Delta IV Heavy launch

[Sam Fraser]

[January 20, 2011] A United Space Alliance Delta IV Heavy rocket launched a classified spy satellite or the U.S. National Reconnaissance Office from the Vandenberg Air Force Base Space Launch Complex 6. This was the first launch of a Delta IV Heavy from the west coast.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=b5dT4OtP9-w (HD quality, short slip)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5-Z5yTVlLPU (low quality, longer clip)

This looks amazing as it lifts off with the triple plumes behind it.

Inaugural launch of the Delta IV Heavy, December 21, 2004:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XB5_j1RYMYg (low quality, but awesome angles)

[Rhyshaelkan]

I look forward to SpaceX F9H doing something similar.

[joertexas]

I look forward to SpaceX F9H doing something similar.

I was thinking the exact same thing as I watched the launch :D

It's good to see a flying example of a multiple booster first stage - proof of concept for the F9H.

JR

[Rhyshaelkan]

Quite so. They are both kerolox, both have three Common Booster Cores. Looking up the Delta IV on wiki, I am sure SpaceX will fly the F9H with the same profile. That of all engines at max till max-q then the main core throttling back to conserve fuel till the side boosters are jettisoned. Where the main core throttles back up to full performance.

I hope SpaceX will master reusing the cores. Will keep launch costs down.

[JohnHunt]

I remember the first time that I saw a video of the Delta IV Heavy launch. I was mesmerized! It's really a beautiful thing to see. Almost sureal.