Vulcan rocket launch rescheduled for Sunday after two consecutive delays

The rocket carrying the Amazon Leo 1 mission is now targeting a 12:11 p.m. liftoff from Cape Canaveral, pending range approval

Space Force to launch first national security mission on ULA’s Vulcan Rocket Vulcan rocket

By Angel Green

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. — Space Coast residents will have to wait until Sunday for United Launch Alliance’s next attempt to launch a Vulcan rocket carrying the Amazon Leo 1 mission.

ULA said Saturday’s attempt was delayed by a network communication issue between ground equipment and the launch vehicle.

The next attempt is scheduled for Sunday, Nov. 15, at 12:11:30 p.m. EST, pending range approval, according to the company’s latest update.

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Why was the launch delayed?

ULA said the communications issue requires reconfiguration that would extend the hold beyond Saturday’s 29-minute launch window.

The company said the rocket and spacecraft remain healthy.

This is the mission’s second delay in as many days. Friday’s planned launch was postponed after a power interruption at an off-site supply plant, Channel 9 previously reported.

What should viewers know for Sunday?

The next launch attempt is planned for early Sunday afternoon from Cape Canaveral Space Force Station. ULA’s announced target time remains subject to range approval.

According to the company’s Saturday update:

  • Mission: Amazon Leo 1.
  • Rocket: United Launch Alliance Vulcan.
  • Target launch time: Sunday, Nov. 15, at 12:11:30 p.m. EST.
  • Status: Pending range approval; rocket and spacecraft are healthy.

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What is the Amazon Leo mission?

The mission is part of Amazon’s effort to build a satellite network that delivers internet service to customers beyond the reach of existing networks.

Amazon plans to use more than 3,000 satellites in low-Earth orbit for the network. This mission marks the first of 38 contracted Vulcan launches dedicated to deploying Amazon satellites, following nine previous launches aboard Atlas rockets, according to Channel 9’s earlier reporting.

Why is this Vulcan flight significant?

The launch also follows work to address issues with Vulcan’s solid rocket booster nozzles. Channel 9 previously reported that the flight would use an updated nozzle design following a problem during an earlier launch.

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