On 20 January, 2011, for the first time in history, a Delta Ⅳ Heavy lifted off from Space Launch Complex-6 atVandenberg Air Force Base, Calif., and successfully placed its payload into its required orbit for United LaunchAlliance (ULA)'s valued customers. This event established Heavy Lift launch capability from the West Coast.In order to achieve a successful inaugural launch, an exhaustive series of integrated system tests and check-outswere performed, including cryo-loading the fuel and oxidizer tanks in both the first and second stages, and the finalIntegrated System Test (IST).In addition, there was significant effort required to modify and test the launch system in order to establish WestCoast Heavy Lift capability for the nation. The modifications included upgrades to the propellant loading system, thehelium and GN2 supply system, and the environmental control system. There was also significant effort and focusrequired to modify the pad and vehicle to meet the mission-unique requirements to support the mission.The Heavy Launch Vehicle (HLV) produced by ULA has the highest mass-to-orbit performance capability of anyavailable U.S. Expendable Launch Vehicle (EELV). This paper summarizes the critical events of the launchcampaign on the day of launch, the inaugural flight profile, post-flight data reconstruction, and closure of flightobservations.
展开▼
