[Launch Alert] Delta IV-heavy Launch Scheduled

[Launch Alert]

The following is a news release from Vandenberg AFB.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Aug. 23, 2013

DELTA IV-HEAVY LAUNCH SCHEDULED

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. – A United Launch Alliance Delta IV-Heavy
rocket carrying a National Reconnaissance Office payload is scheduled to be
launched by team Vandenberg from Space Launch Complex-6 here Wednesday at
10:52 a.m. PST.

Col. Keith Balts, 30th Space Wing commander will be the launch decision
authority. 

“This will be the second Delta IV-Heavy launched from Vandenberg,” said
Balts. “We are excited to showcase this national capability for heavy lift
on the Western Range in support of the NRO. This is what makes Vandenberg
unique because we provide the full spectrum of space lift capabilities from
smaller launch vehicles up to and including the Delta IV-Heavy.” 

The 4th Space Launch Squadron is in charge of mission assurance and safety
for this launch operation. 

“This is my first launch as the new 4th SLS commander,” said Lt. Col. James
Bodnar, 4th SLS commander. “We work very closely with the customer
throughout the whole process to ensure safety measures and milestones are
met at various stages in planning.”

This is the second Delta IV-Heavy launched from Vandenberg with the first
launch taking off Jan. 20, 2011.

The rocket will carry a national security payload for the NRO.