Atlas V rocket launch from Cape Canaveral scrubbed

CAPE CANAVERAL AIR FORCE STATION, Fla. — UPDATE: The Atlas V launch was scrubbed due to a range problem.

EARLIER: An Atlas V rocket carrying an infrared surveillance satellite is scheduled to launched from Cape Canaveral Air Force Station Thursday evening.

The rocket is carrying the third Space Based Infrared Systems Geosynchronous Earth Orbit spacecraft to be launched from Cape Canaveral since 2011.

Spectators lined up Thursday hours before the first scheduled launch.

“I feel very fortunate there's going to be one while I’m here,” said visitor Linda Hulett.

The satellite is part of a constellation of surveillance and early warning spacecraft deployed in the Defense Support Program, which has been in operation since 1970, CCAFS said in a media release.

Watch: Dec. 18 launch of Atlas V rocket

“If things go as planned, and they don't always in this business, this will be a busy year. We have about 32 launches scheduled and probably about 40 percent are commercial launches. So we're in a position to have a healthy robust year,“ said Dale Ketcham of Space Florida. “When you include also new small sat capabilities, horizontal launch and landing off the shuttle landing facility, it's going to get busy.”

The launch window opens at 7:46 p.m.

Channel 9 will be streaming the launch live at wftv.com and on the WFTV Facebook page.

Cox Media Group