SUBSIM Radio Room Forums - View Single Post - Huge Delta rocket flies from Vandenberg, California

Gerald · 01-21-11, 07:18 AM

The biggest rocket ever to launch from the US West Coast has lifted off from Vandenberg Air Force Base.

The 72m-high Delta IV Heavy was carrying a classified satellite for the National Reconnaissance Office (NRO).It has previously only operated from Florida, and the launch pad at the Californian base had to be upgraded to handle the giant vehicle.Flying the Delta from the West Coast allows the largest reconnaissance satellites to be put into polar orbits.

The vehicle is reserved for military and intelligence use, although there has long been discussion about modifying it for a role in human spaceflight.

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/science-environment-12249645

Note: 21 January 2011 Last updated at 10:10 GMT

01-21-11, 07:18 AM	#1
Gerald SUBSIM Newsman Join Date: May 2008 Location: Close to sea Posts: 24,254 Downloads: 553 Uploads: 0	Huge Delta rocket flies from Vandenberg, California The biggest rocket ever to launch from the US West Coast has lifted off from Vandenberg Air Force Base. The 72m-high Delta IV Heavy was carrying a classified satellite for the National Reconnaissance Office (NRO).It has previously only operated from Florida, and the launch pad at the Californian base had to be upgraded to handle the giant vehicle.Flying the Delta from the West Coast allows the largest reconnaissance satellites to be put into polar orbits. The vehicle is reserved for military and intelligence use, although there has long been discussion about modifying it for a role in human spaceflight. http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/science-environment-12249645 Note: 21 January 2011 Last updated at 10:10 GMT __________________ Nothing in life is to be feard,it is only to be understood. Marie Curie