Roaring into the night sky! Congratulations to United Launch Alliance (ULA), National Reconnaissance Office, Patrick Space Force Base, and the U.S. Space Force on the successful NROL-68 launch and deployment.
In a testament to the ingenuity and technical prowess of ULA, space enthusiasts witnessed a remarkable event as the penultimate Delta IV Heavy rocket soared majestically into the sky. This milestone launch marks the nearing end of an era for the iconic Delta IV Heavy, leaving an indelible mark on the history of space exploration.
For nearly two decades, the Delta IV Heavy has stood as a symbol of ULA’s commitment to excellence in the realm of space launches. With its distinctive triple-core configuration and impressive lift capacity, this mighty rocket has been instrumental in delivering vital payloads into space, including critical national security assets and interplanetary missions.
As the final chapter of the Delta IV Heavy’s illustrious journey nears, ULA flawlessly executed yet another awe-inspiring launch. The penultimate mission served as a poignant reminder of the rocket’s incredible legacy, highlighting ULA’s expertise and dedication to ensuring mission success.
Futramic’s launch photographer Chris Clark was onsite at Patrick Space Force Base & Cape Canaveral Space Force Station to capture these great highlights from the successful launch.
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- Image credit: Futuramic / Chris Clark
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- Image credit: Futuramic / Chris Clark
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- Image credit: Futuramic / Chris Clark
“A United Launch Alliance (ULA) Delta IV Heavy rocket carrying the NROL-68 mission for the National Reconnaissance Office (NRO) lifted off on June 22 at 5:18 a.m. EDT from Space Launch Complex-37 at Cape Canaveral Space Force Station. To date, ULA has launched 156 times with 100 percent mission success.
“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 its future missions from the East and West Coasts to the next generation Vulcan rocket.
Leveraging a legacy of 100 percent mission success launching more than 155 missions to explore, protect and enhance our world, ULA is the nation’s most experienced and reliable launch service provider with world-leading reliability, schedule confidence, and mission optimization. We deliver value unmatched by any launch services company in the industry, a tireless drive to improve, and commitment to the extraordinary.” – via ulalaunch.com
Image credit: Futuramic / Chris Clark
Image credit: Futuramic / Chris Clark
United Launch Alliance (ULA)
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