Interesting that it requires the solids. Are there any more 'core only' Delta IV launches on the manifest?P
I do not know why the Air Force is going with the 4,2 it does not appear to be needed.Maybe they are planning for the future or launching something else small with it.
Sorta.The plan is/was to use eliminate the 4,0 core, and replace it with the 4,2 core. this only works however with the performance boost given by going with the RS-68A engine.
Will that excess propellant be sufficient to actually deorbit the second stage?--- CHAS
Mission booklet:
I'd be curious if anyone knows more about, on chart 5, which signals are sent to the re-radiating antennae outside the fairing, and which are just leaking through the 14" diameter RF window? I'm assuming the re-rad antennae are for S-band telemetry of the vehicle?