Close-up view of the Delta 4 rocket before launch of the new GPS satellite. Credit: Alan Walters (awaltersphoto.com) for Universe Today
The three main design variations for the Delta 4 are small, medium, and heavy. Each designation is given based upon the particular designs for specific payloads. The small Delta was dropped in 1999. The combine payload capability is anything between 3900 kg to 12 980 kg for geosynchronous orbit and 8600 kg to 22 560 kg for Low Earth Orbit. The rockets have a height ranging from 63 to 72 meters and a diameter of 5 meters. The overall mass of a Delta 4 can range from 249,500 to 733,400 kg.
The rocket is the first liquid fuel rocket to be designed since the design of the space shuttle main engine in the 1970s. The engine driving it is called the RS-68 and is powered by burning liquid hydrogen with liquid oxygen. The rocket is also assisted by common booster cores. The number depends on the variation of the design. The rocket is now used largely for launching satellites and carrying cargo to low earth orbit. However there was a point where NASA looked into the possibilities of an extra heavy launch design that would be rated for human launches. This design relying on the stable design of the Apollo rockets would be the replacement program for the U.S. Shuttle Program.
Right now the Delta 4 rocket has 15 successful launches under its belt. While it has not been cleared yet for human use it is still being contracted by the United States Air Force. The Delta 4 rocket shows the adaptability of rocket technology.
We have written many articles about Delta 4 for Universe Today. Here’s an article about the Delta 4 launch from California, and here’s an article about what Delta IV Heavy took into space.
If you’d like more info on the Delta 4, check out these articles from Fox News and Space Today Online.
We’ve also recorded an episode of Astronomy Cast all about Rockets. Listen here, Episode 100: Rockets.
Source: Wikipedia
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