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, one of America's most powerful and expensive rockets, completed its 16th and final mission (NROL-70) for the National Reconnaissance Office, marking its retirement.
The Delta IV Heavy, and the broader Delta rocket family, leaves a significant legacy, having launched critical national security payloads and scientific missions such as Mars rovers and NASA's Orion capsule's first orbital test flight.
ULA is transitioning to its new, less expensive Vulcan Centaur rocket, which successfully completed its maiden voyage in January and is designed to serve both national security 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.
