The end of an era: Delta IV Heavy takes final step in space

The latest launch of the United Launch Alliance's Delta IV Heavy rocket was successful on 9 April.

Here's What We Know

The rocket, which first took to the skies in 2004, was launched from Space Launch Complex 37 at Cape Canaveral, Florida. This historic flight attracted the attention of viewers around the world as it was broadcast live.

The mission, known as Delta IV Heavy NROL-70, was designed to launch a reconnaissance satellite into geostationary orbit for the National Reconnaissance Office. In his departmental statement, ULA President and CEO Tory Bruno noted the important role that the Delta rocket has played in the development of spaceflight over its sixty-year history. Bruno also emphasised that the latest Delta IV Heavy launch points to ULA's evolution to the new Vulcan rocket, which has even greater performance than their current triple-core heavy lift.

The Delta IV Heavy has played a key role in launching a number of important missions for NASA. These included missions such as the Parker Solar Probe and EFT-1.

Source: Digital Trends