Don't miss last launch ever for Delta IV Heavy rocket from Cape Canaveral: Where to watch
Editor's note: FLORIDA TODAY's Space Team was at Cape Canaveral covering the final launch for ULA's Delta IV Heavy rocket when ULA called a scrub at 2:47 p.m. EDT Thursday, March 28. Launch is TBD — the Thursday scrub was due to an issue with a ground pump on a gaseous nitrogen pipeline. Here's a link to the Space Team's live coverage blog, which has updates.
Original story:
Godspeed, Delta IV Heavy! From 2004 to 2024, it's been an amazing run. The final launch for United Launch Alliance's powerful rocket is one you won't want to miss. When it launches.
At 2:47 p.m. EDT Thursday, March 28, ULA called a scrub. Previously, it was scheduled for 2:45 p.m. EDT, 1:40 p.m. EDT and 2:03 p.m. EDT. Next attempt is TBD. The Delta IV Heavy rocket, which had been dubbed by ULA as "the most metal of rockets," will deliver NROL-70, a National Reconnaissance Office mission, to space from Space Launch Complex-37 at Cape Canaveral Space Force Station. The mission marks the 389th and last flight of the Delta program, which dates back to 1960. ULA is replacing the retiring rocket with the next-generation Vulcan, which logged a successful maiden flight in January from Cape Canaveral.
The Delta IV Heavy made its debut during a December 2004 demonstration flight from Launch Complex 37. At that time, it was the most powerful rocket launched from Cape Canaveral save the Saturn V and space shuttles.
Three years later, the inaugural Delta IV Heavy mission with a payload launched in November 2007 from Cape Canaveral, lifting a U.S. Air Force satellite designed to provide early warning of intercontinental ballistic missile launches.
Here's what we know about the very powerful rocket and best places to watch it lift off from the Space Coast.
What is Delta Heavy?
Delta Heavy refers to United Launch Alliance's Delta IV Heavy rocket. The ULA rocket made history for its transportation of the NASA Parker Solar Probe in 2018 and the first orbital test flight of the Orion crew capsule in 2014.
It was following the success of this flight that NASA’s Orion crew capsule flew on NASA’s Space Launch System (SLS) rocket, successfully demonstrating an uncrewed mission around the moon in 2022. ULA assisted in this flight as well, as the organization designed the upper stage of the SLS rocket.
The Orion spacecraft is set to take Artemis II astronauts around the Moon in late 2025.
How big is Delta IV Heavy rocket? What’s the size and power of ULA Delta IV Heavy rocket?
The Delta IV Heavy rocket has three Delta IV core stages together. According to the ULA website, each rocket engine produces up to 702,000 lbs. of thrust. With this performance, one can see why ULA dubbed it "the most metal."
These engines are not small either. Just one engine weighs around 14,876 pounds and is 204 inches (17 feet) in length.
Powered by liquid hydrogen and liquid oxygen, the Delta IV Heavy appears to set itself on fire just before liftoff as buoyant hydrogen gas, which is used to cool down the rocket before launch, ignites and burns off. The fiery start may look frightening, yet it's part of the process.
Browse the photo galleries or video attached to this story.
Why is United Launch Alliance's Delta IV Heavy rocket being retired?
Vulcan Centaur, ULA’s newest rocket, had a successful test flight in January of 2024. The Vulcan will replace the Delta family of rockets.
The Vulcan Centaur rocket is less expensive and ULA says it will allow for more flexibility in power, giving the option to add on 2, 4, or 6 solid rocket boosters. FLORIDA TODAY reported ULA is currently testing methods and aiming for reusability in the future, which will lower costs further.
Rocket launch calendar for Florida
Below is more info about the SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket launch this week and suggestions on where to watch them.
Here's what we know about the rocket launch missions, mentioned in FLORIDA TODAY's rocket launch calendar for the month, which is updated frequently.
(Check that link often for rocket launch times and dates because they are routinely subject to change for a variety of reasons.)
FLORIDA TODAY provides interactive launch coverage at floridatoday.com/space with frequent updates on launches at least 90 minutes in advance, sometimes longer, depending on the mission. For questions or comments, email Space Reporter Rick Neale at [email protected] or tweet him @rickneale1 on X, the social platform formerly known as Twitter.
