While the cold air was not expected to stop a rocket launch Thursday night, a technical issue kept the Atlas V on the ground.

  • Atlas V rocket launch scrubbed
  • Rocket to carry early-missile warning satellite
  • New launch attempt Friday at 7:48 p.m.
  • RELATED: Space Coast launch schedule

The United Launch Alliance launch team said the problem with a valve tied to the booster liquid oxygen system on the launch pad. The team will investigate the problem.

ULA hopes to try for launch again Friday evening, with a new launch time of 7:48 p.m. Once again, the weather forecast shows a 90 percent chance of favorable conditions.

United Launch Alliance is set to deliver the fourth Space Based Infrared System GEO satellite for the U.S. Air Force into orbit with the more than 200-foot-tall Atlas V.

The satellite, built by Lockheed Martin, will join other SBIRS satellites to detect and track missile launches around the world.

This mission comes at a tense time between the U.S. and North Korea, and it is satellites like the one being launched Thursday that will help alert the U.S. Air Force of an impending attack. Data from the satellite can also be used on the battlefield.

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