Launch of Worlds Largest Rocket Delta IV Heavy with NROL-37

The worlds currently largest rocket active has successfully launched with the top secret NROL-37 payload for the United States. The Delta IV Heavy launched from Space Launch Complex 37B at 17:51 UTC, June 11th 2016. This was the 32nd Delta IV launch, and the 9th Delta IV Heavy launch.

[barthchris]

I worked on the construction of pad 37B in 2000-2002. I've always been a "space/rocket nerd" but I had no idea what to expect before hand. I was shocked at the scale and scope of the launch complex. It may not seem that big but in real life its massive! It will definitely be one of the highlights of my career.

I did get to work and see things that were definitely one of a kind. Inside the launch table was pretty cool, its basically a huge plate steel structure above the flame chute that supports the rocket, it has sensors, and helium valves to spin start those RS-68 engines. The hydraulic cylinder/ram that lifts the rocket from horizontal to vertical was huge, probably 50'-75 in length', it had a tank the size of a shipping crate just for the hydraulic oil. The cryogenic fuel storage/transfer system was something that you don't see every day!

The hardest part I remember was working on the FUT (fixed umbilical tower), the elevator was off limits for the lowly contractors. When working on one of the top levels you need to make sure you brought everything you need, if not its a long walk back down and back up! At least the MST had a working elevator! MST aka the mobile service tower, its the +- 400' white building that moves on rails before launch.

It was also a beautiful place to work since its right on the ocean. One bad thing was the mosquitos. On certain days you needed to cover yourself in DEET, if not the mosquitos would eat you alive!

Even though I helped build the pad I've never seen a launch. One of these days I hope to do so but I'm not sure how many launches the Delta has left. It seems its days are numbered with the competition. I think the government is its only customer at this time. It's a shame we couldn't modify the Delta for manned flight. If NASA really wanted to the gap between the last shuttle and a modified delta could have been very short. I'm sure there are reasons but it could have been a temporary solution that may even be cheaper than what we are paying Russia.

[mat_name_whatever]

Wow ksp really improved their graphics

[fadlya.rahman]

I love the clean exhaust of the LH2/LOX engine.

[chrissame]

I saw the literally thought it was KSP.

[saquist]

Space X fans are becoming a little troll like.
I'm all for any effort in space.

[mosshark]

4, 889lbs of propellant burned per second. I know it's a big rocket but that's astonishing to me.

[doggonemess]

The graphics in Kerbal Space Program are better.

[ivankaleoniefuchs]

Awesome how you can see the Delta lV begin to follow the curvature of the Earth as it's upward trajectory changes to a more down range path as well...smiles

[crxstalline_]

As a SpaceX fan, I can confirm Falcon Heavy has nothing on the sound of an RS68. Even if it does have more engines.

[kakerake]

i like how clean the exhaust is with hydrolox

[juggis]

Listen the rocket engines roar. This is the way the sounds should always be recorded. Fantastic. Big thumbs up!

[johnabuick]

I like how all the rocket scientists are making comments on here.

[dopefish]

so nice to see a launch without solid rockets

[gerdosje]

Saturn V be like: I see no god up here, OTHER THAN ME!!

[meinemeier]

Me on the toilet after eating a whole chopotle burrito: 0:40

[davidorth]

The CIA informed Putin that he needed hair transplants afterwards...

[raidmax]

Legit question:

What is the Payload? It must be huge to need a D4.

[s.taylor]

Wow makes me so happy to see USA back home putting up our own NASA!

[tplus]

This stuff is great no matter what is launched or who launched it.

[MarcStollmeyer]

Wow, just think of how much work went in to get that low quality animation. So much more inovative than SpaceX's live onboard camera feed and drone ship landings.