United Launch Alliance
The U.S. Space Force’s Space Systems Command (SSC), the National Reconnaissance Office (NRO), and United Launch Alliance (ULA) are preparing to launch the NROL-70 mission aboard the final Delta IV Heavy rocket no earlier than March 28th from Space Launch Complex (SLC)-37B at Cape Canaveral Space Force Station (CCSFS), Florida.
The Delta family of launch vehicles have launched numerous payloads including military, government, and commercial weather, communications, and science satellites, robotic probes for exploration, eight Mars rovers, and one telescope, all of which have significantly contributed to our national defense, and a better understanding of our planet, solar system, and universe.
With this final launch of a Delta IV Heavy, the U.S. Space Force is ending a long and successful era of Delta family of space launch vehicles as the combined ULA, NRO, and Space Force team transitions to the more flexible and efficient ULA Vulcan rocket. NROL-70 will be the first of two final USSF missions for the NSSL Atlas V and Delta IV team.
Assured Access to Space (AATS) is the program executive office within Space Systems Command that is responsible for delivering next-generation launch and on-orbit capabilities in support of the warfighter, combatant commands, intelligence agencies, civil services, allied nations, and the commercial space industry. AATS is also responsible for range sustainment programs supporting launch and test customers. Innovation focus areas include sub-orbital rapid strategic mobility, on-orbit servicing and maneuvering, mission lifecycle management and tactically responsive launch.
In addition to working closely with industry to develop the next generation of space access capabilities and key technologies, AATS is leading the way to develop, maintain, integrate, and implement space mobility plans, policy, requirements, and capabilities to rapidly launch, sustain and reconstitute U.S. Space Force space assets. AATS manages 10,000+ personnel across two services, nine operating locations, two space and launch ranges and three tracking sites, supporting 100+ mission partner organizations.
“Everything’s looking great and we’re on track to launch another vitally important national security capability into space. We’ve worked alongside ULA and in close coordination with our NRO partners to prepare this Delta IV Heavy, our last Delta ever, and in just a few days the team’s hard work will culminate in this highly anticipated and historic launch,” said Col. Jim Horne, senior materiel leader for SSC’s Launch Execution Delta. “These launches place critical capabilities into orbit for our nation and our allies in what are dynamic times for the space community. Every member of our launch team understands what’s at stake and works with care and efficiency to prepare for what’s going to be a tremendous launch.”
“I am very proud of the team’s dedication to our Delta and Atlas missions,” said Lt. Col. Alexander Jehle, SSC’s Atlas V/Delta IV Materiel Leader. “We are laser focused on ensuring a successful launch of the last Delta and last Atlas launches for National Security this year.”
Space Systems Command is the U.S. Space Force’s field command responsible for acquiring, developing, and delivering resilient capabilities to protect our nation’s strategic advantage in, from, and to space. SSC manages a $15.6 billion space acquisition budget for the Department of Defense and works in partnership with joint forces, industry, government agencies, academic and allied organizations to outpace emerging threats. Our actions today are making the world a better space for tomorrow.
The launch may be watched at this link .