Delta IV Heavy: Difference between revisions

Delta IV Heavy
	Delta IV Heavy launches from Vandenberg Space Force Base
Function	Orbital heavy-lift launch vehicle
Manufacturer	United Launch Alliance
Country of origin	United States
Cost per launch	US$350 million; NRO: US$440 million
Size
Height	70.7 m (232 ft)
Diameter	5.1 m (17 ft)
Width	15.3 m (50 ft)
Mass	733,000 kg (1,616,000 lb)
Stages	2+
Capacity
Payload to LEO
Mass	28,790 kg (63,470 lb)
Payload to GEO
Mass	6,750 kg (14,880 lb)
Associated rockets
Family	Delta
Comparable	Long March 5; Falcon Heavy; Proton-M;
Launch history
Status	Retired
Launch sites	Cape Canaveral, SLC-37; Vandenberg, SLC-6;
Total launches	16
Success(es)	15
Partial failure(s)	1
First flight	21 December 2004 (USA-181)
Last flight	9 April 2024 (NROL-70)
Type of passengers/cargo	EFT-1; NRO classified payloads Kennen; Orion; ; Parker Solar Probe;
Boosters (CBC)
No. boosters	2
Height	40.8 m (134 ft)
Diameter	5.1 m (17 ft)
Empty mass	26,000 kg (57,000 lb)
Gross mass	226,400 kg (499,100 lb)
Propellant mass	200,400 kg (441,800 lb)
Powered by	1 RS-68A
Maximum thrust	3,140 kN (710,000 lbf)
Total thrust	6,280 kN (1,410,000 lbf)
Specific impulse	Sea level: 360 s (3.5 km/s); Vacuum: 412 s (4.04 km/s)
Burn time	242 seconds
Propellant	LH2 / LOX
First stage (CBC)
Height	40.8 m (134 ft)
Diameter	5.1 m (17 ft)
Gross mass	226,400 kg (499,100 lb)
Propellant mass	200,400 kg (441,800 lb)
Powered by	1 RS-68A
Maximum thrust	3,140 kN (710,000 lbf)
Specific impulse	Sea level: 360 s (3.5 km/s); Vacuum: 412 s (4.04 km/s)
Burn time	328 seconds
Propellant	LH2 / LOX
Second stage (DCSS)
Height	13.7 m (45 ft)
Diameter	5.1 m (17 ft) (LH2 tank) 3.2 m (10 ft) (LOX tank)
Gross mass	30,700 kg (67,700 lb)
Propellant mass	27,220 kg (60,010 lb)
Powered by	1 RL10-B-2
Maximum thrust	110 kN (25,000 lbf)
Specific impulse	465.5 s (4.565 km/s)
Burn time	1125 seconds
Propellant	LH2 / LOX
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The Delta IV Heavy (Delta 9250H) was an expendable heavy-lift launch vehicle, the largest type of the Delta IV family. It had the highest capacity of any operational launch vehicle in the world after the retirement of the Space Shuttle in 2011 until the Falcon Heavy debuted in 2018, and it was the world's third highest-capacity launch vehicle in operation at the time of its retirement in 2024.^[5]^[6]^[7] It was manufactured by United Launch Alliance (ULA) and was first launched in 2004.^[8] Delta IV Heavy was the last operating member of the Delta IV family, and its final flight was on 9 April 2024. It is succeeded by the Vulcan Centaur rocket.^[9]^[10]

The Delta IV Heavy first stage consisted of a central Common Booster Core (CBC), with two additional CBCs as liquid rocket boosters instead of the GEM-60 solid rocket motors used by the Delta IV Medium+ versions. At lift-off, all three rocket engines would operate at full thrust, and 44 seconds later the central engine would throttle down to 55% to conserve fuel until the other two engines separate. The latter engines burn out at 242 seconds after launch and are separated as the central engine throttles back up to full thrust. The central engine burns out 86 seconds later, and the second stage completed the ascent to orbit.^[3]

The launch vehicle used three RS-68 engines, one in the central core and one in each booster.^[11] On the last seconds of countdown, the liquid hydrogen fuel would flow through the engines and upwards along the booster body, and after the ignition that hydrogen inflamed, creating the characteristic fireball and charred look of the booster.^[12]

History

The Delta IV line of rockets were developed by Boeing. The program was later transferred to United Launch Alliance. The Delta IV Heavy was the most powerful member of the line, which also includes the smaller Delta IV Medium.^[13] The Delta IV Heavy can lift 28,370 kg (62,550 lb) to low Earth orbit and 13,810 kg (30,450 lb) to geostationary transfer orbit (GTO).^[13] It was an all liquid-fueled launch vehicle, consisting of an upper stage, one main booster and two strap-on boosters.^[13]

The first launch of the Delta IV Heavy on 21 December 2004 carried a boilerplate payload and was a partial failure. Cavitation in the liquid-oxygen propellant lines caused shutdown of both boosters eight seconds early, and the core engine nine seconds early; this resulted in a lower staging velocity for which the second stage was unable to compensate. The payload was left in a lower than intended orbit.^[14]

Its first operational payload was the DSP-23 satellite, successfully launched in 2007; it was then used to launch a further five visual and electronic reconnaissance satellites for the National Reconnaissance Office (NRO) through 2013. In December 2014, the Delta IV Heavy was used to launch an uncrewed test flight of the Orion spacecraft, designated Exploration Flight Test-1 (EFT-1). After several delays, the mission was successfully launched at 12:05 UTC on 5 December 2014.^[15]

On 12 August 2018, the Delta IV Heavy with an additional Star 48BV third stage was used to launch the Parker Solar Probe into an elliptical heliocentric orbit.^[16] In May 2023, the final Delta IV Heavy core and boosters finished construction, officially ending Delta IV production and making way for the Vulcan launch vehicle.^[17] The final Delta IV heavy would launch on April 9, 2024.^[18]

Delta IV's final flight was initially scheduled for March 29, 2024 for the National Reconnaissance Office;^[19]^[20] its actual launch date was April 9, 2024 after a postponement.^[21]^[18]^[22]

Capabilities

Capacity of the Delta IV Heavy:

Low Earth orbit (LEO), 200 km × 28.7°: 28,790 kg (63,470 lb)^[23]
Low Earth orbit (ISS), 407 km × 51.6°: 25,980 kg (57,280 lb)^[24]
Geosynchronous transfer orbit (GTO): 14,220 kg (31,350 lb)^[23]
Geosynchronous orbit (GEO): 6,750 kg (14,880 lb)^[23]
Lunar transfer orbit (LTO): 10,000 kg (22,000 lb)
Mars transfer orbit: 8,000 kg (18,000 lb)^[25]

The Delta IV Heavy's total mass at launch was approximately 733,000 kg (1,616,000 lb) and produce around 952,000 kg (2,099,000 lb) of thrust to power the rocket skyward at liftoff.^[26]

