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The Final Delta IV Heavy: ULA Launches the NROL-70 Mission

NASASpaceflight・93 minutes read

The final launch of the Delta 4 Heavy rocket from Cape Canaveral signifies the end of an era and the transition to newer, more cost-effective rockets like Vulcan and Falcon Heavy, with emotional reactions from the launch team and appreciation for the support received. The team at Cape Canaveral expresses excitement for future launches, noting advancements in technology and the influence of companies like SpaceX in driving innovation in spaceflight.

Insights

  • The Delta 4 Heavy rocket's final launch marks the end of its era, closing a chapter in rocket technology with bittersweet sentiments from the team at Cape Canaveral.
  • The potential replacement of the Delta pad at Slick 37b by Starship, pending an environmental impact statement, signifies a shift towards newer, more cost-effective rockets like Vulcan and Falcon Heavy.
  • The NRO's strategic launch delays and restrictions for classified missions aim to enhance satellite tracking and surveillance, showcasing the intricate planning and security measures involved in space operations.

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Recent questions

  • What is the purpose of the Delta 4 heavy rocket launch?

    The Delta 4 heavy rocket launch from Slick 37b at Cape Canaveral Space Force Station in Florida is focused on deploying a classified payload, suspected to be an electronic intelligence satellite, likely the NROL-44 payload. This satellite, believed to be an Orion satellite, is known for intercepting electronic signals and features a large, unfoldable main antenna. The launch is significant as it marks the final flight of the Delta 4 heavy rocket, a legendary machine with quirks that has played a crucial role in space exploration.

  • What are the key features of the Delta 4 heavy rocket?

    The Delta 4 heavy rocket is a three-core heavy lift rocket with a unique tri-sector fairing derived from the Titan rocket, specifically designed for Orion satellites. It has a distinctive black tip fairing and is fully fueled with all eight cryogenic tanks conditioned for launch. The rocket's launch preparations include tracking cameras and Cape cams for capturing the historic liftoff moment, with the rocket on internal power and the boosters and second stage ready for flight.

  • How does the Delta 4 heavy rocket liftoff sequence unfold?

    The liftoff of the Delta 4 heavy rocket involves the center core throttling down compared to the side cores, creating a stunning launch spectacle. The port and starboard boosters burn for two more minutes before detaching, followed by the detachment of the common booster core and unique engine nozzle deployment. Fairing separation occurs at 6 minutes and 37 seconds into the flight, with the upper engine deploying shortly after, showcasing a visually impressive and technically intricate liftoff sequence.

  • What is the significance of the Delta 4 heavy rocket's final launch?

    The final launch of the Delta 4 heavy rocket marks the end of an era for the rocket family, signifying a transition to a new era in spaceflight. With advancements in technology and the influence of companies like SpaceX driving innovation, the retirement of the Delta 4 heavy rocket symbolizes progress in rocket technology. The emotional reactions and bittersweet sentiments surrounding the final launch highlight the appreciation for the rocket's legacy and the team effort that made it possible.

  • What are the future implications of the Delta 4 heavy rocket's retirement?

    The retirement of the Delta 4 heavy rocket paves the way for newer, more cost-effective rockets like Vulcan, Falcon Heavy, and Starship to take center stage in space exploration. The transition to these more powerful and efficient rockets signifies a shift towards innovation and progress in rocket technology. While the retirement of the Delta 4 heavy rocket marks the end of an era, it also opens up opportunities for further advancements and breakthroughs in the field of spaceflight.

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Summary

00:00

Final Delta 4 Launch: Orion Satellite Deployment

  • The launch of the Delta 4 heavy rocket from Slick 37b at Cape Canaveral Space Force Station in Florida is the focus of the live stream.
  • The payload for this classified mission is suspected to be an electronic intelligence satellite, likely the NROL-44 payload.
  • The satellite is believed to be an Orion satellite, known for intercepting electronic signals and featuring a large, unfoldable main antenna.
  • The launch is a significant event as it marks the final flight of the Delta 4 heavy rocket.
  • The rocket is already fueled and undergoing post-fueling inspections on the outer thermal insulation.
  • The launch team is cautiously optimistic about the launch, considering the Delta 4 heavy's history of delays and issues.
  • The fairing of the rocket, with its distinctive black tip, is a tri-sector fairing derived from the Titan rocket, used for Orion satellites.
  • The launch site, LC 37, is different from the cursed Slick 6 pad at Vandenberg, known for its troubled history.
  • The discussion includes debates on the best orange rocket, with opinions ranging from the Space Shuttle to the Delta 4 heavy and SLS.
  • The launch marks the end of the Delta family of rockets, with newer, more cost-effective rockets like Vulcan, Falcon Heavy, and Starship on the horizon.

17:03

Advancements in Rocket Technology: A Summary

  • Heavy is a beautiful machine with quirks, and its retirement is bittersweet as it signifies progress in rocket technology.
  • The Delta pad at slick 37b will potentially be replaced by Starship, pending an environmental impact statement.
  • The environmental impact statement for Starship aims for a record of decision by Fall 2025, paving the way for potential SpaceX takeover.
  • Testing for the RS 68 engine includes flight SLO tests for steering and engine swiveling before liftoff.
  • The RS 68 engine, akin to the space shuttle main engine, is non-reusable and will likely not be picked up by future rocket companies.
  • The Delta cryogenic second stage lives on as the interim cryogenic propulsion stage on SLS.
  • Hydrolox rockets are becoming less common, with a shift towards methane and liquid oxygen propellants like Starship and Vulcan.
  • The NRO's unique mission patches, like the octopus-themed NR 39 patch, often feature animals and cool designs.
  • Delta 4 Heavy has launched crew vehicles like the Orion capsule for Exploration Flight Test 1 in 2014.
  • The Parker Solar Probe mission, launched by Delta 4 Heavy, stands out as one of the coolest missions due to its speed and proximity to the sun.

