Delta 4 Heavy Launch Time Released

The first unmanned rocket launch in seven months from Cape Canaveral Air Force Station is set for 7:49 p.m. Tuesday, United Launch Alliance announced this afternoon.

A Delta 4 Heavy will carry a classified National Reconnaissance Office payload.

Air Force meteorologists predict a 40 percent chance of favorable weather conditions Tuesday during a four-hour window that opens with the targeted launch time.

If the launch slips to Wednesday evening, conditions are 90 percent favorable then.

Check out the forecast here.

The Flame Trench will webcast live video coverage of the launch beginning 25 minutes prior to liftoff from Launch Complex 37.

Because of the secret payload, the mission broadcast will end after payload fairing separation eight to 10 minutes into the flight.

IMAGE NOTE: Click on the images to enlarge them. Top, a United Launch Alliance Delta 4 Heavy rests at Cape Canaveral Air Force Station's Launch Complex 37 prior to its first operational flight in November 2007. Bottom: an official logo for Tuesday's mission. Credit: ULA.