Launch history


Flight	Date	Payload ^[27]	Mass	Launch site	Outcome ^[27]
1	21 December 2004	DemoSat, Sparkie / 3CS-1 and Ralphie / 3CS-2	≈6,000 kg (13,000 lb)	Cape Canaveral, SLC-37B	Partial failure^[a]
2	11 November 2007	DSP-23	5,250 kg (11,570 lb)	Cape Canaveral, SLC-37B	Success
3	18 January 2009	Orion 6 / Mentor 4 (USA-202 / NROL-26)	Classified	Cape Canaveral, SLC-37B	Success
4	21 November 2010	Orion 7 / Mentor 5 (USA-223 / NROL-32)	Classified	Cape Canaveral, SLC-37B	Success
5	20 January 2011	KH-11 Kennen 15 (USA-224 / NROL-49)	<17,000 kg (37,000 lb)	Vandenberg, SLC-6	Success
6	29 June 2012	Orion 8 / Mentor 6 (USA-237 / NROL-15)	Classified	Cape Canaveral, SLC-37B	Success
7	26 August 2013	KH-11 Kennen 16 (USA-245 / NROL-65)	<17,000 kg (37,000 lb)	Vandenberg, SLC-6	Success
8	5 December 2014	Orion Exploration Flight Test-1 (EFT-1)	21,000 kg (46,000 lb)^[28]^[b]	Cape Canaveral, SLC-37B	Success
9	11 June 2016	Orion 9 / Mentor 7 (USA-268 / NROL-37)	Classified	Cape Canaveral, SLC-37B	Success
10	12 August 2018	Parker Solar Probe^[c]	685 kg (1,510 lb)	Cape Canaveral, SLC-37B	Success
11	19 January 2019	NROL-71	Classified	Vandenberg, SLC-6	Success
12	11 December 2020	Orion 10 / Mentor 8 (USA-268/ NROL-44)^[29]^[30]	Classified	Cape Canaveral, SLC-37B	Success
13	26 April 2021	KH-11 Kennen 17 (NROL-82)	Classified	Vandenberg, SLC-6	Success
14	24 September 2022	KH-11 Kennen 18 (NROL-91)	Classified	Vandenberg, SLC-6	Success
15	22 June 2023	Orion 11 / Mentor 9 (NROL-68)^[31]	Classified	Cape Canaveral, SLC-37B	Success
16	9 April 2024	Orion 12 / Mentor 10 (NROL-70)^[32]	Classified	CCSFS, SLC-37B	Success

^ Common Booster Cores underperformed, lower orbit than planned
^ The officially reported mass of 21,000 kg includes the Launch Abort System (LAS) which did not reach orbit, but excludes the residual mass of the upper stage, which did reach orbit, likely offsetting the mass of the LAS.
^ Star 48BV upper stage

Comparable vehicles

Current:

Long March 5 (geostationary transfer orbit)
Long March 5B (low Earth orbit)
Long March 7A (geostationary transfer orbit)
Falcon Heavy
Proton-M
Vulcan Centaur
Angara A5
Ariane 6

In development:

New Glenn

Retired or cancelled:

Ariane 5 (retired)
Atlas V Heavy (proposed, never developed)
Saturn IB (retired)
Titan III (retired)
Titan IV (retired)

References

^ "ULA CEO Tory Bruno". twitter.com. Retrieved 12 February 2018. Delta IV Heavy goes for about US$350M. That's current and future, after the retirement of both Delta IV Medium and Delta II.
^ "Delta IV Heavy". Spaceflight 101. Retrieved 26 July 2014.
^ ^a ^b "Delta IV Payload Planner's Guide, June 2013" (PDF). United Launch Alliance. Archived from the original (PDF) on 10 July 2014. Retrieved 26 July 2014.
^ "Delta IV Launch Services User's Guide" (PDF). United Launch Alliance. Retrieved 13 April 2024.
^ Clark, Stephen. "The Delta IV Heavy, a rocket whose time has come and gone, will fly once more". ars Technica. Retrieved 9 November 2024.
^ Chang, Kenneth (6 February 2018). "Falcon Heavy, SpaceX's Big New Rocket, Succeeds in Its First Test Launch". The New York Times. Retrieved 6 February 2018. The Falcon Heavy is capable of lifting 140,000 pounds to low Earth orbit, more than any other rocket today.
^ "Mission Status Center". Spaceflight Now. Retrieved 26 July 2014. The ULA Delta 4-Heavy is currently the world's largest rocket, providing the nation with reliable, proven, heavy lift capability for our country's national security payloads from both the east and west coasts.
^ "Boeing Delta IV Heavy Achieves Major Test Objectives in First Flight" (Press release). Boeing. 21 December 2004. Archived from the original on 19 April 2012. Retrieved 22 March 2012.
^ Erwin, Sandra (24 August 2020). "ULA to launch Delta 4 Heavy for its 12th mission, four more to go before rocket is retired". SpaceNews. Retrieved 29 August 2020.
^ "Delta IV Heavy - NROL-70". Next Spaceflight. 9 February 2024. Retrieved 10 February 2024.
^ "Delta 4-Heavy likely heading for geosynchronous orbit with top secret payload". Spaceflight Now. 26 August 2020. Retrieved 27 August 2020.
^ Berger, Eric (21 January 2019). "This massive rocket creates a fireball as it launches, and that's by design". Ars Technica. Retrieved 13 April 2023.
^ ^a ^b ^c Howell, Elizabeth (20 April 2018). "Delta IV Heavy: Powerful Launch Vehicle". Space.com. Retrieved 21 July 2018.
^ "Delta 4-Heavy investigation identifies rocket's problem". Spaceflight Now. 16 March 2005. Retrieved 26 July 2014.
^ "Second Stage Ignites as First Stage Falls Away". 5 December 2014. This article incorporates text from this source, which is in the public domain.
^ "Delta IV Parker Solar Probe". ulalaunch.com. Retrieved 11 December 2020.
^ "ULA's Delta rocket assembly line falls silent". Spaceflight Now.
^ ^a ^b "Delta IV Heavy NROL-70". www.ulalaunch.com. Retrieved 8 April 2024.
^ Chang, Kenneth (28 March 2024). "A Fiery Finale for a Rocket That Brings the Heat - The Delta IV Heavy, a rocket that briefly bursts into flame just before it lifts off, is set to launch for the last time soon". The New York Times. Archived from the original on 28 March 2024. Retrieved 29 March 2024.
^ Angle, Richard (15 March 2024). "United Launch Alliance's Delta IV Heavy readies for final flight". TESLARATI. Retrieved 21 March 2024.
^ Pare, Sascha (28 March 2024). "Secretive Delta IV Heavy rocket launch postponed indefinitely". livescience.com. Retrieved 30 March 2024.
^ Robert Z. Pearlman (9 April 2024). "'Heavy' history: ULA launches final Delta rocket after 64 years (video, photos)". Space.com. Retrieved 11 April 2024.
^ ^a ^b ^c "Delta IV Launch Services User's Guide – June 2013" (PDF). United Launch Alliance. 4 June 2013. pp. 2–10, 5–3. Archived from the original (PDF) on 14 October 2013. Retrieved 31 October 2020.
^ "Delta IV Data Sheet". Space Launch Report. Archived from the original on 6 December 2012. Retrieved 26 July 2014.{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: unfit URL (link)
^ Ray, Justin (7 December 2004). "The Heavy: Triple-sized Delta 4 rocket to debut". Spaceflight Now. Archived from the original on 11 December 2004. Retrieved 13 May 2014.
^ "Live coverage: Launch of Delta 4-Heavy rocket set for early Saturday". Spaceflight Now. 29 August 2020. Retrieved 29 August 2020.
^ ^a ^b Krebs, Gunter. "Delta-4". Gunter's Space Page. Retrieved 15 March 2018.
^ "NASA Orion Exploration Flight Test-1 PRESS KIT" (PDF). NASA. December 2014. p. 12. This article incorporates text from this source, which is in the public domain.
^ "Launch Schedule". Spaceflight Now. 27 October 2020. Retrieved 31 October 2020.
^ "Launch Mission Execution Forecast". 45th Weather Squadron - Patrick Air Force Base. 30 October 2020. Retrieved 31 October 2020. This article incorporates text from this source, which is in the public domain.
^ Clark, Stephen (22 June 2023). "Delta 4-Heavy rocket lifts off with NRO spy satellite". Spaceflight Now. Retrieved 27 June 2023.
^ Graham, William (9 April 2024). "Delta IV Heavy launches on final mission". NASASpaceFlight.com. Retrieved 28 September 2024.

