List of Delta IV launches

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Delta IV was a group of five expendable launch systems in the Delta rocket family introduced in the early 2000s. Originally designed by Boeing's Defense, Space and Security division for the Evolved Expendable Launch Vehicle (EELV) program, the Delta IV became a United Launch Alliance (ULA) product in 2006. The Delta IV was primarily a launch vehicle for United States Air Force (USAF) military payloads, but was also used to launch a number of United States government non-military payloads and a single commercial satellite. [1]

Contents

The Delta IV originally had two main versions which allowed the family to cover a range of payload sizes and masses: the Medium (which had four configurations) and Heavy. [2] Since September 2019, only the Heavy remained active, with payloads that would previously fly on Medium moving to either the existing Atlas V or the forthcoming Vulcan. Retirement of the Delta IV occurred in 2024. [3]

Delta IV vehicles were built in the ULA facility in Decatur, Alabama. Final assembly was completed at the launch site by ULA: at the horizontal integration facility for launches from SLC-37B pad at Cape Canaveral and in a similar facility for launches from SLC-6 pad at Vandenberg Air Force Base. [1]

Launch statistics

Launch outcome

1
2
3
4
'03
'04
'06
'07
'09
'10
'11
'12
'13
'14
'15
'16
'17
'18
'19
'20
'21
'22
'23
'24
  •   Partial Failure
  •   Success

Launch site

Vehicle

Launch History

Notes

  1. ↑ CBCs underperformed, lower orbit than planned
  2. ↑ Star 48BV upper stage

Related Research Articles

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Delta IV</span> Retired expendable launch system in the Delta rocket family

Delta IV was a group of five expendable launch systems in the Delta rocket family. It flew 45 missions from 2002 to 2024. Originally designed by Boeing's Defense, Space and Security division for the Evolved Expendable Launch Vehicle (EELV) program, the Delta IV became a United Launch Alliance (ULA) product in 2006. The Delta IV was primarily a launch vehicle for United States Air Force (USAF) military payloads, but was also used to launch a number of United States government non-military payloads and a single commercial satellite.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">National Security Space Launch</span> Expendable launch system program of the United States Space Force

National Security Space Launch (NSSL) is a program of the United States Space Force (USSF) intended to assure access to space for United States Department of Defense and other United States government payloads. The program is managed by the Assured Access to Space Directorate (SSC/AA) of the Space Force's Space Systems Command (SSC), in partnership with the National Reconnaissance Office.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Atlas V</span> Expendable launch system

Atlas V is an expendable launch system and the fifth major version in the Atlas launch vehicle family. It was designed by Lockheed Martin and has been operated by United Launch Alliance (ULA) since 2006. It is used for DoD, NASA, and commercial payloads. It is America's longest-serving active rocket. After 87 launches, in August 2021 ULA announced that Atlas V would be retired, and all 29 remaining launches had been sold. As of June 2024, 16 launches remain. Production ceased in 2024. Other future ULA launches will use the Vulcan Centaur rocket.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Vandenberg Space Launch Complex 6</span> Launch pad

Space Launch Complex 6 at Vandenberg Space Force Base in California is a launch pad and support area. The site was originally developed starting in 1966, but no launches occurred until 1995, as it was repurposed sequentially for three programs that were subsequently cancelled. Initially to be used for Titan IIIM rockets and the Manned Orbiting Laboratory, these were cancelled before construction of SLC-6 was complete. The complex was later rebuilt to serve as the west coast launch site for the Space Shuttle, but went unused due to budget, safety and political considerations. The pad was subsequently used for four Athena rocket launches before being modified to support the Delta IV launch vehicle family, which used the pad for ten launches from 2006 until 2022. The last Delta IV launched in September 2022, and SpaceX leased SLC-6 in 2023 to convert it to launch Falcon 9 and Falcon Heavy starting in 2025.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">United Launch Alliance</span> Joint venture of Lockheed Martin and Boeing

United Launch Alliance, LLC (ULA) is an American launch service provider formed in December 2006 as a joint venture between Lockheed Martin Space and Boeing Defense, Space & Security. The company designs, assembles, sells and launches rockets, but the company subcontracts out the production of rocket engines and solid rocket boosters.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Cape Canaveral Space Launch Complex 37</span> Space vehicle launch complex on Cape Canaveral Space Force Station, Florida

Space Launch Complex 37 (SLC-37), previously Launch Complex 37 (LC-37), is a launch complex on Cape Canaveral Space Force Station, Florida. Construction began in 1959 and the site was accepted by NASA to support the Saturn I program in 1963. The complex consists of two launch pads. LC-37A has never been used, but LC-37B launched uncrewed Saturn I flights and was modified and launched Saturn IB flights, including the first (uncrewed) test of the Apollo Lunar Module in space. It was deactivated in 1972. In 2001 it was modified as the launch site for Delta IV, a launch system operated by United Launch Alliance.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Wideband Global SATCOM</span> Defense satellite communications project

