Launch of Delta IV Heavy NROL-26 Scrubbed

Cape Canaveral Air Force Station, FL, Jan. 14, 2009 – The scheduled launch of a United Launch Alliance Delta IV Heavy with a National Reconnaissance payload was scrubbed for tonight.  Technicians are working to resolve a gaseous nitrogen valve issue in the ground support equipment.  The very dry gaseous nitrogen is used to evacuate the air from various compartments in the launch vehicle whenever cryogenic propellants are loaded, because the extremely cold temperatures of the propellants would cause water in the air to condense.  Without this piece of equipment working properly fueling of the vehicle could not take place and the issue could not be resolved in time to make tonight’s launch window.  The launch is rescheduled for Thursday, Jan. 15, at 7:41 pm.