Atlas V set for Wednesday launch

A readiness review today concluded with a "go" for an Atlas V rocket to attempt a 1:21 p.m. Wednesday launch from Cape Canaveral of the Air Force's next Global Positioning System satellite.

There's a 70 percent chance of favorable weather during the 18-minute window at Launch Complex 41. Read the official forecast here.

The mission is the last of four this year updating the GPS constellation, which now includes 31 active spacecraft.

The satellite labeled IIF-8 is the eighth of 12 in the newest series built by The Boeing Co. The remainder are tentatively scheduled to fly by early 2016.

The mission represents a milestone for United Launch Alliance's Atlas V rocket, which is poised to lift off for the 50th time since 2002.

The 189-foot rocket and satellite are scheduled to roll from a vertical processing tower to the launch pad Tuesday morning.

The rocket is flying in its simplest "401" configuration, with a four-meter diameter payload fairing, no strap-on solid rocket boosters and a single Centaur upper stage engine.

Join us for live countdown starting at noon Wednesday at floridatoday.com.

Contact Dean at 321-242-3668 or jdean@floridatoday.com. Or follow him on Twitter at @FlaToday_JDean