United Launch Alliance is targeting the launch of the penultimate Delta IV Heavy with the secretive NROL-68 mission at 3:29 AM ET (07:29 UTC). The launch will happen from Space Launch Complex-37 positioned at Cape Canaveral Space Force Station in Florida.
The Delta IV Heavy was first stacked at Space Launch Complex-37 back in early 2023 and originally targeted to launch mid-April 2023, nevertheless, an undisclosed issue got here up during pre-launch checkouts forcing a delay to now.
The 33-story Mobile Service Tower that gives access and is currently shielding the rocket from Florida’s weather is attributable to be rolled back this evening ahead of launch, the tower is raised just a couple of inches by 40 hydraulic cylinders and rolls back at 0.25 mph to a protected point ~100 yards away. This might be delayed though by afternoon thunderstorms, however the launch window extends until 7:45 AM ET (11:45 UTC).
The mission profile video shows what you possibly can expect in the course of the #DeltaIVHeavy rocket’s flight to deliver the #NROL68 mission for the @NatReconOfc and @USSF_SSC.
Watch on YouTube: https://t.co/TQftK5Kg5W pic.twitter.com/Hra58iriAd
— ULA (@ulalaunch) June 20, 2023
The Delta IV Heavy consists of three core boosters, each with an RS-68A engine. The hydrogen-fueled rocket produces 2.1 million lbs of thrust at liftoff, which might launch as much as 62,540 lbs (28,370 kg) to low Earth orbit.
Following lift-off, the booster will head on an Easterly trajectory over the Atlantic Ocean, about 2 and a half minutes into the flight, the two side boosters are expected to separate 2 and a half minutes into flight in line with ULA’s visibility map, nevertheless during past NRO launches, this has been only a vague placement attributable to the secrecy of the payload. Payload fairing separation will occur roughly 7 minutes into the flight and may even signal the tip of ULA’s launch live stream on the request of the National Reconnaissance Office.
Launch weather at lift-off is predicted to be 75% favorable, but ULA might be monitoring lingering thunderstorms and high-ground winds. If weather or technical issues don’t allow for launch, there are 2 opportunities for twenty-four and 48 hours later.
Watch the launch here, especially the lift-off because the Delta IV Heavy lights its engines.