United Launch Alliance’s Delta IV Heavy space launch vehicle takes off for the final time. [Courtesy: United Launch Alliance]
Key Takeaways:
The United Launch Alliance (ULA) Delta IV Heavy rocket, a powerful and historically significant launch vehicle primarily used for U.S. national security missions, completed its 16th and final flight (NROL-70 for the NRO) and has now been retired.
ULA is transitioning its launch operations to its new, less expensive Vulcan Centaur rocket, which successfully completed its maiden voyage in January and will serve as the successor to both the Delta and Atlas rocket families for government and commercial customers.
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.
