Next up in my pre-launch sharing of content related to the Parker Solar Probe mission is this United Launch Alliance video on the launch vehicle for this mission – the Delta IV Heavy – and the flight plan that will put the Parker Solar Probe on a course for the Sun.
Delta IV Heavy is one of the most powerful launch vehicles available currently, and is the only vehicle capable of launching the Parker Solar Probe on this mission. To put it very simply, the orbital requirements for this mission demand a vehicle that, for the size of the Parker Space Probe as a payload, is both powerful and versatile, and only the Delta IV Heavy actually has this combination of raw power and ability to put the payload on the particular trajectories necessary.
Delta IV Heavy has, of course, been covered several times here on Xadara, and is without a doubt my favorite active booster. Sadly, it’s no longer produced and is due to be retired in the upcoming years, but not before we get a few more amazing missions out of this incredibly reliable and powerful rocket system.
That being said, even Delta IV Heavy on it’s own isn’t enough. The Parker Solar Probe will still need a solid-motor driven upper stage, commonly called a “kick motor” to put it on course for rendezvous with Venus to aid in its orbital changes necessary to get close to the Sun.
As I mentioned in the last article, this is one hell of a mission, and one I’m very excited to see launch and to follow in the upcoming years!
That being said, onward to the United Launch Alliance video on the flight plan of the Delta IV Heavy carrying the Parker Solar Probe.