A United Launch Alliance (ULA) Delta IV Heavy rocket will launch a U.S. spy satellite on Saturday (Sept. 24), and you may watch it reside.
The highly effective rocket is scheduled to elevate off from Vandenberg Space Force Base in California Saturday at 5:53 p.m. EDT (2153 GMT; 2:53 native time), on a mission for the U.S. Nationwide Reconnaissance Workplace (NRO) referred to as NROL-91. Watch it reside right here, courtesy of ULA, or directly via the company (opens in new tab).
The NRO builds and operates the nation’s fleet of spy satellites. The actions and payloads of these spacecraft are typically categorised, and the NROL-91 mission isn’t any exception; little is thought concerning the satellite that it’ll loft.
The Delta IV Heavy: Powerful launch vehicle (reference)
“We’re on observe to launch one other nationwide functionality into space. This will likely be our sixth nationwide safety launch this 12 months. We have labored alongside ULA to organize this Delta IV Heavy, and in only a few days, we are going to see the fruits of our labor,” Brig. Gen. Stephen Purdy, House Drive program government officer for assured entry to space, mentioned in an emailed assertion Thursday (Sept. 22).
“These launches place vital capabilities into orbit for our nation and our allies in a time of accelerating dangers and threats,” Purdy added. “Each member of our launch workforce understands what’s at stake and works with each care and effectivity to organize for what’s going to be an amazing launch.”
Saturday’s launch would be the last Delta IV Heavy liftoff from California. ULA is phasing out the burly rocket in favor of a brand new car referred to as Vulcan Centaur, which might debut earlier than the tip of 2022, firm representatives have mentioned.
There are two Delta IV Heavy missions left after Saturday’s flight. Each will launch from Florida’s House Coast, in 2023 and 2024 if all goes in accordance with plan.
Mike Wall is the writer of “Out There (opens in new tab)” (Grand Central Publishing, 2018; illustrated by Karl Tate), a ebook concerning the seek for alien life. Comply with him on Twitter @michaeldwall (opens in new tab). Comply with us on Twitter @Spacedotcom (opens in new tab) or on Facebook (opens in new tab).
