The Delta IV Heavy rocket, a stalwart of the United Launch Alliance (ULA) fleet with a six-decade legacy, soared into the skies for the final time yesterday. The rocket successfully launched a top-secret payload for the National Reconnaissance Office from Cape Canaveral Space Force Station.
Originally scheduled for March 28th, the launch was delayed due to a pump issue, which was promptly resolved by ULA. The Delta IV Heavy navigated through Max Q, jettisoned side boosters, and separated the center core booster and second stage before completing its mission flawlessly with the classified payload.
United Launch Alliance confirmed the success of the mission just over 6 hours post-lift-off, marking the end of the Delta family of rockets after 16 prosperous missions. Attention now turns to the upcoming Vulcan rocket, set to replace the Delta IV Heavy with reduced costs and comparable mission capabilities.
The future of SLC-37B at Cape Canaveral hangs in the balance, with potential outcomes including SpaceX assuming control or the site being abandoned altogether. The next ULA launch on the horizon is Boeing’s Starliner capsule Crewed Flight Test to the International Space Station, slated for a launch window starting no earlier than May 6th at 10:34pm ET.
As the Delta IV Heavy bids farewell, the space industry eagerly anticipates the dawn of a new era with the Vulcan rocket and the exciting prospects it holds for future missions and advancements in space technology.
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