Written by 
GPS IIF-2 Launching on top of a Delta IV
The launch of the Delta IV rocket carrying the second of the new GPS IIF satellites has been delayed for 24 hours. The new launch time is 2:45 to 3:04 Friday morning EDT (7:45 to 8:04 BST).
The delay is to allow last minute checking out of the satellite. There were a number of rumours and speculation flying round NASA’s Kennedy Space Center today, but no firm facts as to the cause of the delay were mentioned. A later statement said that the delay was for the “GPS spacecraft team time to complete assessment and coordination of satellite readiness to launch”
The official USAF 45th Space Wing press release follows:
GPS Block IIF satellite launch postponed 24 hours
CAPE CANAVERAL AIR FORCE STATION, Fla. – The launch of a Delta IV rocket carrying the GPS IIF-2 payload for the Air Force is being postponed 24 hours to allow the GPS spacecraft team time to complete an assessment of a technical item.
The launch is rescheduled for Friday, July 15 from Space Launch Complex-37 at Cape Canaveral Air Force Station, Fla., at the opening of a 19-minute window at 2:45 a.m. EDT. The forecast for July 15 shows a 70 percent chance of favorable weather conditions for the launch.
Hi, I’m visiting from the UK and plan to watch the launch tonight/tomorrow a.m. SR401 seems to be the place. One site advises near the cruise ship terminal, but you say by the air force station gates. Looked on Google street view. Do you mean actually on the grass verge right by their perimeter fence? Are they OK with that? And looking at the grass, bushes, etc., I’m guessing plenty of bug spray is a necessity?!
The best place to watch is on the grass verge (you can pull off on to it) about 1/2 a mile west ot the gate. As you get there it will be obvious where to set up as you will be able to clearly see the full launch pad over the river.
At the moment the mobile service structure is protecting the rocket, but tomorrow about 4 or 5 pm it will roll back and the Delta IV will be revealed.
OK – just heard its been postponed again to Saturday morning!
Not had confirmation what the cause was, but guess it was weather. We were chased off the launch pad by a phase 2 lightning warning as we finished setting up the remote cameras.
The new launch window opening will be 2:41 on Saturday morning. If you are in the area you should be able to check the SR401 viewing site out. The xenon lights were on when we left this afternoon.