Tech & Science

Delta IV Heavy rocket to launch U.S. spy satellite tonight

Published

April 26, 2021

Today's #NROL82 mission is 386th flight of a Delta rocket since 1960 and the 94th to occur from Vandenberg Air Force Base. - Karen Graham

Today's #NROL82 mission is 386th flight of a Delta rocket since 1960 and the 94th to occur from Vandenberg Air Force Base. - Karen Graham

One of the United Launch Alliance’s (ULA) last four mighty Delta IV rockets is set for liftoff at 1:46 p.m. PDT (4:46 p.m. EDT; 2046 GMT) from Vandenberg Air Force Base, in California, according to Space Flight Now.

The rocket’s payload is a classified NROL-82 satellite, and according to the US Reconnaissance Office mission statement: it “uses a variety of satellites to … provide global coverage against a wide range of intelligence requirements, carry out research and development efforts, and assist emergency and disaster relief efforts in the U.S. and around the world.”

If you are just tuning in, the countdown is proceeding toward a liftoff of #DeltaIVHeavy at 1:47pmPDT (4:47pmEDT; 2047 UTC). We continue to have a green board with no issues being worked. The launch webcast begins at L-20 minutes: pic.twitter.com/8ylTTPlvxI

— ULA (@ulalaunch) April 26, 2021

Space.com is reporting that there’s a 40 percent chance of favorable weather conditions Monday’s liftoff – according to officials at the U.S. Space Force, with the primary concerns being cumulus clouds, precipitation, thick clouds, and surface winds. There is a backup date on Tuesday (April 27), with conditions also at 40 percent favorable.

ULA is a 50-50 joint venture between Lockheed Martin and Boeing. Today’s mission is the 42nd flight of a Delta IV rocket since 2002, and the 13th launch of the Delta 4-Heavy configuration. All four of the remaining Delta IVs, including the one in today’s mission, are assigned to launch missions for the NRO, with two to launching from California and the remaining two to launch from Florida.

If you are just tuning in, the countdown is proceeding toward a liftoff of #DeltaIVHeavy at 1:47pmPDT (4:47pmEDT; 2047 UTC). We continue to have a green board with no issues being worked. The launch webcast begins at L-20 minutes: pic.twitter.com/8ylTTPlvxI

— ULA (@ulalaunch) April 26, 2021

The Delta IV has three boosters mounted together to form a triple-body rocket. With its second-stage and nose cone, it stands 233 feet high and produces 2.1 million pounds of thrust at sea level. By comparison, SpaceX’s Falcon Heavy stands about 230 feet high and emits about 3.4 million pounds of thrust at liftoff.

In this article:Delta IV Heavy rocket, Technology, united launch alliance, US Spy satellite, vandenberg afb

Written By Karen Graham

We are deeply saddened to announce the passing of our dear friend Karen Graham, who served as Editor-at-Large at Digital Journal. She was 78 years old. Karen's view of what is happening in our world was colored by her love of history and how the past influences events taking place today. Her belief in humankind's part in the care of the planet and our environment has led her to focus on the need for action in dealing with climate change. It was said by Geoffrey C. Ward, "Journalism is merely history's first draft." Everyone who writes about what is happening today is indeed, writing a small part of our history.