Final Mission: Delta IV Heavy Rocket Set for Historic Launch with NROL-70 Payload

Final Mission: Delta IV Heavy Rocket Set for Historic Launch with NROL-70 Payload
by Clarence Oxford
Los Angeles CA (SPX) Mar 13, 2024

The Space Systems Command (SSC) of the U.S. Space Force, in partnership with the National Reconnaissance Office (NRO) and United Launch Alliance (ULA), has announced the scheduled launch of the NROL-70 mission. This event, set for no earlier than March 28, will mark the final flight of the Delta IV Heavy rocket. The launch is planned from Space Launch Complex-37B at Cape Canaveral Space Force Station, Florida, and will be broadcast live at ULA and various media platforms.

Col. Jim Horne, SSC's Launch Execution Delta senior materiel leader, emphasized the mission's significance, stating, "We're on schedule for launching a crucial national security asset into space, concluding our Delta IV Heavy operations. This launch represents the culmination of meticulous preparation by our team, alongside ULA and the NRO. It underscores our commitment to placing essential capabilities into orbit, reflecting the dynamic challenges in space today. This effort showcases the team's dedication to a landmark launch."

The Delta IV Heavy has been instrumental in deploying a wide array of payloads, including military and commercial satellites, Mars rovers, and a telescope. These missions have significantly advanced national defense and deepened our understanding of Earth and the cosmos. The upcoming NROL-70 launch signifies the end of the Delta launch vehicles era, transitioning to the ULA Vulcan rocket for future missions.

Lt. Col. Alexander Jehle, SSC's Atlas V/Delta IV Materiel Leader, expressed pride in the team's focus on ensuring the success of the Delta IV Heavy's final mission and the forthcoming last Atlas launches dedicated to national security within this year.

The Assured Access to Space (AATS) office, under SSC, continues to lead in developing next-generation launch capabilities and technologies. AATS's efforts aim to support a range of stakeholders, from the warfighter to allied nations, emphasizing rapid, responsive launch capabilities and space mobility.

The Space Systems Command remains committed to delivering resilient space capabilities, managing a significant acquisition budget, and partnering across sectors to navigate emerging space threats. The imminent NROL-70 launch and the retirement of the Delta IV Heavy mark pivotal moments in U.S. space exploration and defense history, underscoring a legacy of over 60 years of space launch excellence.