We will have to wait another day for a rocket launch from the Space Coast -- this after a technical issue scrubbed Wednesday night's opportunity.
United Launch Alliance says they are working on a ground control environmental system item.
It means a 24 hour scrub turnaround for the Delta IV rocket, which is carrying a pair of Air Force tracking satellites, and another one for a separate mission in orbit.
Tomorrow's attempt is at 6:59 pm from the Cape Canaveral AFS. It's a 65 minute launch window. Again, there's a 30 percent chance of favorable weather conditions.
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Inside the Air Force Station's Range Operations Center, meteorologists and forecasters use computer models and equipment to figure out if the rocket is okay to launch.
It's not only for the safety of the rocket as it hurdles into space, but also for the safety of those living on the coast.
Kathy Winters is the Delta IV launch weather officer for the 45th Space Wing.
Depending on whether any conditions that violate launch criteria are detected, the officer will give the ‘go’ or ‘no go’ for tonight’s launch.
Even if there’s no lightning near the launch pad, it doesn’t mean the rocket is completely free from harm.
"If the clouds are thick enough and they end up building an electrical field, our concern is that when you launch a rocket through that electrical field, it can actually trigger a lightning strike," Winters said.
While lightning can harm the rocket, rain and even the sun can also caused damage to the vehicle.
Solar activity is expected to be low during tonight’s launch attempt.
Three satellites for the U.S. Air Force are on board the rocket. They’re designed to spy on other satellites in space, and also help make sure other satellites don’t collide in orbit.
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