External links

[28] Common Booster Cores underperformed, lower orbit than planned

[Orion_EFT-1-30] The officially reported mass of 21,000 kg includes the Launch Abort System (LAS) which did not reach orbit, but excludes the residual mass of the upper stage, which did reach orbit, likely offsetting the mass of the LAS.

[31] Star 48BV upper stage

[1] "ULA CEO Tory Bruno". twitter.com. Retrieved 12 February 2018. Delta IV Heavy goes for about US$350M. That's current and future, after the retirement of both Delta IV Medium and Delta II.

[sf1d4-2] "Delta IV Heavy". Spaceflight 101. Retrieved 26 July 2014.

[d4ppg-3] "Delta IV Payload Planner's Guide, June 2013" (PDF). United Launch Alliance. Archived from the original (PDF) on 10 July 2014. Retrieved 26 July 2014.

[Delta_IV_Launch_Services_User’s_Guide-4] "Delta IV Launch Services User's Guide" (PDF). United Launch Alliance. Retrieved 13 April 2024.

[DIV_Heavy_ars-5] Clark, Stephen. "The Delta IV Heavy, a rocket whose time has come and gone, will fly once more". ars Technica. Retrieved 9 November 2024.

[6] Chang, Kenneth (6 February 2018). "Falcon Heavy, SpaceX's Big New Rocket, Succeeds in Its First Test Launch". The New York Times. Retrieved 6 February 2018. The Falcon Heavy is capable of lifting 140,000 pounds to low Earth orbit, more than any other rocket today.

[7] "Mission Status Center". Spaceflight Now. Retrieved 26 July 2014. The ULA Delta 4-Heavy is currently the world's largest rocket, providing the nation with reliable, proven, heavy lift capability for our country's national security payloads from both the east and west coasts.

[8] "Boeing Delta IV Heavy Achieves Major Test Objectives in First Flight" (Press release). Boeing. 21 December 2004. Archived from the original on 19 April 2012. Retrieved 22 March 2012.

[retire-9] Erwin, Sandra (24 August 2020). "ULA to launch Delta 4 Heavy for its 12th mission, four more to go before rocket is retired". SpaceNews. Retrieved 29 August 2020.

[10] "Delta IV Heavy - NROL-70". Next Spaceflight. 9 February 2024. Retrieved 10 February 2024.

[SFN20200826-11] "Delta 4-Heavy likely heading for geosynchronous orbit with top secret payload". Spaceflight Now. 26 August 2020. Retrieved 27 August 2020.

[12] Berger, Eric (21 January 2019). "This massive rocket creates a fireball as it launches, and that's by design". Ars Technica. Retrieved 13 April 2023.

[space.com-13] Howell, Elizabeth (20 April 2018). "Delta IV Heavy: Powerful Launch Vehicle". Space.com. Retrieved 21 July 2018.

[D4H-2005-14] "Delta 4-Heavy investigation identifies rocket's problem". Spaceflight Now. 16 March 2005. Retrieved 26 July 2014.

[15] "Second Stage Ignites as First Stage Falls Away". 5 December 2014. This article incorporates text from this source, which is in the public domain.

[16] "Delta IV Parker Solar Probe". ulalaunch.com. Retrieved 11 December 2020.

[17] "ULA's Delta rocket assembly line falls silent". Spaceflight Now.

[:0-18] "Delta IV Heavy NROL-70". www.ulalaunch.com. Retrieved 8 April 2024.

[NYT-20240328-19] Chang, Kenneth (28 March 2024). "A Fiery Finale for a Rocket That Brings the Heat - The Delta IV Heavy, a rocket that briefly bursts into flame just before it lifts off, is set to launch for the last time soon". The New York Times. Archived from the original on 28 March 2024. Retrieved 29 March 2024.

[20] Angle, Richard (15 March 2024). "United Launch Alliance's Delta IV Heavy readies for final flight". TESLARATI. Retrieved 21 March 2024.

[postponed-21] Pare, Sascha (28 March 2024). "Secretive Delta IV Heavy rocket launch postponed indefinitely". livescience.com. Retrieved 30 March 2024.

[22] Robert Z. Pearlman (9 April 2024). "'Heavy' history: ULA launches final Delta rocket after 64 years (video, photos)". Space.com. Retrieved 11 April 2024.

[planner_guide2013-23] "Delta IV Launch Services User's Guide – June 2013" (PDF). United Launch Alliance. 4 June 2013. pp. 2–10, 5–3. Archived from the original (PDF) on 14 October 2013. Retrieved 31 October 2020.

[24] "Delta IV Data Sheet". Space Launch Report. Archived from the original on 6 December 2012. Retrieved 26 July 2014.{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: unfit URL (link)

[25] Ray, Justin (7 December 2004). "The Heavy: Triple-sized Delta 4 rocket to debut". Spaceflight Now. Archived from the original on 11 December 2004. Retrieved 13 May 2014.

[SFN20200829-26] "Live coverage: Launch of Delta 4-Heavy rocket set for early Saturday". Spaceflight Now. 29 August 2020. Retrieved 29 August 2020.

