Delta IV facts for kids

The Delta IV Medium+ (4,2) rocket launching a GOES-N satellite from Florida.

The Delta IV is a powerful rocket designed to send satellites into space. These satellites can be used for many things, like communication or weather forecasting. The Delta IV comes in different sizes and strengths, including Medium, Medium+, and Heavy versions. This allows it to launch various types of satellites to different heights above Earth. Delta IV rockets launch from two main places in the United States: Cape Canaveral Air Force Station in Florida and Vandenberg Air Force Base in California.

Rocket Launches

The Delta IV rocket has flown into space 32 times. Its very first flight was on November 20, 2002. On that day, it successfully launched a communications satellite called Eutelsat W5. This satellite was sent into a special path around Earth called a geostationary transfer orbit (GTO).

Types of Delta IV Rockets

The Delta IV rocket family includes several different types. Each type is built to launch satellites of various sizes and weights. This makes sure the right rocket is used for each mission.

A diagram showing the different kinds of Delta IV rockets.

Delta IV Medium

The Delta IV Medium is the smallest and least powerful version of the Delta IV rocket. It has one main engine section, called a Common Booster Core (CBC), which acts as its first stage. This CBC uses a special engine called the RS-68. The rocket's second stage is an improved version of one used on the Delta III rocket. A 4-meter wide cover, called a payload fairing, protects the satellite during launch. This type of Delta IV has launched 3 times.

Delta IV Medium+ (4,2)

The Delta IV Medium+ (4,2) is an upgraded version of the Medium rocket. It has two extra solid rocket boosters, called GEM-60s, strapped to its main core. These boosters give it more power to lift heavier satellites. This version has launched 13 times, making it the most frequently used Delta IV rocket.

Delta IV Medium+ (5,2)

The Delta IV Medium+ (5,2) is similar to the (4,2) version. However, its second stage and the protective fairing are larger in diameter (5 meters wide instead of 4 meters). This allows it to carry bigger satellites. This type of Delta IV has launched 2 times.

Delta IV Medium+ (5,4)

The Delta IV Medium+ (5,4) is like the (5,2) version, but it has even more power. Instead of two GEM-60 solid rocket boosters, it has four of them. This extra boost helps it launch even heavier payloads. This version has launched 5 times.

Delta IV Heavy

The Delta IV Heavy rocket launching NROL-49, a top-secret spy satellite, from Vandenberg Air Force Base.

The Delta IV Heavy is the largest and most powerful rocket in the Delta IV family. It's unique because it uses three main engine sections (CBCs) all strapped together. The two side CBCs act like giant solid rocket boosters, giving it incredible lifting power. This powerful rocket has launched 9 times. While it's the strongest rocket currently flying, the Saturn V rocket, used for moon missions, was even more powerful in the past.

Related pages

• Delta II
• Atlas V

Images for kids

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  Delta IV evolution

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  Delta IV Heavy launching

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  Delta IV 4-meter Cryogenic Second Stage

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  First Delta IV Heavy with three CBCs prior to launch

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  GOES-N launch on a Medium+ (4,2)

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  A unique aerial view of NROL-22 launch from SLC-6

See also

In Spanish: Delta IV para niños