Delta IV

The Delta IV rocket built by United Launch Alliance has a perfect track record of providing reliable access to space for the nation. The rocket launches critical payloads into orbit for the U. S. Air Force, the National Reconnaissance Office (NRO) and NASA. The Delta IV is available in multiple configurations: the Delta IV Medium+, which includes a single common booster core with either two or four solid rocket motors and either a 4-meter or 5-meter diameter payload fairing, and the Delta IV Heavy, which combines three common booster cores to meet the most demanding mission requirements.

Key Features

Reliability: The Delta IV has been operational for more than 15 years with 100 percent mission success.

Precision: The Delta IV has a high-energy upper stage capable of multiple restarts and long-coast capability required for complex mission profiles.

Our Role

Main Engine: The Delta IV Medium+ launch vehicles feature an Aerojet Rocketdyne RS-68A booster engine, while the Delta IV Heavy uses three Aerojet Rocketdyne RS-68A engines, one on each of its three common booster cores. The RS-68A is the world’s most powerful liquid-hydrogen/liquid-oxygen booster engine, providing 702,000 pounds of lift-off thrust.

Upper Stage Engine: The Delta IV relies on the Aerojet Rocketdyne RL10 propulsion system to power its second stage. The RL10B-2 used on the Delta IV second stage burns liquid hydrogen and liquid oxygen propellants to provide 24,750 lbs of thrust. The engine also features the world’s largest carbon-carbon extendible nozzle for increased performance. The RL10 has an impressive record with nearly 500 engines launched on various vehicles and approximately 950 successful in-space firings.

Control Thrusters: Twelve Aerojet Rocketdyne MR-106 Reaction Control System thrusters provide pitch, yaw and roll control for the Centaur upper stage, as well as settling burns.

Pessure Tanks: ARDÉ, a subsidiary of Aerojet Rocketdyne based in New Jersey, furnishes the pressure tanks for the vehicle.