Cape Canaveral, Florida – United Launch Alliance’s Delta IV Heavy rocket, often referred to as “the most metal of rockets,” is preparing for its final launch from Launch Complex 37 at Cape Canaveral Space Force Station. The massive triple-core rocket, beloved by many for its iconic fiery liftoff, is set to retire after a remarkable history spanning two decades on the Space Coast.
Rob Long, former National Reconnaissance Office’s mission manager, fondly recalls his time preparing for the agency’s first Delta IV Heavy launch in January 2009. Long, now the president and CEO of Space Florida, describes the Delta IV Heavy as “near and dear to my heart,” highlighting its significance to the space industry.
As the 16th and final Delta IV Heavy rocket gears up for liftoff, United Launch Alliance is ushering in a new era with the next-generation Vulcan rocket. The Vulcan, which debuted successfully in January, offers enhanced flexibility and cost-efficiency for a variety of orbital missions, marking a shift towards reusability and innovation in the industry.
The forthcoming launch of the Delta IV Heavy, scheduled for 1:40 p.m., is expected to be a historic moment in American spaceflight. Despite a 30% chance of favorable weather conditions, ULA is gearing up for the 389th and final flight of the Delta program, which has been a cornerstone of space exploration since 1960.
After the retirement of the Delta IV Heavy, SpaceX is poised to take over Launch Complex 37 and transform it into a new base for the Starship-Super Heavy launch by 2026. Space Force officials are collaborating with NASA, the Federal Aviation Administration, and the U.S. Coast Guard on an environmental impact statement for the Starship project.
The Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex is offering viewing tickets for the last Delta IV Heavy launch, providing spectators with a unique opportunity to witness the historic liftoff. The complex’s COO, Therrin Protze, expresses enthusiasm for celebrating this momentous occasion with visitors, showcasing the legacy of space exploration at the iconic launch site.
In the evolving landscape of space exploration, the retirement of the Delta IV Heavy symbolizes a transition towards new technologies and advancements in rocketry. As ULA bids farewell to its iconic rocket, industry leaders and enthusiasts alike are eager to witness the final chapter of the Delta program and usher in a new era of space exploration and innovation.