Delta IV Heavy Launch: How can you see the world’s second most powerful rocket lift Thursday?


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The Delta IV Heavy rocket served as the backdrop for a 3D projection at Cape Canaveral before launch.

ULA

Update: The launch has been delayed by 24 hours and will be attended Thursday night.

One of the largest rockets in the company today is ready to explode from Cape Canaveral in Florida on a national security mission for the US National Reconnaissance Office, or NGO.

A heavy rocket from the United Launch Alliance Delta IV will carry a classified espionage satellite early Thursday night and Friday morning. The launch was originally scheduled for Wednesday, but Launch Director Lou Mangieri called late on the eve of launch. Delta IV Heavy has performed other NGO missions as well as the Parker Solar Probe en route to explore our sun.

The lift capacity of Delta IV Heavy is currently only second to the SpaceX Falcon Heavy. It resembles the Falcon Heavy, with its three core boosters forming its main body.

Unlike the Falcon Heavy, ULA tries not to land its Delta boosters. They will instead be released and fall into the Atlantic Ocean.

Every launch of a triple body heavy lift rocket is yet to be seen, and ULA will livestream the launch, which you can watch via the feed here on this page.

The launch is set for 23.12 hrs PT Thursday (2:12 pm Friday Florida time).

If you happen to be in Florida, the rocket will be visible from much of the state as it ascends to orbit, according to this graphic guide provided by ULA.

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ULA


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