[Gunter's_Space_Page-27] Krebs, Gunter. "Delta-4". Gunter's Space Page. Retrieved 15 March 2018.

[EFT1_press_kit-29] "NASA Orion Exploration Flight Test-1 PRESS KIT" (PDF). NASA. December 2014. p. 12. This article incorporates text from this source, which is in the public domain.

[SFN20201027-32] "Launch Schedule". Spaceflight Now. 27 October 2020. Retrieved 31 October 2020.

[45th_Weather_Squadron-33] "Launch Mission Execution Forecast". 45th Weather Squadron - Patrick Air Force Base. 30 October 2020. Retrieved 31 October 2020. This article incorporates text from this source, which is in the public domain.

[sfn-20230622-34] Clark, Stephen (22 June 2023). "Delta 4-Heavy rocket lifts off with NRO spy satellite". Spaceflight Now. Retrieved 27 June 2023.

[35] Graham, William (9 April 2024). "Delta IV Heavy launches on final mission". NASASpaceFlight.com. Retrieved 28 September 2024.

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@@ Line 4: / Line 4: @@
 {{Infobox rocket
 | name           = Delta IV Heavy
+| logo           = Delta logo.png
+| logo_upright   = 0.3
 | image          = NROL-71 Wide (cropped alt).jpg
-| caption        = Delta IV Heavy launches from [[Vandenberg Space Force Base|Vandenberg Space Force Base]]
+| caption        = Delta IV Heavy launches from [[Vandenberg Space Force Base]]
-| upright        = 1.2
 | function       = Orbital [[heavy-lift launch vehicle]]
 | manufacturer   = [[United Launch Alliance]]
 | webpage        =
 | country-origin = United States
-| cpl            = US$350 million <ref>{{cite web|title=ULA CEO Tory Bruno|url=https://twitter.com/torybruno/status/963109303291854848|website=twitter.com|access-date=12 February 2018|quote=Delta IV Heavy goes for about US$350M. That's current and future, after the retirement of both Delta IV Medium and Delta II.}}</ref><br />NRO: US$440 million
+| cpl            = US$350 million<ref>{{cite web|title=ULA CEO Tory Bruno|url=https://twitter.com/torybruno/status/963109303291854848|website=twitter.com|access-date=12 February 2018|quote=Delta IV Heavy goes for about US$350M. That's current and future, after the retirement of both Delta IV Medium and Delta II.}}</ref><br />NRO: US$440 million
-| height         = {{cvt|72|m}}
+| height         = {{cvt|70.7|m}}
-| diameter       = {{cvt|5|m}}
+| diameter       = {{cvt|5.1|m}}
-| width          = {{cvt|15|m}}
+| width          = {{cvt|15.3|m}}
 | mass           = {{cvt|733000|kg}}
 | stages         = 2+
@@ Line 23: / Line 24: @@
   }}
   {{Infobox rocket/payload
-  | location    = [[Geostationary transfer orbit|GTO]]
+  | location    = [[Geostationary orbit|GEO]]
-  | kilos       = {{cvt|14220|kg}}
+  | kilos       = {{cvt|6750|kg}}
   }}
 | family        = [[Delta IV|Delta]]
@@ Line 33: / Line 34: @@
 }}
 | status        = Retired
-| sites         = {{unbulleted list
+| sites         = {{plainlist|
-  | [[Cape Canaveral Space Force Station|Cape Canaveral]], [[Cape Canaveral Space Launch Complex 37|SLC-37B]]
+* [[Cape Canaveral Space Force Station|Cape Canaveral]], [[Cape Canaveral Space Launch Complex 37|SLC-37]]
-   <br>[[Vandenberg Space Force Base|Vandenberg]], [[Vandenberg Space Launch Complex 6|SLC-6]] <!--This is the history section, so former site is appropriate-->
+* [[Vandenberg Space Force Base|Vandenberg]], [[Vandenberg Space Launch Complex 6|SLC-6]]
+}}
-  |
-  }}
 | launches      = 16 <!-- as of 22 June 2023 NROL-68 launch -->
 | success       = 15
@@ Line 62: / Line 62: @@
   | empty       = {{cvt|26000|kg}}
   | gross       = {{cvt|226400|kg}}
-  | propmass    = {{cvt|200400|kg}} <ref name=sf1d4>{{cite web|title=Delta IV Heavy|url=http://www.spaceflight101.com/delta-iv-heavy.html|website=Spaceflight 101|access-date=July 26, 2014}}</ref>
+  | propmass    = {{cvt|200400|kg}}<ref name=sf1d4>{{cite web|title=Delta IV Heavy|url=http://www.spaceflight101.com/delta-iv-heavy.html|website=Spaceflight 101|access-date=July 26, 2014}}</ref>
   | engines     = 1 [[RS-68A]]
   | thrust      = {{cvt|3140|kN}}
   | total       = {{cvt|6280|kN}}
   | SI          = '''[[Sea level]]:''' {{cvt|360|isp}}<br />'''[[Vacuum]]:''' {{cvt|412|isp}}
-  | burntime    = 242 seconds <ref name=d4ppg />
+  | burntime    = 242 seconds<ref name=d4ppg />
   | fuel        = [[LH2|LH<sub>2</sub>]] / [[LOX]]
   }}
@@ Line 92: / Line 92: @@
   | name        =
   | length      = {{cvt|13.7|m}}
+  | diameter    = {{cvt|5.1|m}} ([[Liquid hydrogen|LH<sub>2</sub>]] tank) {{cvt|3.2|m}} ([[Liquid oxygen|LOX]] tank)<ref name="Delta IV Launch Services User’s Guide">{{cite web|url=https://www.ulalaunch.com/docs/default-source/rockets/delta-iv-user's-guide.pdf|title=Delta IV Launch Services User's Guide|publisher=United Launch Alliance|access-date=April 13, 2024}}</ref>
-  | diameter    = {{cvt|5.1|m}}
   | empty       =
   | gross       = {{cvt|30700|kg}}
@@ Line 104: / Line 104: @@
 }}
-The '''Delta IV Heavy''' ('''Delta 9250H''') was an [[Evolved Expendable Launch Vehicle|expendable]] [[heavy-lift launch vehicle]], the largest type of the [[Delta IV]] family. It was the world's third highest-capacity [[launch vehicle]] in operation, behind [[NASA]]'s [[Space Launch System]] and [[SpaceX]]'s [[Falcon Heavy]] and closely followed by [[China Aerospace Science and Technology Corporation|CASC]]'s [[Long March 5]].<ref>{{cite web|title=Mission Status Center|url=http://www.spaceflightnow.com/delta/d364/status.html|publisher=Spaceflight Now|access-date=26 July 2014|quote=The ULA Delta 4-Heavy is currently the world's largest rocket, providing the nation with reliable, proven, heavy lift capability for our country's national security payloads from both the east and west coasts.}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|title=Falcon Heavy, SpaceX's Big New Rocket, Succeeds in Its First Test Launch|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2018/02/06/science/falcon-heavy-spacex-launch.html|newspaper=The New York Times|date=6 February 2018 |access-date=6 February 2018 |quote=The Falcon Heavy is capable of lifting 140,000 pounds to low Earth orbit, more than any other rocket today.|last1=Chang |first1=Kenneth }}</ref> It was manufactured by [[United Launch Alliance]] (ULA) and was first launched in 2004.<ref>{{Cite press release |title=Boeing Delta IV Heavy Achieves Major Test Objectives in First Flight |date=December 21, 2004 |publisher=Boeing |url=http://www.boeing.com/news/releases/2004/q4/nr_041222m.html |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120419170931/http://www.boeing.com/news/releases/2004/q4/nr_041222m.html |archive-date=19 April 2012 |access-date=22 March 2012}}</ref> ULA will retire the Delta IV Heavy in 2024.  