The Wideband Global SATCOM system (WGS) is a high capacity United States Space Force satellite communications system planned for use in partnership by the United States Department of Defense (DoD), Canadian Department of National Defence (DND) and the Australian Department of Defence. The system is composed of the Space Segment satellites, the Terminal Segment users and the Control Segment operators.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Delta IV Heavy</span> Variant of the Delta IV space launch vehicle

The Delta IV Heavy was an expendable heavy-lift launch vehicle, the largest type of the Delta IV family. It was the world's third highest-capacity launch vehicle in operation at the time of its retirement in 2024, behind NASA's Space Launch System and SpaceX's Falcon Heavy and closely followed by CASC's Long March 5. It was manufactured by United Launch Alliance (ULA) and was first launched in 2004. ULA retired the Delta IV Heavy in 2024. Future ULA launches will use the new Vulcan Centaur rocket. Delta IV's final flight was on 9 April 2024.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">USA-233</span> United States Space Force military communications satellite constellation

USA-233, or Wideband Global SATCOM 4 (WGS-4) is a United States military communications satellite operated by the United States Air Force as part of the Wideband Global SATCOM program, launched in 2012. The fourth Wideband Global SATCOM satellite, it is the first WGS Block II satellite to be launched. It is stationed at 88.5° East in geostationary orbit.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">USA-243</span> United States Space Force military communications satellite constellation

USA-243, also known as WGS-5, is a United States military communications satellite. It was the fifth satellite to be launched as part of the Wideband Global SATCOM program and the second Block II satellite.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">USA-211</span> United States Space Force military communications satellite constellation

USA 211, or Wideband Global SATCOM 3 is a United States military communications satellite operated by the United States Air Force as part of the Wideband Global SATCOM programme. Launched in 2009, it was the third WGS satellite, and final Block I satellite, to reach orbit. It was originally stationed in geostationary orbit at 12° West.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">USA-244</span> United States Space Force military communications satellite constellation

USA-244, or Wideband Global SATCOM 6 (WGS-6) is a United States military communications satellite operated by the United States Air Force as part of the Wideband Global SATCOM programme. Launched in 2013, it was the sixth WGS satellite to reach orbit. It is stationed at a longitude of 135° West, in geostationary orbit. WGS-6 was procured by the Australian Defence Force for the U.S. Air Force, in exchange for participation in the programme.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">USA-263</span> United States Space Force military communications satellite constellation

USA-263, or Wideband Global SATCOM 7 (WGS-7) is a United States military communications satellite operated by the United States Air Force as part of the Wideband Global SATCOM programme. Launched in 2015, it was the seventh WGS satellite to reach orbit. It is stationed at a longitude of 135° West, in geostationary orbit. WGS-7 was procured by the United States Air Force.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">USA-272</span> United States Space Force military communications satellite constellation

USA 272, or Wideband Global SATCOM 8 is a United States military communications satellite operated by the United States Air Force as part of the Wideband Global SATCOM programme. Launched Delta IV in 2016, it was the eighth WGS satellite to reach (target) orbit. It is stationed at a longitude of 135° West, 149°E i=0° in geostationary orbit. WGS F8 was procured by the United States Air Force.

