Cape Canaveral, Florida – United Launch Alliance bid farewell to an era in U.S. rocketry by launching its 16th and final triple-core Delta 4 Heavy rocket on Tuesday. The rocket, standing tall at 235 feet, carried a classified spy satellite into space from pad 37 at the Cape Canaveral Space Force Station.
The launch of the Heavy’s three hydrogen-fueled RS-68A first stage engines marked the end of a chapter for the storied family of rockets that has been in operation since the dawn of the space age. The event, originally scheduled for 12 days prior, proceeded smoothly without any issues after a delay caused by maintenance work.
The classified National Reconnaissance Office satellite mounted on the rocket was shrouded in secrecy, as is common for such missions. Approximately six hours after liftoff, the National Reconnaissance Office confirmed the success of the launch, indicating that the satellite had reached its intended orbit.
This final mission of the Delta 4 Heavy rocket, a key player in U.S. national security efforts, held special significance for those involved. The satellite payload’s trajectory and safety notifications hinted at its likely purpose: an advanced signals intelligence satellite destined for geosynchronous orbit 22,300 miles above the equator.
The retirement of the Delta 4 Heavy marked an emotional milestone for the teams behind the rocket’s success. Col. Eric Zarybnisky, director of NRO’s Office of Space Launch, expressed nostalgia for the journey with the Delta 4 family and their contributions to national security initiatives.
As United Launch Alliance moves forward with its next-generation Vulcan rockets, the retirement of the Delta and Atlas families signifies a transition towards more cost-effective and high-performance platforms. Tory Bruno, president and CEO of ULA, described the moment as bittersweet, acknowledging the significant role the Delta 4 has played in advancing the nation’s space capabilities.
The Delta family of rockets has a rich history dating back to the early days of space exploration, playing crucial roles in various military, NASA, and civilian missions. With the Delta 4 Heavy’s final flight, the legacy of the Delta program spanning over six decades comes to a close, paving the way for future advancements in space technology.