Future ULA launches will use the new [[Vulcan Centaur]] rocket.<ref name="retire">{{cite web|last1=Erwin|first1=Sandra|title=ULA to launch Delta 4 Heavy for its 12th mission, four more to go before rocket is retired|url=https://spacenews.com/ula-to-launch-delta-4-heavy-for-its-12th-mission-four-more-to-go-before-rocket-is-retired/|publisher=SpaceNews|date=24 August 2020|access-date=29 August 2020}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=https://nextspaceflight.com/launches/details/142 |title=Delta IV Heavy - NROL-70 |date=9 February 2024 |access-date=10 February 2024 |work=Next Spaceflight}}</ref> Delta IV's final flight was initially scheduled for March 29, 2024 for the [[National Reconnaissance Office]];<ref name="NYT-20240328">{{cite news |last=Chang |first=Kenneth |title=A Fiery Finale for a Rocket That Brings the Heat - The Delta IV Heavy, a rocket that briefly bursts into flame just before it lifts off, is set to launch for the last time soon. |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2024/03/28/science/delta-iv-heavy-rocket-final-launch.html |date=28 March 2024 |work=[[The New York Times]] |url-status=live |archiveurl=https://archive.ph/5ODpt |archivedate=28 March 2024 |accessdate=29 March 2024 }}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Angle |first=Richard |date=2024-03-15 |title=United Launch Alliance's Delta IV Heavy readies for final flight |url=https://www.teslarati.com/united-launch-alliances-delta-iv-heavy-readies-final-flight/ |access-date=2024-03-21 |website=TESLARATI |language=en-US}}</ref> however, it has been postponed to April 9, 2024 and launched that day.<ref name="postponed">{{Cite web |last=Pare |first=Sascha |date=2024-03-28 |title=Secretive Delta IV Heavy rocket launch postponed indefinitely |url=https://www.livescience.com/space/watch-the-final-delta-iv-heavy-rocket-launch-secret-cargo-into-space-today |access-date=2024-03-30 |website=livescience.com}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=Delta IV Heavy NROL-70 |url=https://www.ulalaunch.com/missions/next-launch/delta-iv-heavy-nrol-70 |access-date=2024-04-08 |website=www.ulalaunch.com}}</ref>
+The '''Delta IV Heavy''' ('''Delta 9250H''') was an [[Evolved Expendable Launch Vehicle|expendable]] [[heavy-lift launch vehicle]], the largest type of the [[Delta IV]] family. It had the highest capacity of any operational [[launch vehicle]] in the world after the retirement of the [[Space Shuttle]] in 2011 until the [[Falcon Heavy]] debuted in 2018, and it was the world's third highest-capacity launch vehicle in operation at the time of its retirement in 2024.<ref name="DIV Heavy ars">{{cite web |last1=Clark |first1=Stephen |title=The Delta IV Heavy, a rocket whose time has come and gone, will fly once more |url=https://arstechnica.com/space/2024/03/the-delta-iv-heavy-a-rocket-whose-time-has-come-and-gone-will-fly-once-more/ |website=ars Technica |access-date=9 November 2024}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|title=Falcon Heavy, SpaceX's Big New Rocket, Succeeds in Its First Test Launch|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2018/02/06/science/falcon-heavy-spacex-launch.html|newspaper=The New York Times|date=6 February 2018 |access-date=6 February 2018 |quote=The Falcon Heavy is capable of lifting 140,000 pounds to low Earth orbit, more than any other rocket today.|last1=Chang |first1=Kenneth }}</ref><ref>{{cite web|title=Mission Status Center|url=http://www.spaceflightnow.com/delta/d364/status.html|publisher=Spaceflight Now|access-date=26 July 2014|quote=The ULA Delta 4-Heavy is currently the world's largest rocket, providing the nation with reliable, proven, heavy lift capability for our country's national security payloads from both the east and west coasts.}}</ref> It was manufactured by [[United Launch Alliance]] (ULA) and was first launched in 2004.<ref>{{Cite press release |title=Boeing Delta IV Heavy Achieves Major Test Objectives in First Flight |date=December 21, 2004 |publisher=Boeing |url=http://www.boeing.com/news/releases/2004/q4/nr_041222m.html |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120419170931/http://www.boeing.com/news/releases/2004/q4/nr_041222m.html |archive-date=19 April 2012 |access-date=22 March 2012}}</ref> Delta IV Heavy was the last operating member of the Delta IV family, and its final flight was on 9 April 2024. It is succeeded by the [[Vulcan Centaur]] rocket.<ref name="retire">{{cite web|last1=Erwin|first1=Sandra|title=ULA to launch Delta 4 Heavy for its 12th mission, four more to go before rocket is retired|url=https://spacenews.com/ula-to-launch-delta-4-heavy-for-its-12th-mission-four-more-to-go-before-rocket-is-retired/|publisher=SpaceNews|date=24 August 2020|access-date=29 August 2020}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=https://nextspaceflight.com/launches/details/142 |title=Delta IV Heavy - NROL-70 |date=9 February 2024 |access-date=10 February 2024 |work=Next Spaceflight}}</ref>
-The Delta IV Heavy first stage consists of a central [[Common Booster Core]] (CBC), with two additional CBCs as [[liquid rocket booster]]s instead of the [[Graphite-Epoxy Motor|GEM-60]] [[solid rocket motor]]s used by the Delta IV Medium+ versions. At lift-off, all three rocket engines operate at full thrust, and 44 seconds later the central engine throttles down to 55% to conserve fuel until the other two engines separate. The latter engines burn out at 242 seconds after launch and are separated as the central engine throttles back up to full thrust. The central engine burns out 86 seconds later, and the second stage completes the ascent to orbit.<ref name=d4ppg>{{cite web|url=http://www.ulalaunch.com/uploads/docs/Launch_Vehicles/Delta_IV_Users_Guide_June_2013.pdf|title=Delta IV Payload Planner's Guide, June 2013 |publisher=United Launch Alliance|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140710005717/http://www.ulalaunch.com/uploads/docs/Launch_Vehicles/Delta_IV_Users_Guide_June_2013.pdf|archive-date=July 10, 2014 |access-date=July 26, 2014|url-status=dead}}</ref>
