The Delta IV Heavy, one of the world's most powerful rockets, launched for the 16th and final time carrying a classified spy satellite for the National Reconnaissance Office.
The 45th and last flight of a Delta IV launcher marked the end of the Delta rocket series, which had a history of 389 missions dating back to 1960.
After resolving nitrogen pump issues, the final Delta IV Heavy liftoff was flawless, with dramatic visuals of hydrogen fireball and hold-down bolts releasing the rocket for its top-secret payload journey.
The three hydrogen-fueled RS-68A engines produced more than 2 million pounds of thrust, igniting a hydrogen fireball as the final Delta IV Heavy soared into space with its secret payload.
[
add
]
[
|
|
...
]