LIVE: Delta IV - NROL-45 - February 10, 2016 (11:40 UTC)

[Galactic Penguin SST]

William Graham flexing his fingers here with a feature article for the launch (and what the payload may be tasked with)

http://www.nasaspaceflight.com/2016/02/ula-delta-iv-nrol-45-launch/

Derrick with the photos (as posted on page 3 of this thread). Nathan with the Vulcan render.

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The rocket has been dropped off at Vanderberg last week from the Delta Mariner:
http://www.vandenberg.af.mil/news/story.asp?id=123430825

Interestingly the rocket was first processed at the Cape before going through the Panama Canal - was this done before for Delta IV rockets going to California?

As for what is being carried on it - we know this Delta IV will be in the M+(5,2) configuration. The rest is left to the reader as an exercise. 

[catdlr]

Delta Mariner Arrival Nov 5, 2014

Published on Nov 12, 2014
The cargo ship Delta Mariner, arrived at the loading dock on Nov. 5, 2014, Vandenberg Air Force Base, Calif. The Delta Mariner made its way from a production facility in Decatur, Ala., to deliver a United Launch Alliance Delta IV rocket, scheduled to launch in 2015.

[catdlr]

Delta Mariner Time Lapse Nov 5, 2014

Published on Nov 12, 2014
Time lapse video of the cargo ship MV Delta Mariner arriving, offloading, and departing the Vandenberg AFB dock on Nov. 5, 2014, Vandenberg Air Force Base, Calif. The MV Delta Mariner made its way from a production facility in Decatur, Ala., to deliver a United Launch Alliance Delta IV rocket, scheduled to launch in 2015.

[Lars-J]

Wow, that time lapse really makes the movement of the ship look quite significant. There wasn't a lot of margin above the first stage to the ceiling as it was being driven out.

[sdsds]

Wow, that time lapse really makes the movement of the ship look quite significant. There wasn't a lot of margin above the first stage to the ceiling as it was being driven out.

I'm fairly certain M/V Delta Mariner was designed for this exact purpose!

Just for clarity, the four truckloads were: CBC (first stage), DCSS (second stage), Payload Attach Fitting, and fairing halves. It's clear which was the CBC! And pretty clear the load next to it was the DCSS. Was the PAF in the load that came out first, from the side closest to the camera?

It's very cool this entire launch vehicle (minus solids) fits aboard the vessel! But ... the solids arrive over the highway ... later?

[Prober]

Wow, that time lapse really makes the movement of the ship look quite significant. There wasn't a lot of margin above the first stage to the ceiling as it was being driven out.

very interesting to track the ship at sea......on her way back now.

[Lars-J]

Wow, that time lapse really makes the movement of the ship look quite significant. There wasn't a lot of margin above the first stage to the ceiling as it was being driven out.

I'm fairly certain M/V Delta Mariner was designed for this exact purpose!

I know it was... It was just the movement of the ship that made the extraction of the CBC look very tight. But it might just have been the angle.

[robertross]

Delta Mariner Time Lapse Nov 5, 2014

Published on Nov 12, 2014
Time lapse video of the cargo ship MV Delta Mariner arriving, offloading, and departing the Vandenberg AFB dock on Nov. 5, 2014, Vandenberg Air Force Base, Calif. The MV Delta Mariner made its way from a production facility in Decatur, Ala., to deliver a United Launch Alliance Delta IV rocket, scheduled to launch in 2015.

forever known now as the 'bobble head' Delta Mariner.
That's some rock'n & roll'in

[Newton_V]

The original mission logo:  (don't have the new one yet)

[mtakala24]

Sudden jump from April 15, 2015 to February 10, 2016. For completeness, someone please explain the delay?

[Newton_V]

Sudden jump from April 15, 2015 to February 10, 2016. For completeness, someone please explain the delay?

Delayed by the customer.

[kevin-rf]

Bad customer, Bad customer... No Delta IV treat for you

[c3infinity]

The newer patch.

[Star One]

Lot of dogs for this one, curious.

[Newton_V]

Lot of dogs for this one, curious.

I thought the 1st logo kind of looked like "Triumph", the comic insult dog.

[Prober]

Sudden jump from April 15, 2015 to February 10, 2016. For completeness, someone please explain the delay?

doesn't matter; however the takeaway should be an example of what "assured access to space" is all about.  ULA needs to be ready when the customer is ready.

[zubenelgenubi]

The original mission logo:  (don't have the new one yet)

For the record, the constellation in the star field background is Canis Major.
(I don't know what significance this has, if any, to "patchology" analysis.)

[Newton_V]

The original mission logo:  (don't have the new one yet)

For the record, the constellation in the star field background is Canis Major.
(I don't know what significance this has, if any, to "patchology" analysis.)

Canis Minor was MLV-15 (L-23)

http://www.usafpatches.com/gallery/displayimage.php?pid=35301

[vapour_nudge]

Lot of dogs for this one, curious.

Perhaps the NRO guys are launching a "Rover" ;-)

[kevin-rf]

A guard dog would be kinda ironic if it is an Intruder launch...