+The Delta IV Heavy first stage consisted of a central [[Common Booster Core]] (CBC), with two additional CBCs as [[liquid rocket booster]]s instead of the [[Graphite-Epoxy Motor|GEM-60]] [[solid rocket motor]]s used by the Delta IV Medium+ versions. At lift-off, all three rocket engines would operate at full thrust, and 44 seconds later the central engine would throttle down to 55% to conserve fuel until the other two engines separate. The latter engines burn out at 242 seconds after launch and are separated as the central engine throttles back up to full thrust. The central engine burns out 86 seconds later, and the second stage completed the ascent to orbit.<ref name=d4ppg>{{cite web|url=http://www.ulalaunch.com/uploads/docs/Launch_Vehicles/Delta_IV_Users_Guide_June_2013.pdf|title=Delta IV Payload Planner's Guide, June 2013 |publisher=United Launch Alliance|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140710005717/http://www.ulalaunch.com/uploads/docs/Launch_Vehicles/Delta_IV_Users_Guide_June_2013.pdf|archive-date=July 10, 2014 |access-date=July 26, 2014|url-status=dead}}</ref>
-The launch vehicle uses three [[RS-68]] engines, one in the central core and one in each booster.<ref name="SFN20200826">{{cite web|url=https://spaceflightnow.com/2020/08/26/delta-4-heavy-likely-heading-for-geosynchronous-orbit-with-top-secret-payload/|title=Delta 4-Heavy likely heading for geosynchronous orbit with top secret payload|publisher=Spaceflight Now|date=26 August 2020|access-date=27 August 2020}}</ref> On the last seconds of countdown, the liquid hydrogen fuel flows through the engines and upwards along the booster body, and after the ignition that hydrogen inflames, creating the characteristic fireball and charred look of the booster.<ref>{{cite web |author=Berger |first=Eric |author-link=Eric Berger (journalist) |date=2019-01-21 |title=This massive rocket creates a fireball as it launches, and that's by design |url=https://arstechnica.com/science/2019/01/fire-engulfed-the-delta-iv-heavy-rocket-on-saturday-and-thats-normal/ |access-date=2023-04-13 |website=Ars Technica}}</ref>
+The launch vehicle used three [[RS-68]] engines, one in the central core and one in each booster.<ref name="SFN20200826">{{cite web|url=https://spaceflightnow.com/2020/08/26/delta-4-heavy-likely-heading-for-geosynchronous-orbit-with-top-secret-payload/|title=Delta 4-Heavy likely heading for geosynchronous orbit with top secret payload|publisher=Spaceflight Now|date=26 August 2020|access-date=27 August 2020}}</ref> On the last seconds of countdown, the liquid hydrogen fuel would flow through the engines and upwards along the booster body, and after the ignition that hydrogen inflamed, creating the characteristic fireball and charred look of the booster.<ref>{{cite web |author=Berger |first=Eric |author-link=Eric Berger (journalist) |date=2019-01-21 |title=This massive rocket creates a fireball as it launches, and that's by design |url=https://arstechnica.com/science/2019/01/fire-engulfed-the-delta-iv-heavy-rocket-on-saturday-and-thats-normal/ |access-date=2023-04-13 |website=Ars Technica}}</ref>
 == History ==
 [[File:Delta IV Heavy on pad with Orion EFT-1 (KSC-2014-4686).jpg|thumb|392x392px|left|Delta IV Heavy for [[Exploration Flight Test-1]]]]
-The Delta IV line of rockets were developed by Boeing. The program was later transferred to [[United Launch Alliance]]. The Delta IV Heavy is the most powerful member of the line, which also includes the smaller Delta IV Medium.<ref name="space.com">{{cite news |last=Howell |first=Elizabeth |date=2018-04-20 |title=Delta IV Heavy: Powerful Launch Vehicle |url=https://www.space.com/40360-delta-iv-heavy.html |access-date=2018-07-21 |publisher=Space.com}}</ref> The Delta IV Heavy can lift {{cvt|28370|kg}} to [[low Earth orbit]] and {{cvt|13810|kg}} to [[geostationary transfer orbit]] (GTO).<ref name="space.com" /> It is an all liquid-fueled launch vehicle, consisting of an upper stage, one main booster and two strap-on boosters.<ref name="space.com" />
+The Delta IV line of rockets were developed by Boeing. The program was later transferred to [[United Launch Alliance]]. The Delta IV Heavy was the most powerful member of the line, which also includes the smaller Delta IV Medium.<ref name="space.com">{{cite news |last=Howell |first=Elizabeth |date=2018-04-20 |title=Delta IV Heavy: Powerful Launch Vehicle |url=https://www.space.com/40360-delta-iv-heavy.html |access-date=2018-07-21 |publisher=Space.com}}</ref> The Delta IV Heavy can lift {{cvt|28370|kg}} to [[low Earth orbit]] and {{cvt|13810|kg}} to [[geostationary transfer orbit]] (GTO).<ref name="space.com" /> It was an all liquid-fueled launch vehicle, consisting of an upper stage, one main booster and two strap-on boosters.<ref name="space.com" />
 The first launch of the Delta IV Heavy on 21 December 2004 carried a [[Boilerplate (spaceflight)|boilerplate payload]] and was a partial failure. [[Cavitation]] in the liquid-oxygen propellant lines caused shutdown of both boosters eight seconds early, and the core engine nine seconds early; this resulted in a lower staging velocity for which the second stage was unable to compensate. The payload was left in a lower than intended orbit.<ref name=D4H-2005>{{cite web|title=Delta 4-Heavy investigation identifies rocket's problem|url=http://www.spaceflightnow.com/delta/d310/050316rootcause.html|publisher=Spaceflight Now |date=16 March 2005 |access-date=26 July 2014}}</ref>
@@ Line 120: / Line 120: @@
 On 12 August 2018, the Delta IV Heavy with an additional [[Star 48]]BV third stage was used to launch the [[Parker Solar Probe]] into an elliptical [[heliocentric orbit]].<ref>{{cite web|title=Delta IV Parker Solar Probe|url=https://www.ulalaunch.com/missions/archived-launched/delta-iv-parker-solar-probe|access-date=2020-12-11|website=ulalaunch.com}}</ref>
-In May 2023, the final Delta IV Heavy core and boosters finished construction, officially ending Delta IV production and making way for the [[Vulcan Centaur|Vulcan]] launch vehicle.<ref>{{cite web |title=ULA's Delta rocket assembly line falls silent |url=https://spaceflightnow.com/2023/06/20/ulas-delta-rocket-assembly-line-falls-silent/ |website=Spaceflight Now}}</ref>
+In May 2023, the final Delta IV Heavy core and boosters finished construction, officially ending Delta IV production and making way for the [[Vulcan Centaur|Vulcan]] launch vehicle.<ref>{{cite web |title=ULA's Delta rocket assembly line falls silent |url=https://spaceflightnow.com/2023/06/20/ulas-delta-rocket-assembly-line-falls-silent/ |website=Spaceflight Now}}</ref> The final Delta IV heavy would launch on April 9, 2024.<ref name=":0" />
