The United Launch Alliance’s (ULA) Delta IV Heavy rocket launched for the final time on April 9, marking the end of an era in space exploration. The heavy-lift rocket, which first flew in 2004, carried an intelligence satellite to a geostationary orbit for the National Reconnaissance Office. With the Delta IV Heavy now retired, ULA will deploy its new Vulcan Centaur rocket for future missions.
The Delta IV Heavy’s service spanned over six decades, playing a pivotal role in the evolution of space flight. According to Tory Bruno, ULA’s president and CEO, the rocket has been instrumental in launching numerous missions to space, including those for NASA. Bruno stated in a release that the final Delta mission signals ULA’s evolution to the new Vulcan rocket, providing even higher performance than its predecessor in a single-core rocket.
The Delta IV Heavy’s maiden flight in 2004 marked a significant milestone in the history of space exploration. Over the years, the rocket has been used to launch numerous missions, including those for NASA, the National Reconnaissance Office, and the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA). Its impressive capabilities and reliability made it a trusted workhorse for space agencies and private companies alike.
The Delta IV Heavy NROL-70
The Vulcan Centaur, ULA’s new heavy-lift rocket, made its maiden flight in January 2023, carrying Astrobotic Technology’s lunar-bound Peregrine lander to space. Although the launch was successful, the mission ultimately failed after the lander suffered a propellant leak early on in its flight. Despite this setback, ULA remains confident in the Vulcan’s potential to carry out heavy-class missions for the nation.
NASA chief Bill Nelson congratulated the ULA team on the final Delta IV Heavy launch, acknowledging the rocket’s significant contributions to the agency’s missions. Nelson highlighted the rocket’s role in launching key NASA missions to space, including the Parker Solar Probe and EFT-1.
As ULA transitions to the Vulcan Centaur, it is clear that the company is committed to continuing its legacy of innovation and excellence in the space industry. With the Vulcan, ULA aims to provide even higher performance and reliability for its customers across the national security, civil, and commercial markets.
The retirement of the Delta IV Heavy marks the end of an era in space exploration. The rocket’s impressive service spanned over six decades, playing a crucial role in the evolution of space flight. As ULA looks to the future with its new Vulcan Centaur rocket, it is clear that the company is committed to continuing its legacy of innovation and excellence in the space industry.
