A huge Delta 4-Heavy rocket stands poised to blast off from Space Launch Compex 6 at Vandenberg Air Force Base in California. Image Credit: Pat Corkery/ULA
VANDENBERG, Calif. – The largest rocket ever launched from America’s West Coast lifted off today, carrying a classified satellite for the National Reconnaissance Office.
Standing a towering 235 feet tall, The Delta IV Heavy, lifted off from Vandenberg Space Launch Complex 6 (SLC-6) at 1:10 PST.
“The teamwork between the 30th Space Wing, the National Reconnaissance Office, United Launch Alliance and numerous other agencies was outstanding for our first-ever Delta IV HLV from Vandenberg Air Force Base,” said Col. Keith Balts, 30th Space Wing vice commander and Launch Decision Authority.
“I’m very proud to be part of the team who worked so hard to make this mission a success.”
FAST FACT: At nearly 2 millions pounds of thrust, the Delta IV Heavy is currently America’s most powerful liquid fueled rocket.