TBD: ULA Delta IV Heavy final launch
The Delta IV Heavy rocket will lift off from Cape Canaveral, Florida, with a classified payload on the NROL-70 national security mission, conducted in tandem with the National Reconnaissance Office and the Space Force’s Space Systems Command. The massive rocket launches the NRO's heaviest satellites. The missions that Delta IV Heavy carried were not all related to science; many were for navigation and U.S. security. Delta IV transported mostly NRO, US Air Force, and US Space Force payloads, getting them safely to their orbit or destination.
The Delta IV Heavy made its debut during a December 2004 demonstration flight from Launch Complex 37.
Mission: United Launch Alliance's last Delta IV Heavy triple-core rocket will launch on the NROL-70 national security mission.
Launch: FLORIDA TODAY's Space Team was at Cape Canaveral covering the final launch for ULA's Delta IV Heavy rocket when ULA called a scrub at 2:47 p.m. EDT Thursday, March 28. Next attempt is TBD. Here's a link to the Space Team's live coverage blog, which has updates.
Location: Launch Complex 37 at Cape Canaveral Space Force Station
Trajectory: Due east
Local sonic boom: No
Booster landing: None
Live coverage: Starts two hours before liftoff at floridatoday.com/space.
How to watch ULA Delta Heavy rocket launch from Florida online
When there's a new launch time, tune in to floridatoday.com/space for FLORIDA TODAY's Space Team live coverage and updates on the last Delta IV Heavy launch, starting about two hours before liftoff. You can download the free app for iPhone or Android or type floridatoday.com/space into your browser.
Where to watch ULA Delta Heavy rocket launch from Space Coast of Florida?
Here's what we know about the rocket launch missions, mentioned in FLORIDA TODAY's rocket launch calendar for the month, which is updated frequently. (Check that link often for rocket launch times and dates.)
Pretty much anywhere in Brevard, you'll get a view of the rocket launch. The best views to watch a rocket launch from the Space Coast is along the beach. However, visibility will depend on weather conditions and people should make sure not to block traffic or rights of way on bridges and to follow posted rules at beaches.
If you are viewing the launch along the Indian River in Titusville from Space View Park or Parrish Park, look east directly across the river.
If you are further south along the Indian River, look northeast.
Playalinda Beach or Canaveral National Seashore is the closest spot to view liftoff because it is almost parallel to Launch Pad 39A. On the beach, look south along the coastline, (you can even see the pad from some spots).
Some hotspots to check out:
? Jetty Park Beach and Pier, 400 Jetty Park Road, Port Canaveral. Note, there's a charge to park.
? Playalinda Beach, 1000 Playalinda Beach Road, Canaveral National Seashore. Note, there's a charge to park, and access to Canaveral National Seashore isn't always granted depending on capacity and time of day.
? Max Brewer Bridge and Parrish Park, 1 A. Max Brewer Memorial Parkway, Titusville. Note, parking is available on both sides of Max Brewer Bridge.
? Space View Park, 8 Broad St., Titusville
? Sand Point Park, 10 E. Max Brewer Causeway, Titusville
? Rotary Riverfront Park, 4141 S. Washington Ave., Titusville
? Alan Shepard Park, 299 E. Cocoa Beach Causeway, Cocoa Beach. Note, there could be parking costs.
? Cocoa Beach Pier, 401 Meade Ave. Parking fee varies.
? Lori Wilson Park, 1400 N. Atlantic Ave., Cocoa Beach. Lori Wilson Park has a dog park, by the way.
? Sidney Fischer Park, 2200 N. Atlantic Ave., Cocoa Beach. Note, there could be parking costs.
? Sebastian Inlet Park, 9700 S. State Road A1A, Melbourne Beach (there is a cost to enter)
? Ambersands Beach Park, 12566 N. SR A1A, Vero Beach (free parking)
? South Beach Park, 1700 Ocean Drive, Vero Beach (free parking)
? Alma Lee Loy Bridge in Vero Beach
? Merrill Barber Bridge in Vero Beach
Rick Neale is a Space Reporter at FLORIDA TODAY (for more of his stories, click here.) Contact Neale at 321-242-3638 or [email protected]. Twitter/X: @RickNeale1
This article originally appeared on Florida Today: Florida rocket launch: How to watch Delta IV Heavy from Cape Canaveral