Did we avoid a disaster? Right booster was burning slightly differently than the other two. @ulalaunch @FelixSchlang Credit me for What About It!? media
Some scenes that I missed.
Successful launch: #NROL68 launched today at 5:18 a.m. EDT on the penultimate @ulalaunch Delta IV Heavy rocket from Cape Canaveral Space Force Station. #NROL68 kicks off our 2023 launch schedule!Read more:
NRO returns to Florida’s Space Coast for penultimate Delta IV Heavy Rocket launch with NROL-68 missionCHANTILLY, Va. — The National Reconnaissance Office, in partnership with U.S. Space Force’s Space Launch Delta 45 (SLD 45), Space Systems Command (SSC), and United Launch Alliance (ULA), successfully launched the second-to-last Delta IV Heavy rocket from Space Launch Complex 37 at Cape Canaveral Space Force Station (CCSFS) with the NROL-68 mission today, at 5:18 a.m. EDT.The NROL-68 mission is the latest national security payload to deliver critical intelligence information from space that our warfighters and decision makers need. NRO continues to develop the largest, most capable overhead constellation in NRO history that provides the foundation for America’s advantage and strength in space.“Today’s mission is another example of how the NRO continues to go above and beyond,” said NRO Director Dr. Chris Scolese. “Our architecture is evolving to ensure the United States remains the undisputed leader in space. The capabilities we are putting into orbit expand our intelligence advantage and enable us to deliver on our mission of keeping America safe.”NRO has launched 16 Delta IVs, comprised of Medium and Heavy variants, beginning with NROL-22 in 2006. NRO’s final Delta IV Heavy launch from Vandenberg Space Force Base was NROL-91 in 2022. NRO has one remaining Delta IV launch procured under the Launch Vehicle Production Services contract that is scheduled to launch from CCSFS in 2024. The contract is managed by the U.S. Space Force Space Systems Command, Assured Access to Space.“An incredible amount of talent and technology went into making today’s launch a success,” said Col. Chad Davis, NROL-68 mission director. “I’m so proud of our team – both for their longstanding commitment to the Delta IV program, and to the innovation and skill they put into developing the next generation of space vehicles.”Since 1961, NRO has pushed the envelope of U.S. space-based intelligence collection with boldness and ingenuity. Today, NRO’s innovative legacy continues to thrive as it develops, acquires, launches, and operates the world’s most capable spy satellites. NROL-68 will strengthen NRO’s ability to provide a wide-range of timely intelligence information to national decision makers, warfighters, and intelligence analysts to protect the Nation’s vital interests and support humanitarian efforts worldwide.Additional information on upcoming launches will be available at NRO.gov/launch.
MISSION SUCCESS! United Launch Alliance's #DeltaIVHeavy rocket successfully launched #NROL68 for @NatReconOfc and @SpaceForceDoD. Success #156 for ULA! Thank you to our customers for the trust they place in us!
United Launch Alliance Successfully Launches the Penultimate Delta IV Heavy RocketNation’s proven heavy lift vehicle delivers high priority mission in support of National Security A United Launch Alliance (ULA) Delta IV Heavy rocket carrying the NROL-68 mission for the National Reconnaissance Office (NRO) lifted off on June 22 at 5:18 a.m. EDT from Space Launch Complex-37 at Cape Canaveral Space Force Station. To date, ULA has launched 156 times with 100 percent mission success. “We continue to build on our valued partnership with the NRO and are grateful for their trust and collaboration as we work to precisely deliver critical national security capabilities to orbit,” said Gary Wentz, ULA vice president of Government and Commercial Programs. “This mission marks the 11th Delta IV Heavy for the NRO and the penultimate launch of the nation’s proven heavy lift vehicle.” The final Delta IV Heavy will launch in 2024 as ULA transitions its future missions from the East and West Coasts to the next generation Vulcan rocket.Leveraging a legacy of 100 percent mission success launching more than 155 missions to explore, protect and enhance our world, ULA is the nation’s most experienced and reliable launch service provider with world-leading reliability, schedule confidence, and mission optimization. We deliver value unmatched by any launch services company in the industry, a tireless drive to improve, and commitment to the extraordinary. For more information on ULA, visit the ULA website at www.ulalaunch.com, or call the ULA Launch Hotline at 1-877-ULA-4321 (852-4321). Photos available on the ULA Flickr page.
