United Launch Alliance’s Delta IV Heavy space launch vehicle takes off for the final time. [Courtesy: United Launch Alliance]
Key Takeaways:
United Launch Alliance (ULA)'s Delta IV Heavy, a historically powerful and expensive rocket critical for U.S. national security and NASA missions, completed its 16th and final mission (NROL-70) before retirement.
At its retirement, the Delta IV Heavy was among the highest-capacity operational launch vehicles and supported significant space exploration, including Mars rovers and the first orbital test of NASA's Orion capsule.
ULA is transitioning to its new, less costly Vulcan Centaur rocket, which recently completed its maiden voyage and will serve both national security and commercial customers.
The new Vulcan Centaur will compete with SpaceX's reusable Falcon 9 and Falcon Heavy, while ULA also has remaining missions for its Atlas V rocket.
One of America’s most powerful and expensive commercially made space launch vehicles is flying into the sunset.
Tuesday marked the swan song for Delta IV Heavy, a heavy-lift launcher headed for retirement. The spacecraft was built by United Launch Alliance (ULA)—a joint venture between Lockheed Martin and Boeing—and is considered one of the most prolific in U.S. history.
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Jack is a staff writer covering advanced air mobility, including everything from drones to unmanned aircraft systems to space travel—and a whole lot more. He spent close to two years reporting on drone delivery for FreightWaves, covering the biggest news and developments in the space and connecting with industry executives and experts. Jack is also a basketball aficionado, a frequent traveler and a lover of all things logistics.