References

  1. 1 2 "Delta IV Launch Vehicle". mobile.arc.nasa.gov. Retrieved 2021-07-09.
  2. ↑ "Delta IV". www.ulalaunch.com. Retrieved 2021-07-09.
  3. ↑ "ULA to launch Delta 4 Heavy for its 12th mission, four more to go before rocket is retired". SpaceNews. 2020-08-24. Retrieved 2021-07-09.
  4. 1 2 Krebs, Gunter. "Delta-4". Gunter's Space Page. Retrieved 15 March 2018.
  5. ↑ "Boeing's Delta 4 rocket debuts successfully". Spaceflight Now. November 20, 2002.
  6. ↑ "Delta 4 rocket successfully begins military service". Spaceflight Now. March 10, 2003.
  7. ↑ "Delta 4 rocket delivers last Air Force DSCS satellite". Spaceflight Now. August 29, 2003.
  8. ↑ "Weather observatory for Americas ascends to space". Spaceflight Now. May 24, 2006.
  9. ↑ "New era of rocket launches begins at California base". Spaceflight Now. June 27, 2006.
  10. ↑ "Military weather satellite rockets into polar orbit". Spaceflight Now. November 4, 2006.
  11. ↑ "NASA and NOAA's GOES-O Satellite Successfully Launched". NASA KSC. 2009-06-27.
  12. ↑ Ray, Justin (2009-12-05). "New communications craft launched for U.S. military". Spaceflight Now. Retrieved 2009-12-06.
  13. ↑ "United Launch Alliance Successfully Launches NASA/NOAA Weather Satellite Mission". United Launch Alliance. 4 March 2010. Archived from the original on 7 December 2013. Retrieved 3 February 2013.
  14. ↑ "ULA Marks Delta 50th Anniversary with Successful Delta IV GPS IIF SV-1 Launch". United Launch Alliance. 27 May 2010. Archived from the original on 7 December 2013. Retrieved 3 February 2013.
  15. ↑ "United Launch Alliance Marks the 50th Successful GPS Launch for the Air Force with the Delivery of the GPS IIF-2 Mission to orbit". United Launch Alliance. 16 July 2011. Archived from the original on 7 December 2013. Retrieved 16 July 2011.
  16. ↑ "United Launch Alliance Delta IV Rocket Successfully Launches US Air Force's Wideband Global SATCOM-4 (WGS-4) Satellite". United Launch Alliance. 19 January 2012. Archived from the original on 7 December 2013. Retrieved 2 February 2013.
  17. ↑ "United Launch Alliance Delta IV Rocket Successfully Launches Payload for the National Reconnaissance Office". United Launch Alliance. 3 April 2012. Archived from the original on 7 December 2013. Retrieved 2 February 2013.
  18. ↑ "United Launch Alliance Delta IV Rocket Successfully Launches Global Positioning System Satellite for the U.S. Air Force". United Launch Alliance. 4 October 2012. Archived from the original on 7 December 2013. Retrieved 4 October 2012.
  19. ↑ "United Launch Alliance Launches Second Successful Mission for U.S. Air Force in Just Nine Days". United Launch Alliance. 24 May 2013. Archived from the original on 7 December 2013. Retrieved 25 May 2013.
  20. ↑ "United Launch Alliance Successfully Launches Second Wideband Global SATCOM Mission for U.S. Air Force in Less Than Three Months". United Launch Alliance. 8 August 2013. Archived from the original on 7 December 2013. Retrieved 8 August 2013.
  21. ↑ "United Launch Alliance Successfully Launches 25th Delta IV Mission Carrying Global Positioning System Satellite for the U.S. Air Force". United Launch Alliance. 21 February 2014. Archived from the original on 7 December 2013. Retrieved 21 February 2014.
  22. ↑ "United Launch Alliance Successfully Launches Second Global Positioning System Satellite for the U.S. Air Force in Less Than Three Months". United Launch Alliance. 16 May 2014. Archived from the original on 17 May 2014. Retrieved 18 May 2014.
  23. ↑ "United Launch Alliance Marks 85th Successful Launch by Delivering Three Satellites into Orbit for the U.S. Air Force". United Launch Alliance. 29 July 2014. Archived from the original on 5 August 2014. Retrieved 29 July 2014.
  24. ↑ "United Launch Alliance Successfully Launches Second Mission in Less than Two Weeks". United Launch Alliance. 26 March 2015. Archived from the original on 12 January 2018. Retrieved 26 March 2015.
  25. ↑ "United Launch Alliance Successfully Launches WGS-7". United Launch Alliance. 23 July 2015. Archived from the original on 12 January 2018. Retrieved 25 July 2015.
  26. ↑ "United Launch Alliance Successfully Launches NROL-45 Payload for the National Reconnaissance Office". United Launch Alliance. 10 February 2016. Archived from the original on 12 January 2018. Retrieved 29 March 2016.
  27. ↑ "United Launch Alliance Successfully Launches AFSPC6 Mission for the U.S. Air Force". United Launch Alliance. 19 August 2016. Retrieved 19 August 2016.
  28. ↑ "United Launch Alliance Successfully Launches WGS8 Mission for the U.S. Air Force". United Launch Alliance . 7 December 2016. Retrieved 7 December 2016.
  29. ↑ "Delta IV to Launch WGS-9 for the U.S. Air Force". United Launch Alliance . 18 March 2017. Retrieved 18 November 2017.
  30. ↑ "United Launch Alliance Successfully Launches NROL-47 Mission for the National Reconnaissance Office". United Launch Alliance . 12 January 2018. Archived from the original on 13 January 2018. Retrieved 12 January 2017.
  31. ↑ "United Launch Alliance Successfully Launches WGS-10 Mission". United Launch Alliance . 16 March 2019. Retrieved 16 March 2019.
  32. ↑ "United Launch Alliance Successfully Launches GPS III Satellite for U.S. Air Force Space and Missile Systems Center". United Launch Alliance . 22 August 2019. Retrieved 22 August 2019.
  33. ↑ "Launch Schedule". Spaceflight Now. 27 October 2020. Retrieved 31 October 2020.
  34. ↑ "Launch Mission Execution Forecast". 45th Weather Squadron – Patrick Air Force Base. 30 October 2020. Retrieved 31 October 2020.PD-icon.svg This article incorporates text from this source, which is in the public domain .
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