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's (ULA) Delta IV Heavy, one of America's most powerful and expensive commercially made launch vehicles, completed its final mission (NROL-70) for the National Reconnaissance Office.
The successful launch marked the end of an era for the Delta IV Heavy, a rocket integral to U.S. national security and significant space missions, including sending rovers to Mars and launching NASA's Orion capsule.
ULA is transitioning from the Delta IV and Atlas families to its new, more cost-effective Vulcan Centaur rocket, which had its maiden voyage in January and will serve both 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.
