# Delta IV Heavy (DD-374)

> 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.

- Department: Space (also Tech)
- First published: 2024-11-16
- Last updated: 2024-11-16
- Permalink: https://detailenjoyer.com/case/delta-iv-heavy/
- Author: Marcus Easterling (DetailEnjoyer), The Detail Department

## On the timeline

- **2004**: Delta IV Heavy first flight
- **April 9, 2024**: Delta IV Heavy final flight

Full timeline: https://detailenjoyer.com/timeline/?case=delta-iv-heavy

## Quick facts

- **DD-374-F01**: United Launch Alliance. _(Write-up · Exhibit A (Builder))_
- **DD-374-F02**: Three Common Booster Cores. _(Write-up · Exhibit B (Cores))_

## Write-up

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

1. **Builder**: United Launch Alliance.
2. **Cores**: Three Common Booster Cores.
3. **Payload**: About 28,800 kg to LEO.
4. **First flight**: 2004.
5. **Retired**: Final flight April 9, 2024.

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## Reel vs. record

- **Note**: The Reel says over 28,000 kg to geostationary transfer orbit; that figure is for low Earth orbit (GTO is about 14,200 kg). It also calls the rocket in operation; it retired after its April 9, 2024 launch.

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

- Duration: 27.6 s · Published: 2024-11-16
- File: https://detailenjoyer.com/assets/videos/DCdZgZytO0L.mp4

### Transcript

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!

## Questions & answers

**Q: Who built it?**  
A: ULA. _(Source: Write-up · Exhibit A (Builder) · Wikipedia: Delta IV Heavy)_

**Q: How many cores?**  
A: Side by side. _(Source: Write-up · Exhibit B (Cores) · Wikipedia: Delta IV Heavy)_

**Q: Payload to LEO?**  
A: Heavy lift. _(Source: Write-up · Exhibit C (Payload) · Wikipedia: Delta IV Heavy)_

**Q: Final flight?**  
A: Retired. _(Source: Write-up · Exhibit D (First flight) · Wikipedia: Delta IV Heavy)_

**Q: Fuel?**  
A: Cryogenic. _(Source: Write-up · Exhibit E (Retired) · Wikipedia: Delta IV Heavy)_

## Sources

- [Wikipedia: Delta IV Heavy](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/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/