The Thor-Delta Missile/Rocket family approaches the end of a 67 year run

Kind of lost amid the clutter of SpaceX launches. :rofl:

United Space Alliance will launch NROL-68 for the Space Force on April 19th, about a Delta IV Heavy. It will go from Space Launch Complex 37B at CCSFS.

It is the second to last Delta IV Heavy flight and the second to last flight of the Thor-Delta Missile/Rocket Family, which has existed since 1957. The last flight will be in 2024 and will be an NROL mission as well.

The picture is of a PGM-17A Thor Missile, the original member of the missile/rocket family. The first launch occurred in 1957.

The first launch with a Delta upper stage occurred in 1962 and eventually Delta became the default name for the orbital version of the rocket family, with Thor continuing to be used for the missile version.

But the curtain is coming down. ULA is switching to the new Vulcan rocket.

Delta has these two launches left.

Atlas has 29 launches left, with the last launch scheduled by 2029.

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The OP launch finally went last night, evidently fully successful.

One final Delta launch next year.

On a related note. SpaceX launched last night as well.

SpaceX has completed 42 launches in 6 months.

ULA has completed its last 42 launches…

…in 6 years. :smile:

On another note, ULA is still fumbling around in its attempts to get the new Vulcan rocket off the ground.

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Was the Peacekeeper ever used for Space launches? I remember reading they were taken out of active service in 2005. But I’ve always wondered if any of their first and second stages ever ended up for space use.

Yep, they found new life as the Minotaur IV.

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Very nice. A fitting role for the ultimate ICBM.

But what is a rocket, but an ICBM with a finally “orbital” stage. :smile:

Historically, every rocket family evolved from an ICBM.

SpaceX’s Falcon rocket family is one of the few exceptions to the rule.

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That is true. Only real difference is the package.