join us for a LIVE Launch Chat starting at 6 p.m. Thursday as we count down to liftoff.
Weather forecasters called for an 80 percent chance of favorable conditions at launch time Thursday night. No rain is forecast, but there's a small chance that cloudy conditions could potentially interfere with the launch.
The Delta IV rocket has been under review since a problem was detected on an October 2012 rocket launch, when an engine leak caused a lower than expected thrust.
United Launch Alliance engineers said they are now confident this rocket will launch without any issues.
On board the Delta IV rocket is a satellite designed to improve accuracy to GPS navigation.
"GPS 2F-5 is one of the next generation GPS satellites, incorporating various improvements to provide greater accuracy, increased signals and enhanced performance for users," said Jim Sponnick, vice president of the United Launch Alliance's Delta program.
"The GPS was initially created and designed for the military, but it also provides free, civil signal for the world to use," said Capt. Derek Reimer, Satellite Field program manager at Cape Canaveral Air Force Station. "GPS is a critical part both for the military structure and, obviously, the civilian infrastructure."
Thursday night's launch will mark the 25th flight of the Delta IV rocket since its inaugural launch in 2002. Cape Canaveral has been the site for all GPS satellite launches for the Air Force since 1989.
Mission Overview Booklet
Source: United Launch Alliance