+Delta IV's final flight was initially scheduled for March 29, 2024 for the [[National Reconnaissance Office]];<ref name="NYT-20240328">{{cite news |last=Chang |first=Kenneth |title=A Fiery Finale for a Rocket That Brings the Heat - The Delta IV Heavy, a rocket that briefly bursts into flame just before it lifts off, is set to launch for the last time soon. |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2024/03/28/science/delta-iv-heavy-rocket-final-launch.html |date=28 March 2024 |work=[[The New York Times]] |url-status=live |archiveurl=https://archive.today/20240328140134/https://www.nytimes.com/2024/03/28/science/delta-iv-heavy-rocket-final-launch.html |archivedate=28 March 2024 |accessdate=29 March 2024 }}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Angle |first=Richard |date=2024-03-15 |title=United Launch Alliance's Delta IV Heavy readies for final flight |url=https://www.teslarati.com/united-launch-alliances-delta-iv-heavy-readies-final-flight/ |access-date=2024-03-21 |website=TESLARATI |language=en-US}}</ref> its actual launch date was April 9, 2024 after a postponement.<ref name="postponed">{{Cite web |last=Pare |first=Sascha |date=2024-03-28 |title=Secretive Delta IV Heavy rocket launch postponed indefinitely |url=https://www.livescience.com/space/watch-the-final-delta-iv-heavy-rocket-launch-secret-cargo-into-space-today |access-date=2024-03-30 |website=livescience.com}}</ref><ref name=":0">{{Cite web |title=Delta IV Heavy NROL-70 |url=https://www.ulalaunch.com/missions/next-launch/delta-iv-heavy-nrol-70 |access-date=2024-04-08 |website=www.ulalaunch.com}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |author1=Robert Z. Pearlman |date=2024-04-09 |title='Heavy' history: ULA launches final Delta rocket after 64 years (video, photos) |url=https://www.space.com/final-delta-4-heavy-rocket-launch-nrol-70 |access-date=2024-04-11 |website=Space.com |language=en}}</ref>
 == Capabilities ==
 Capacity of the Delta IV Heavy:
-* [[Low Earth orbit]] (LEO), 200&nbsp;km × 28.7°: {{cvt|28790|kg}} <ref name="planner guide2013" />
+* [[Low Earth orbit]] (LEO), 200&nbsp;km × 28.7°: {{cvt|28790|kg}}<ref name="planner guide2013" />
-* Low Earth orbit (ISS), 407&nbsp;km × 51.6°: {{cvt|25980|kg}} <ref>{{cite web|title=Delta IV Data Sheet|url=http://www.spacelaunchreport.com/delta4.html|archive-url=https://archive.today/20121206044535/http://www.spacelaunchreport.com/delta4.html|url-status=usurped|archive-date=6 December 2012|publisher=Space Launch Report|access-date=26 July 2014}}</ref>
+* Low Earth orbit (ISS), 407&nbsp;km × 51.6°: {{cvt|25980|kg}}<ref>{{cite web|title=Delta IV Data Sheet|url=http://www.spacelaunchreport.com/delta4.html|archive-url=https://archive.today/20121206044535/http://www.spacelaunchreport.com/delta4.html|url-status=usurped|archive-date=6 December 2012|publisher=Space Launch Report|access-date=26 July 2014}}</ref>
-* [[Geosynchronous transfer orbit]] (GTO): {{cvt|14220|kg}} <ref name="planner guide2013">{{cite web|url=http://www.ulalaunch.com/site/docs/product_cards/guides/Delta%20IV%20Users%20Guide%20June%202013.pdf  |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131014123330/http://www.ulalaunch.com/site/docs/product_cards/guides/Delta%20IV%20Users%20Guide%20June%202013.pdf|date=4 June 2013|title=Delta IV Launch Services User's Guide – June 2013|publisher=United Launch Alliance|archive-date=14 October 2013|access-date=31 October 2020|pages=2–10,5-3}}</ref>
+* [[Geosynchronous transfer orbit]] (GTO): {{cvt|14220|kg}}<ref name="planner guide2013">{{cite web|url=http://www.ulalaunch.com/site/docs/product_cards/guides/Delta%20IV%20Users%20Guide%20June%202013.pdf  |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131014123330/http://www.ulalaunch.com/site/docs/product_cards/guides/Delta%20IV%20Users%20Guide%20June%202013.pdf|date=4 June 2013|title=Delta IV Launch Services User's Guide – June 2013|publisher=United Launch Alliance|archive-date=14 October 2013|access-date=31 October 2020|pages=2–10,5-3}}</ref>
-* [[Geosynchronous orbit]] (GEO): {{cvt|6750|kg}} <ref name="planner guide2013" />
+* [[Geosynchronous orbit]] (GEO): {{cvt|6750|kg}}<ref name="planner guide2013" />
 * [[Lunar transfer orbit]] (LTO): {{cvt|10000|kg}}
-* [[Mars transfer orbit]]: {{cvt|8000|kg}} <ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.spaceflightnow.com/delta/d310/041207preview.html|title=The Heavy: Triple-sized Delta 4 rocket to debut|last1=Ray|first1=Justin |publisher=Spaceflight Now|access-date=13 May 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20041211171244/http://www.spaceflightnow.com/delta/d310/041207preview.html|archive-date=11 December 2004|date=7 December 2004}}</ref>
+* [[Mars transfer orbit]]: {{cvt|8000|kg}}<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.spaceflightnow.com/delta/d310/041207preview.html|title=The Heavy: Triple-sized Delta 4 rocket to debut|last1=Ray|first1=Justin |publisher=Spaceflight Now|access-date=13 May 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20041211171244/http://www.spaceflightnow.com/delta/d310/041207preview.html|archive-date=11 December 2004|date=7 December 2004}}</ref>
-The Delta IV Heavy's total mass at launch is approximately {{cvt|733000|kg}} and produce around {{cvt|952000|kg}} of thrust to power the rocket skyward at liftoff.<ref name="SFN20200829">{{cite web |url=https://spaceflightnow.com/2020/08/26/delta-385-mission-status-center/|title=Live coverage: Launch of Delta 4-Heavy rocket set for early Saturday|publisher=Spaceflight Now|date=29 August 2020|access-date=29 August 2020}}</ref>
+The Delta IV Heavy's total mass at launch was approximately {{cvt|733000|kg}} and produce around {{cvt|952000|kg}} of thrust to power the rocket skyward at liftoff.<ref name="SFN20200829">{{cite web |url=https://spaceflightnow.com/2020/08/26/delta-385-mission-status-center/|title=Live coverage: Launch of Delta 4-Heavy rocket set for early Saturday|publisher=Spaceflight Now|date=29 August 2020|access-date=29 August 2020}}</ref>
 == Launch history ==
@@ Line 150: / Line 152: @@
 * [[Vulcan Centaur]]
 * [[Angara (rocket family)|Angara A5]]
+* [[Ariane 6]]
 In development:
-* [[Ariane 6]]
 * [[New Glenn]]
@@ Line 173: / Line 175: @@
 == External links ==
+{{commons category}}
-* [http://www.nasa.gov/content/delta-iv-booster-integration-another-step-toward-first-orion-flight/#.VHxsvDHF9Zs Delta IV Booster Integration Another Step Toward First Orion Flight]
 {{United Launch Alliance}}
@@ Line 180: / Line 183: @@
 {{Expendable launch systems}}
 {{US launch systems}}
+{{DEFAULTSORT:Delta 4 Heavy}}
 [[Category:Delta (rocket family)]]
 [[Category:Vehicles introduced in 2004]]