33:21

Delta 4 Heavy Rocket Launch Details

  • Delta 4 heavy rocket prop load sequence starts around 3 hours before liftoff and ends roughly 1 hour and 15 minutes before liftoff.
  • The rocket is fully fueled with all eight cryogenic tanks conditioned for launch.
  • ULA team is currently tracking issues after fueling the rocket.
  • Elon Musk mentioned that the tanker variant of Starship will have a lot of insulation, possibly in white color.
  • Launch Complex 37 has been used by Saturn and Delta rockets, with 37b being the proper Launchpad.
  • ULA has built-in holds throughout the countdown, with one at T minus 4 minutes.
  • Hydrogen fuel can be finicky, causing issues with hydrogen rockets like Delta 4 heavy.
  • Low flight cadence may contribute to the consistency issues with hydrogen rockets.
  • Movies and TV shows often use ULA rockets for stock footage or CGI rocket scenes.
  • The official launch window for the Delta 4 heavy mission is from 12:53 to 4:52 p.m. Eastern time, but it may vary due to the classified nature of the mission.

49:46

"Classified Launches Enhance Satellite Tracking"

  • Launch windows for classified missions have additional restrictions within the public window to enhance satellite tracking and surveillance.
  • The NRO and ULA strategically delay launches to prevent other countries from spying on the payload.
  • Delta 4 Heavy's last launch is fully expendable, with no plans for additional Delta cores to be preserved in a museum.
  • Starship is approximately 7.5 times more powerful than Delta 4 Heavy, with 75 Mega Newtons of thrust compared to Delta's 9.4 Mega Newtons.
  • The go/no-go poll for launch occurs at T-4 minutes and L-7 minutes, a classic and exciting part of rocket launches.
  • Delta 4 Heavy ignites hydrogen at liftoff, creating a fireball due to the burning off of excess hydrogen by radial outward firing initiators (roofies).
  • Weather balloons are launched to provide data for guidance adjustments based on wind conditions for the Delta 4 Heavy launch.
  • The adjust file acronym stands for the automatic determination and dissemination of just updated steering terms, aiding in adjusting guidance based on weather data.
  • Crunchy peanut butter is favored over smooth in a throwback discussion, with a nod to past debates on the topic.
  • Speculation on using modified Falcon Heavy boosters on a modified Starship Super Heavy is likened to a potential project by Moldy Space Industries in Kerbal Space Program.

01:06:19

"NSF Live: Countdown, Starship Potential, Generous Tip"

  • Participants in NSF live receive their name at the end of the event and Discord access.
  • To engage with the gaming channel on Discord, contact myself or Moldy Space.
  • A countdown is ongoing, with a T-minus 4 minutes planned hold.
  • T-minus clock holds are built-in, with the current hold estimated at 15 minutes.
  • L minus 7 minutes marks the go or no-go decision point.
  • SpaceX may repurpose a pad for Starship, considering its size and power.
  • Infrastructure modifications are necessary for Falcon 9 or Falcon Heavy on this pad.
  • The pad's potential use for Starship is being studied, not confirmed.
  • A viewer generously tips $100 during the live coverage.
  • The Delta 4 Heavy launch marks the end of an era, with bittersweet sentiments.

01:24:00

Delta 4 Heavy: Titan Era Farewell Launch

  • Final flight of Delta 4 Heavy, marking the end of the Titan era Tri-sector fairing.
  • Launch preparations with tracking cameras and Cape cams for historic moment.
  • FTS internal and armed, boosters and second stage ready, rocket on internal power.
  • Delta 4 Heavy, a legendary machine, the original Three core heavy lift rocket.
  • Liftoff with center core throttled down compared to side cores, stunning launch.
  • Port and starboard boosters burn for two more minutes, then detach.
  • Common booster core detachment, unique engine nozzle deployment.
  • Fairing separation at 6 minutes 37 seconds, followed by upper engine deployment.
  • Audio and visuals praised, with intense launch noise and clear imagery.
  • Emotional reactions to final Delta 4 Heavy launch, appreciation for support and team efforts.

01:44:46

Farewell to Delta 4 Heavy Rocket Launch

  • The team at Cape Canaveral bid farewell to the Delta 4 Heavy rocket, expressing gratitude for the opportunity to witness its final launch.
  • The team considers themselves a close-knit family, making the farewell to the Delta 4 Heavy even more special.
  • Acknowledgment is given to team members D, Max, Julia, and Dr. WD40 for their contributions to the successful launch.
  • The closure of the Delta 4 Heavy marks the end of an era for the rocket family, with a few more years left for the Atlas rockets.
  • The transition to a new era in spaceflight is noted, with advancements in technology and the influence of companies like SpaceX driving innovation.
  • The team expresses excitement for future launches, including the upcoming Starlink launch scheduled for later that night.
  • Appreciation is extended to the audience for their support and enthusiasm for spaceflight coverage.
  • Various team members are recognized for their roles in capturing the launch, with special mention of Max, Julia, D, and Sawyer.
  • Plans to offer metal prints of images from the Delta 4 Heavy launch are mentioned, with the team expressing gratitude for the support that enables such endeavors.
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