Vandenberg launch 9-22-05If it's clear tomorrow night, start eyeing the western sky after 7 pm. Vandenberg has scheduled the launch of a Delta IV rocket between 19:00 and 21:00 PDT carrying a classified payload into orbit for the National Reconnaissance Office. The photo is from last September's launch of a Minotaur rocket. Details from SpaceflightNow.com:

Launch site: SLC-6, Vandenberg Air Force Base, California

Boeing Delta 4 Medium+ rocket will launch a classified spy satellite cargo for the U.S. National Reconnaissance Office. The rocket will fly in a configuration with two strap-on solid rocket boosters. This is the first Delta 4 mission from the West Coast. Delayed from 2004, then March 1, Aug. 30 and late Sept. Delayed from Oct. 2 and 3. Delayed from Oct. 5 due to second stage fuel slosh modeling problem. Delayed from December by the strike and Range closure period.

A Minuteman III ICBM is also tentatively set to be test-fired over the Pacific on July 19.

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