Any word on next Delta-4H flight?

[mikejz]

Seems like a while since HeavyDemo flight---and the next launch seems to keep getting pushed back. Any word?

 

[edkyle98]

Nothing official, but from the available schedule information out there it appears that Boeing will fly three Mediums before it gets to the Heavy. There is the GOES-N launch in mid-May from the Cape, then the party moves to Vandenberg AFB for two flights (NRO-L22 and DMSP-F17). By the time those fly it will be mid-October at the earliest, so the DSP-23 Heavy launch, back at the Cape, will be lucky to get off by the end of the year. I doubt that Boeing feels any pressure to get that launch off in a timely manner because the Delta 4 schedule really thins out for awhile after that.<br /><br /> - Ed Kyle

 

[bpcooper]

VAFB and Cape D4s are two separate campaigns aside from the actual launch time (Delta 4 launches are min a month apart as they need the same crew). But they can prepare one out there while doing so here.<br /><br />Delta 4-Heavy is ready to begin its campaign from Florida as soon as GOES gets off the ground. But given the way things have been, I wouldn't expect it before late late this year or next. <div class="Discussion_UserSignature"> <p>-Ben</p> </div>