ULA Prepares for Delta IV Heavy’s Final Mission

United Launch Alliance’s Delta IV Heavy space launch vehicle will carry a classified payload from the U.S. National Reconnaissance Office.

Jack Daleo

Thursday, March 28, 2024 at 03:34 PM ET

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Delta IV Heavy’s common booster core and upper stage are stacked on the launch pad at Cape Canaveral Space Force Base in Florida. [Courtesy: United Launch Alliance]

Key Takeaways:

The United Launch Alliance's (ULA) Delta IV Heavy rocket is making its 16th and final flight for the U.S. National Reconnaissance Office, marking the retirement of the prolific Delta rocket family after decades of service.
This final mission, NROL-70, carries a classified national security payload for which the powerful Delta IV Heavy was uniquely qualified, highlighting its importance for critical government missions.
ULA is transitioning its operations to the new Vulcan Centaur rocket, a less expensive alternative designed to compete in the evolving commercial and national security space launch market against rivals like SpaceX.

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One of the most prolific families of space launch vehicles in U.S. history is preparing for its swan song.

United Launch Alliance (ULA) on Friday will attempt the 16th and final launch of its Delta IV Heavy rocket, one of the world’s most powerful—and expensive—commercially produced launch vehicles. The launch was initially scheduled for Thursday afternoon but was scrubbed a few minutes before takeoff.