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QuoteDid we avoid a disaster? Right booster was burning slightly differently than the other two. @ulalaunch @FelixSchlang Credit me for What About It!? mediahttps://twitter.com/John_Winkopp/status/1671839657049432064
Delta IV Heavy launches NROL-68
Quote from: GewoonLukas_ on 06/22/2023 11:29 amQuoteDid we avoid a disaster? Right booster was burning slightly differently than the other two. @ulalaunch @FelixSchlang Credit me for What About It!? mediahttps://twitter.com/John_Winkopp/status/1671839657049432064RS-68A uses an ablative nozzle - probably a transient artifact as a piece of the nozzle flaked away.
Hydrolox engines >>>Three Aerojet Rocketdyne RS-68A engines hurl the penultimate Delta IV Heavy rocket to fly skyward earlier this morning at 5:18am for the @NatReconOfc 📸 - @NASASpaceflight
https://twitter.com/ulalaunch/status/1671907482145558529QuoteMISSION SUCCESS! United Launch Alliance's #DeltaIVHeavy rocket successfully launched #NROL68 for @NatReconOfc and @SpaceForceDoD. Success #156 for ULA! Thank you to our customers for the trust they place in us! https://www.ulalaunch.com/about/news/2023/06/22/united-launch-alliance-successfully-launches-the-penultimate-delta-iv-heavy-rocketQuoteUnited Launch Alliance Successfully Launches the Penultimate Delta IV Heavy RocketNation’s proven heavy lift vehicle delivers high priority mission in support of National Security A United Launch Alliance (ULA) Delta IV Heavy rocket carrying the NROL-68 mission for the National Reconnaissance Office (NRO) lifted off on June 22 at 5:18 a.m. EDT from Space Launch Complex-37 at Cape Canaveral Space Force Station. To date, ULA has launched 156 times with 100 percent mission success. “We continue to build on our valued partnership with the NRO and are grateful for their trust and collaboration as we work to precisely deliver critical national security capabilities to orbit,” said Gary Wentz, ULA vice president of Government and Commercial Programs. “This mission marks the 11th Delta IV Heavy for the NRO and the penultimate launch of the nation’s proven heavy lift vehicle.” The final Delta IV Heavy will launch in 2024 as ULA transitions its future missions from the East and West Coasts to the next generation Vulcan rocket.Leveraging a legacy of 100 percent mission success launching more than 155 missions to explore, protect and enhance our world, ULA is the nation’s most experienced and reliable launch service provider with world-leading reliability, schedule confidence, and mission optimization. We deliver value unmatched by any launch services company in the industry, a tireless drive to improve, and commitment to the extraordinary. For more information on ULA, visit the ULA website at www.ulalaunch.com, or call the ULA Launch Hotline at 1-877-ULA-4321 (852-4321). Photos available on the ULA Flickr page.
There looked like flames above and around the center engine at about 33 seconds after launch in the YouTube coverage. Is this normal?
https://www.ulalaunch.com/missions/archived-launched/delta-iv-heavy-nrol-68QuoteJun 22 14:31Delta IV Heavy launches NROL-68 at 5:18:00.122 a.m. EDT from Space Launch Complex-37 at Cape Canaveral Space Force Station, Florida.
Jun 22 14:31Delta IV Heavy launches NROL-68 at 5:18:00.122 a.m. EDT from Space Launch Complex-37 at Cape Canaveral Space Force Station, Florida.
Launch time to the millisecond:Quote from: Salo on 06/22/2023 07:42 pmhttps://www.ulalaunch.com/missions/archived-launched/delta-iv-heavy-nrol-68QuoteJun 22 14:31Delta IV Heavy launches NROL-68 at 5:18:00.122 a.m. EDT from Space Launch Complex-37 at Cape Canaveral Space Force Station, Florida.
Quote from: zubenelgenubi on 06/23/2023 01:32 amLaunch time to the millisecond:Quote from: Salo on 06/22/2023 07:42 pmhttps://www.ulalaunch.com/missions/archived-launched/delta-iv-heavy-nrol-68QuoteJun 22 14:31Delta IV Heavy launches NROL-68 at 5:18:00.122 a.m. EDT from Space Launch Complex-37 at Cape Canaveral Space Force Station, Florida.What is it that defines "launch time" when the numbers are so precise? First detected upward motion after vibration is filtered out?
