The launch of the U.S. Air Force’s GPS III SV01 stood down for another day on 22 December 2018 after strong upper level winds failed to die down after a front passed through. The skyline of Cape Canaveral Air Force Station shows the rocket venting gaseous oxygen during fueling as the sun rose.

Optimism ran high that the SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket would launch on what appeared to be a beautiful morning, at least on the ground, to the point that the rocket was fueled and ready to go. High altitude balloon data showed the rocket would be in danger as it passed through the strong upper level winds leading to the decision to leave the Falcon 9 earthbound for another day at least.