CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – And then, there was one.
That is, one more launch to go for United Launch Alliance’s Delta IV Heavy rocket.
The next to last mission of the Decatur-built rocket lifted off just before 4:20 CDT Thursday from Space Launch Complex-37 at Cape Canaveral Space Force Station. To date, ULA has launched 156 times with 100 percent mission success, ULA said in a news release.
The rocket was carrying a Department of Defense satellite.
“We continue to build on our valued partnership with the NRO and are grateful for their trust and collaboration as we work to precisely deliver critical national security capabilities to orbit,” said Gary Wentz, ULA vice president of Government and Commercial Programs. “This mission marks the 11th Delta IV Heavy for the NRO and the penultimate launch of the nation’s proven heavy lift vehicle.”
The final Delta IV Heavy will launch in 2024 as ULA transitions from the East and West coasts to the next generation Vulcan rocket.
