Delta 4 Launch Reset For Wednesday

Today's planned launch of a United Launch Alliance Delta 4 Heavy has been rescheduled for 7:45 p.m. Wednesday, four minutes earlier than today's targeted time.

The launch was delayed after minor damage was discovered during overnight close-out inspections to spray-on foam insulation on an access door between the rocket's first and second stages, according to the U.S. Air Force's 45th Space Wing.

The insulation was repaired but needs time to harden and could not be ready for launch today.

The 7:45 p.m. targeted liftoff time from Launch Complex 37 opens a four-hour launch window.

Weather conditions are forecasted to be excellent, according to Air Force meteorologists, with only a 10 percent chance of conditions that are too windy.

You can read the forecast here.

Boaters must must stay out of the Launch Hazard Area off Cape Canaveral starting at 5:45 p.m. through 12:45 a.m. You can see a map of the hazard area here.

The rocket is carrying a classified payload for the National Reconnaissance Office.

The Flame Trench will webcast live ULA coverage of the mission starting about 25 minutes before liftoff and ending about 10 minutes into the flight. Stay tuned for updates.

IMAGE NOTE: Click on the image to enlarge it. In October 2004, the first Delta 4 Heavy Evolved Expendable Launch Vehicle sits on the pad at Cape Canaveral Air Force Station's Launch Complex 37, awaiting its inaugural launch in December. Credit: Boeing Co.