v t e Parker Solar Probe
Instruments	FIELDS IS☉IS SWEAP WISPR
Namesake	Eugene Parker
Related	Sun Solar corona Solar wind Alfvén surface Magnetic switchback Helmet streamer Delta IV Heavy Star 48
People	Anthony W. Case

v t e Orbital launch systems
List of orbital launch systems Comparison of orbital launch systems
Current	Angara 1.2 A5 Ariane 6 Atlas V Ceres 1 1S Chollima-1 Electron Falcon 9 Block 5 Falcon Heavy Firefly Alpha Gravity-1 GSLV H-IIA H3 Hyperbola-1 Jielong 1 3 KAIROS^† Kaituozhe 2 Kinetica 1 Kuaizhou 1 1A 11 Long March 2C 2D 2F 3A 3B/E 3C 4B 4C 5 5B 6 6A 7 7A 8 11 11H 12 LVM3 Minotaur I IV V C Nuri OS-M1^† Pegasus XL Proton-M PSLV Qaem 100 Qased Shavit 2 Simorgh SLS Block 1 Soyuz-2 2.1a / STA 2.1b / STB 2-1v SSLV Starship Tianlong-2 Unha Vega C Vulcan Centaur Zhuque 2
In development	Antares 330 Bloostar Cyclone-4M Deca Epsilon S Eris Gravity-2 Hyperbola-2 Irtysh Kuaizhou 21 31 Long March 9 10 Miura 5 MLV Neutron New Glenn New Line 1 NGLV Nova OS-M 2 4 Orbex Prime Pallas-1 Red Dwarf SLS Block 1B Block 2 Soyuz-7 Terran R Tianlong-3 VLM Vega E Zero Zhuque 3 Zuljanah
Retired	Antares 110 120 130^† 230 230+ Ariane 1 2 3 4 5 ASLV Athena I II Atlas B D E/F G H I II III LV-3B SLV-3 Able^† Agena Centaur Black Arrow Conestoga^† Delta A B C D E G J L M N 0100 1000 2000 3000 4000 5000 II III IV IV Heavy Diamant Dnepr Energia Epsilon Europa I^† II^† Falcon 1 Falcon 9 v1.0 v1.1 v1.2 "Full Thrust" Feng Bao 1 GSLV Mk I H-I H-II H-IIB Juno I Juno II Kaituozhe-1 Kosmos original 1 2/2I 3 3M Lambda 4S LauncherOne Long March 1 1D^† 2A 2E 3 3B 4A Mu 4S 3C 3H 3S 3SII V N1^† N-I N-II Naro-1 Paektusan^† Pilot-2^† R-7 Luna Molniya M L Polyot Soyuz original FG L M U U2 Soyuz/Vostok Sputnik Voskhod Vostok L K 2 2M R-29 Shtil' Volna^† Rocket 3 RS1^† Safir 1 1A 1B Saturn I IB V Scout X-1 Blue Scout II^† X-2^† X-2M X-3 X-3M X-4 X-2B^† B A B-1 D-1 A-1 E-1 F-1 G-1 Shavit original 1 SLV Space Shuttle SPARK^† Sparta SS-520 Start-1 Terran 1^† Thor Able Ablestar 1 2 Agena A B D Burner 1 2 Delta DSV-2U Thorad-Agena SLV-2G SLV-2H Titan II GLV IIIA IIIB IIIC IIID IIIE 34D 23G CT-3 IV Tsyklon R-36-O original 2 3 Universal Rocket UR-500 Proton Proton-K Rokot Strela Vanguard Vega original VLS-1^† Zenit 2 2M 2FG 3SL 3SLB 3F Zhuque 1^†
Classes	Sounding rocket Small-lift launch vehicle Medium-lift launch vehicle Heavy-lift launch vehicle Super heavy-lift launch vehicle
This Template lists historical, current, and future space rockets that at least once attempted (but not necessarily succeeded in) an orbital launch or that are planned to attempt such a launch in the future Symbol ^† indicates past or current rockets that attempted orbital launches but never succeeded (never did or has yet to perform a successful orbital launch)

v t e Orbital launch systems developed in the United States
Active	Atlas V**^†† Electron Falcon 9 Block 5 Falcon Heavy Firefly Alpha Minotaur I IV V C Pegasus XL SLS Block 1 Vulcan Centaur
In development	Antares 330 Daytona I MLV New Glenn Neutron Nova Red Dwarf SLS Block 1B Block 2 Starship Terran R
Retired	Antares 110/120/130/230/230+^††† Athena I II Atlas B D E/F G H I II III LV-3B SLV-3 Able Agena Centaur Conestoga Delta A B C D E G J L M N 0100 1000 2000 3000 4000 5000 II III IV IV Heavy Falcon 1 Falcon 9 v1.0 v1.1 v1.2 "Full Thrust" H-I* Juno I Juno II LauncherOne N-I* N-II* Pilot Rocket 3 RS1^† Saturn I IB V Scout Space Shuttle SPARK Sparta Terran 1 Thor Able Ablestar Agena Burner Delta DSV-2U Thorad-Agena Titan II GLV IIIA IIIB IIIC IIID IIIE 34D 23G CT-3 IV Vanguard
* - Japanese projects using US rockets or stages ** - uses Russian engines ^† - never succeeded ^†† - no new orders accepted ^††† - used Ukrainian first stage