United Launch Alliance's (ULA) powerful Delta IV Heavy rocket was set to fly for the second-to-last time early Wednesday morning, June 21, from Cape Canaveral Space Force Station in Florida at 3:29 a.m. EDT (0729 GMT). However, Spaceflight Now reported that officials scrubbed the launch attempt due to a problem with a ground systems pneumatics valve.
The purpose of this mission was to deploy a highly classified spy satellite into orbit on behalf of the U.S. government. The Delta IV Heavy, known for its immense power, is on a mission designated as NROL-68 and is being conducted for the U.S. National Reconnaissance Office (NRO).
Top Secret Spy Satellite Mission Aboard ULA's Delta IV Heavy
The NROL-68 mission, set to launch on a Delta IV Heavy rocket, is shrouded in secrecy as it involves a classified payload from the NRO, Space.com reported. The NRO operates the U.S. spy satellite fleet, which is known for its classified capabilities and operations.
The mission patch for NROL-68 features a baby dragon and a moon, symbolizing the birth of a new satellite system and the protection of the Five Eyes community, an intelligence alliance between the US, UK, Australia, Canada, and New Zealand. The Latin phrase "Nusquam Celare," meaning "Nowhere to Hide," further emphasizes the mission's impact on national security.
The launch of NROL-68 marks the first mission for ULA in 2023 and the 15th launch of the Delta IV Heavy overall. Standing at 235 feet tall and generating 2.1 million pounds of thrust, the Delta IV Heavy is a powerful rocket, although not the most powerful.
NASA's Space Launch System (SLS) and SpaceX's Starship exceed their thrust capabilities. ULA is transitioning to the Vulcan Centaur rocket, slated to debut later this year; and the Delta IV Heavy, along with the Atlas V, is being phased out.
While the Delta IV Heavy has only one more mission after NROL-68, the Atlas V will continue to fly for several more years. ULA has secured missions for the Atlas V, including Amazon's Project Kuiper and Boeing's Starliner missions, extending into 2029. The launch of NROL-68 signifies a rare opportunity to witness the penultimate flight of the Delta IV Heavy, carrying a secretive payload for national security purposes.
Rescheduled Rocket Launch
As per Florida Today's report, the NROL-68 mission will be rescheduled for Thursday, June 22, at 3:25 a.m. EDT (0725 UTC). The company is reportedly transitioning to the newer Vulcan Centaur rocket for future launches. The retirement of the current rocket signifies a shift toward the next generation of launch vehicles.
Regarding the weather conditions for Thursday's liftoff, the outlook remains relatively unchanged from Wednesday, with an improved 80% chance of favorable conditions. However, there is still a possibility of storms and winds that could potentially impact the launch.
According to Space Force forecasters, the greatest threat for storms is expected in the afternoon and evening, and there is a chance that these storms and associated clouds may persist into the overnight hours. Anvil clouds and ground winds at the launch site are identified as the primary concerns for the mission.
Despite the weather challenges, the NROL-68 mission represents a significant step in the final flights of the current rocket and the transition to the newer Vulcan Centaur rocket, which promises enhanced capabilities for future launches.
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