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Delta IV Heavy

Short answer: The Delta IV Heavy, built by United Launch Alliance, used three Common Booster Cores burning liquid hydrogen and oxygen.

It could lift about 28,800 kilograms to low Earth orbit or about 14,200 kilograms to geostationary transfer orbit, and launched spy satellites, the Orion test flight and the Parker Solar Probe. It first flew in 2004 and made its final flight on April 9, 2024. The footage shows a Delta IV Heavy launch.

VideoWrite-up1 sources
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What should you know about Delta IV Heavy?

Quick facts. Each one stands alone and has a stable ID you can cite.

  1. United Launch Alliance.

    DD-374-F01 · Write-up · Exhibit A (Builder)

  2. Three Common Booster Cores.

    DD-374-F02 · Write-up · Exhibit B (Cores)

Video transcript: Delta IV Heavy: The Delta IV Heavy Strapped Three Identical Cores Side by Side

Did you know the Delta IV Heavy is a heavy lift launch vehicle developed by United Launch Alliance, ULA, primarily for deploying large payloads into space. It is one of the most powerful rockets currently in operation, featuring a unique configuration with three common core boosters, which provide increased thrust during liftoff. The rocket can carry payloads of over 28,000 kilograms, about 61,000 pounds, to geostationary transfer orbit, making it ideal for launching satellites, interplanetary missions, and national security payloads. NOW YOU KNOW!

Burned-in captions, read frame by frame (see transcript.md) · 27.6s Reel ·

Video coming soonDelta IV Heavy · Instagram Reel
Delta IV Heavy: The Delta IV Heavy Strapped Three Identical Cores Side by Side Instagram Reel · · 27.6s

The write-up

The Delta IV Heavy strapped three identical cores side by side. It flew its last mission in April 2024.

  1. Exhibit A

    Builder

    United Launch Alliance.

  2. Exhibit B

    Cores

    Three Common Booster Cores.

  3. Exhibit C

    Payload

    About 28,800 kg to LEO.

  4. Exhibit D

    First flight

    2004.

  5. Exhibit E

    Retired

    Final flight April 9, 2024.

Questions people ask about Delta IV Heavy

Who built it?

ULA.

Source: Write-up · Exhibit A (Builder) · Wikipedia: Delta IV Heavy

How many cores?

Side by side.

Source: Write-up · Exhibit B (Cores) · Wikipedia: Delta IV Heavy

Payload to LEO?

Heavy lift.

Source: Write-up · Exhibit C (Payload) · Wikipedia: Delta IV Heavy

Final flight?

Retired.

Source: Write-up · Exhibit D (First flight) · Wikipedia: Delta IV Heavy

Fuel?

Cryogenic.

Source: Write-up · Exhibit E (Retired) · Wikipedia: Delta IV Heavy

Test Your Knowledge

All quizzes →

5 questions, all from this case file. Answers are revealed instantly.

  1. Who built it?

    1. United Launch Alliance
    2. SpaceX
    3. Blue Origin
    4. Roscosmos
    Show the answer

    Answer: A. United Launch Alliance ULA. Source: Write-up · Exhibit A (Builder) · Wikipedia: Delta IV Heavy

  2. How many cores?

    1. Three
    2. One
    3. Five
    4. Two
    Show the answer

    Answer: A. Three Side by side. Source: Write-up · Exhibit B (Cores) · Wikipedia: Delta IV Heavy

  3. Payload to LEO?

    1. About 28,800 kg
    2. About 1,000 kg
    3. About 100,000 kg
    4. About 500 kg
    Show the answer

    Answer: A. About 28,800 kg Heavy lift. Source: Write-up · Exhibit C (Payload) · Wikipedia: Delta IV Heavy

  4. Final flight?

    1. April 9, 2024
    2. 2011
    3. 2004
    4. 2030
    Show the answer

    Answer: A. April 9, 2024 Retired. Source: Write-up · Exhibit D (First flight) · Wikipedia: Delta IV Heavy

  5. Fuel?

    1. Liquid hydrogen and oxygen
    2. Kerosene
    3. Solid fuel
    4. Methane
    Show the answer

    Answer: A. Liquid hydrogen and oxygen Cryogenic. Source: Write-up · Exhibit E (Retired) · Wikipedia: Delta IV Heavy

Cite this case file

Easterling, Marcus. "Delta IV Heavy." The Detail Department (DetailEnjoyer), case file DD-374, last updated Nov 16, 2024. https://detailenjoyer.com/case/delta-iv-heavy/

Permalink: https://detailenjoyer.com/case/delta-iv-heavy/ · Last updated

Markdown version

Cite a single fact by its ID, for example DD-374-F01 → https://detailenjoyer.com/case/delta-iv-heavy/#DD-374-F01