The launch of a United Launch Alliance Delta IV Heavy rocket carrying the NROL-68 mission for the National Reconnaissance Office has been delayed. During routine pre-launch processing, the team discovered a flight valve that exhibited off-nominal behavior. A new launch date will be confirmed when such becomes available.
The U.S. Space Force’s (USSF) Space Systems Command (SSC), the National Reconnaissance Office (NRO) and United Launch Alliance (ULA) are preparing to launch a Delta IV Heavy rocket no earlier than (NET) April 20, 2023, from Space Launch Complex (SLC) 37B at Cape Canaveral Space Force Station (CCSFS), Florida.
To date, the NSSL (National Security Space Launch) has launched a total of 37 Delta IVs, comprised of 25 Mediums and 12 Heavy variants of which the NRO was 5 Mediums and 10 Heavy (this will be the 11th). NSSL Mediums began launching in 2006 and completed in 2019. NSSL has only two remaining Delta IV Heavy launches procured under the Launch Vehicle Production Services (LVPS) contract.
Following this launch, the final Delta IV Heavy is projected to launch from CCSFS in 2024. This is the first NSSL Delta IV Heavy launch in 2023 and the 13th NSSL Delta IV Heavy to date. Additionally, this will be the 10th Delta IV Heavy vehicle launched from CCSFS, Florida (two NASA and eight NSSL missions –of which seven with NRO) for a total of 15 Delta IV Heavy vehicles successfully placed into orbit to date.
The history of the Delta family of launch vehicles dates back to the late 1950s with the first launch of a Thor Delta in August of 1960. From there, in response to ever changing mission needs, the Delta evolved from a ballistic missile system into an extremely capable and versatile space launch platform. This process expanded the Delta’s payload capacity from a meager 100 lbs. delivered to an orbit of 115 miles up to a massive 62,550 lbs. (28,370 kg) delivered to Low Earth Orbit (LEO) or 30,450 lbs. (13,810 kg) delivered to Geostationary Transfer Orbit (GTO).
Over the 60+ years since 1960, there have been 12 Thor Delta (DM-19) launches, 43 launches of the three-stage A, B, C, D and E configurations, and 27 launches of the two-stage G, J, L, M, and N configurations. Next came the Delta I with 102 launches, followed by the prolific Delta II with the most launches of any Delta configuration at 152 launches. Delta III had three launches.
Finally, the Delta IV has a record of 29 launches of the Medium configuration, from 2002 to 2019 (25 NSSL, three NASA, and one commercial), and 15 launches of the Delta Heavy, including this launch of NROL-68. These various Delta vehicles have launched numerous payloads including military, government, and commercial weather, communications, and science satellites, robotic probes for exploration, eight Mars rovers, and one telescope, all of which have significantly contributed to our understanding of our planet, solar system, and universe beyond.
With this launch and one more Delta IV Heavy planned for 2024, the Space Force is approaching the end of the long and overwhelmingly successful era of Delta space launch vehicles.
Assured Access to Space (AATS) acquires and executes launch services for the USSF, National Reconnaissance Office, and other agencies to reliably deliver on-orbit capabilities to the warfighter. AATS conducts range operations for DoD, intelligence, civil, and commercial launches at Patrick Space Force Base, Florida and Vandenberg Space Force Base, California. AATS is executing transformative range and spaceport initiatives to meet unprecedented launch demands. AATS also leverages industry’s on-orbit servicing, maneuvering, and debris removal innovations as it oversees USSF Space Access, Mobility, and Logistics mission areas. AATS’s 10,000 plus Guardians, Airmen, civilian, and contractor workforce spread across the nation are dedicated to mission success and assured access to space for our nation, partners, and allies.
“Everything’s looking great and we’re on track to launch another vitally important national security capability into space. This will be our third national security launch this year. We’ve worked alongside ULA to prepare this Delta IV Heavy, and in just a few days the team’s hard work will culminate in this highly anticipated launch. These launches place critical capabilities into orbit for our nation and our allies in what are dynamic times for the space community. Every member of our launch team understands what’s at stake and works with care and efficiency to prepare for what’s going to be a tremendous launch.”
Maj. Gen. Stephen Purdy, program executive officer for Assured Access to Space (AATS)
NROL-68 will be the first of four final USSF missions for the NSSL Atlas V & Delta IV team.
“I am very proud of the team’s focused dedication to our Delta and Atlas missions. The team performed extraordinarily well last year in the execution of their missions, and I expect this year will build upon those accomplishments.”
Lt. Col. Scott Carstetter, Atlas V/Delta IV Materiel Leader
The launch will be livestreamed at www.ulalaunch.com and other media websites.
