ULA’s Last Delta IV Heavy Rocket Launch Delayed Due to Technical Issue

The eagerly anticipated final launch of United Launch Alliance’s (ULA) Delta IV Heavy rocket, which was scheduled to carry the classified NROL-70 mission for the National Reconnaissance Office (NRO), has been delayed. The postponement came after the discovery of an issue with a liquid pump failure in the gaseous nitrogen pipeline, which is crucial for providing pneumatic pressure to the launch vehicle’s systems. This hiccup necessitated additional time for troubleshooting to ensure confidence in the system’s reliability. As the teams work diligently to resolve the issue, a new launch date is for Friday, March 29th.

The Delta IV Heavy, known for its immense power and trademark orange aesthetic, was set to take off from Cape Canaveral Space Force Station in Florida, marking a historic end to the Delta rocket family’s six-decade legacy. This mission, designated NROL-70, is shrouded in secrecy due to its classified nature. However, experts speculate the payload is likely an advanced electronic signals intelligence satellite for the NRO.

The NROL-70 mission aims to bolster national security by delivering critical intelligence data from space, enhancing the capabilities of U.S. policymakers, the Intelligence Community, and the Department of Defense​.

The launch was halted with approximately four minutes remaining on the countdown clock. ULA cited a problem with the gaseous nitrogen pipeline, which supplies pneumatic pressure to the rocket’s systems. Technicians are diligently working to resolve the issue, and the company, in coordination with the NRO, has determined the next launch attempt will be at 1:37 p.m. EDT on Friday.

The Delta IV Heavy has been a workhorse for the United States, launching critical national security payloads and high-priority scientific missions. Its retirement signals a shift towards ULA’s newer Vulcan Centaur rocket, designed to be more cost-effective and versatile.

This delay highlights the inherent complexities of space launches, where even minor technical issues can necessitate postponements to ensure mission success. The aerospace community eagerly awaits the final flight of the Delta IV Heavy, a bittersweet moment marking both an end and the dawn of a new era in American spaceflight.