[Launch Alert] Delta IV NROL-71 Rescheduled for NET Dec. 30

[Launch Alert]

The following is a United Launch Alliance media update:

(Vandenberg Air Force Base, Calif., Dec. 20, 2018) – The launch of a United Launch Alliance Delta IV Heavy carrying the NROL-71 mission for the National Reconnaissance Office was scrubbed yesterday due to indications of elevated hydrogen concentrations within the port booster engine section.

The team is currently reviewing all data and has set the next launch attempt no earlier than Dec. 30, 2018.

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STRANGE CONTRAIL

Many of you probably saw a strange, white contrail after sunset around 17:30 PST last night. When I saw it, I immediately noticed its odd white, luminous appearance and concluded it must be at very high altitude.

According to media reports, the trail was the result of a meteor that had just entered the atmosphere. An associate said his friend saw it from the Carson City, Nevada area.