United Launch Alliance concluded its era in U.S. rocketry by launching its 16th and final triple-core Delta 4 Heavy rocket on Tuesday. This historic launch carried a classified spy satellite, marking the end of a long legacy of rockets dating back to the early days of space exploration.
The Delta 4 Heavy’s three RS-68A engines ignited at 12:53 p.m. EDT, propelling the rocket smoothly away from pad 37 at the Cape Canaveral Space Force Station.
The launch was delayed by 12 days due to maintenance work, but proceeded without any issues on Tuesday. The mission carried a classified satellite provided by the National Reconnaissance Office, ensuring the nation’s security.
NRO Director Chris Scolese highlighted the importance of the mission and the significance of the Delta 4 Heavy’s final flight. The payload, likely an advanced signals intelligence satellite, was deployed into orbit successfully.
Although details about the payload were not disclosed, the mission was declared a success. The Delta 4 Heavy’s retirement marked the end of an era in U.S. rocketry, as the company transitions to the next-generation Vulcan rockets.
