Rocket Launch Postponed Again

Today's planned 7:41 p.m. launch of a Delta 4 Heavy rocket has been postponed, United Launch Alliance has announced.

Managers will meet tonight to pick a new launch date.

A faulty valve that scrubbed Wednesday's launch attempt is still a problem, and thick clouds and strong winds produced by a cold front appeared likely, according to ULA.

The rocket's mobile service tower is being rolled forward to shelter the vehicle from the wind.

Another weather briefing is planned at 5 p.m.

We'll update The Flame Trench with more information as soon as it becomes available.

The delay is the mission's third in as many days.

Tuesday, the first available launch date, was skipped after inspectors discovered minor damage to insulating foam that needed to be repaired.

The ongoing issue with a gaseous nitrogen relief valve cropped up Wednesday on a piece of ground support equipment.

Weather forecasts this morning showed a 70 percent chance of favorable weather for launch today and a 60 percent chance Friday, but the picture apparently worsened.

The Air Force's 45th Space Wing has not yet posted an updated forecast.

IMAGE NOTE: A Delta 4 Heavy rests on its pad at Cape Canaveral Air Force Station's Launch Complex 37. A mobile service tower will be rolled back over the rocket to protect it from strong winds expected tonight.