Penultimate Delta IV Heavy rocket launches classified NROL-68 mission.
United Launch Alliance's penultimate Delta IV Heavy rocket will launch the NROL-68 mission for the National Reconnaissance Office from Cape Canaveral. The true nature and purpose of the mission remains classified, but the use of a Delta IV Heavy rocket and launch site suggest a low-inclination mission targeting a geosynchronous or geostationary orbit with a heavy payload. The mission is expected to carry an Orion satellite, which requires a trisector fairing made of aluminium. Delta IV Heavy's final flight is scheduled for next year with the NROL-70 mission.