Powerful Delta IV rocket blasts off from Cape Canaveral
Update: Liftoff! Delta IV successfully launched from Cape Canaveral at 8:18 p.m. See our full story here.
A 217-foot-tall Delta IV rocket in its most powerful configuration is set to pierce the twilight sky Saturday in what should be an impressive sight thanks to help from four strap-on solid rocket motors.
The twilight liftoff by United Launch Alliance is scheduled for 7:44 p.m., or about 10 minutes after sunset. The window for liftoff at Launch Complex 37 closes at 8:59 p.m.
On board is the ninth Wideband Global SATCOM satellite, or WGS-9. When deployed, it will help meet increased bandwidth requirements for the Department of Defense.
Weather is 90 percent "go," according to the Air Force. Violation of the cumulus clouds rule is the only concern.
[More: Delta IV launch Saturday promises 'Super' show]
There are two parts to our coverage:
- Live video of the rocket launch, available here or at our Facebook page;
- A live chat with space reporters James Dean and Emre Kelly.
Coverage kicks off at 6:30 p.m. Thursday on our homepage and will feature in-depth coverage, photos, charts and more. You can ask the team questions and strike up a conversation. We'll host ULA's live video.
In central Florida?
If you're under clear skies, you can look to the state's east coast to spot Delta IV launch from the Cape.
If you do step outside for the launch, bring your smartphone and stay tuned to live updates. The coverage is available at FloridaToday.com in your mobile browser and on our mobile (iOS and Android) and tablet (iOS) apps.
Contact Emre Kelly at aekelly@floridatoday.com or 321-242-3715. Follow him on Twitter at @EmreKelly and on Facebook at Emre Kelly.