Washington: A new spy satellite into orbit on a secret mission of the U.S. military Friday, roaring Spaceward the top of world's most powerful rocket in use.
The NROL-15 reconnaissance satellite launched on a launch pad at Cape Canaveral in Florida at 9:15 am EDT (1315 GMT) to begin its mission classified National Reconnaissance Office.
It was a massive Delta 4-Heavy booster equipped with new engines RS-68A first stage-the most powerful rocket engine ever built liquid hydrogen, according to manufactures.
Built by Pratt and Whitney Rocketdyne, the new RS-68A engines are each capable of generating 702,000 pounds of thrust, and are more efficient than a previous design, the rocket engine builders said, adding that the motor generates 36,000 pounds more thrust than its predecessor.
Three of the new rocket engines made their debut in the space launch on Friday Delta 4-Heavy flight provider United Launch Alliance rocket.
"And the RS-68A engine roaring to life!" ULA launch commentator, said during the launch.
"The NRO systems to ensure continuity of supervision from above," said the commentator.
The Delta 4-Heavy rocket is currently the largest and most powerful rocket in the service.
The reinforcement has three main engines and topped with a second stage to place payloads in orbit. This is 235 feet (72 meters) and can carry loads up to 24 tons in LEO and 11 tons to geosynchronous orbits.
Starting on Friday came after several delays for the Delta 4-Heavy. The rocket was initially scheduled to launch on Thursday, but the ULA and Air Force officials pushed the launch back 24 hours due to weather delays Tropical Storm Debby.
The successful launch marked the second space mission in nine days by the ULA to orbit a classified payload for the U.S. military. The company, launch services joint venture of Boeing and Lockheed Martin, launched the NROL-38 spy satellite into orbit on June 20.
The NROL-15 reconnaissance satellite launched on a launch pad at Cape Canaveral in Florida at 9:15 am EDT (1315 GMT) to begin its mission classified National Reconnaissance Office.
It was a massive Delta 4-Heavy booster equipped with new engines RS-68A first stage-the most powerful rocket engine ever built liquid hydrogen, according to manufactures.
Built by Pratt and Whitney Rocketdyne, the new RS-68A engines are each capable of generating 702,000 pounds of thrust, and are more efficient than a previous design, the rocket engine builders said, adding that the motor generates 36,000 pounds more thrust than its predecessor.
Three of the new rocket engines made their debut in the space launch on Friday Delta 4-Heavy flight provider United Launch Alliance rocket.
"And the RS-68A engine roaring to life!" ULA launch commentator, said during the launch.
"The NRO systems to ensure continuity of supervision from above," said the commentator.
The Delta 4-Heavy rocket is currently the largest and most powerful rocket in the service.
The reinforcement has three main engines and topped with a second stage to place payloads in orbit. This is 235 feet (72 meters) and can carry loads up to 24 tons in LEO and 11 tons to geosynchronous orbits.
Starting on Friday came after several delays for the Delta 4-Heavy. The rocket was initially scheduled to launch on Thursday, but the ULA and Air Force officials pushed the launch back 24 hours due to weather delays Tropical Storm Debby.
The successful launch marked the second space mission in nine days by the ULA to orbit a classified payload for the U.S. military. The company, launch services joint venture of Boeing and Lockheed Martin, launched the NROL-38 spy satellite into orbit on June 20.
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