The Boeing Delta IV Heavy launcher is ready to make its debut.

This new entry in the Boeing family of launch vehicles – slated for launch this fall – features three Common Booster Cores (the central propellant tank for the rocket) strapped together. Powered by three American-built Rocketdyne RS-68 engines, the system will generate a ground-rattling two million pounds of thrust at liftoff.

“This mission represents a significant milestone for the country,” said Dan Collins, acting vice president and general manager of Boeing Expendable Launch Systems. “The Delta IV Heavy is the first large multi-core liquid booster in the history of the U.S. space program. It represents a significant addition to our national heavy-lift launch capability – 14,000 pounds of cargo to Geosynchronous Orbit, 28,000 pounds to Geosynchronous Transfer Orbit and 53,000 pounds to Low Earth Orbit.”

The nearly 235-foot-tall Delta IV Heavy – and the entire Delta IV family – play a key role in supporting the Air Force’s Evolved Expendable Launch Vehicle (EELV) program to assure access to space for the nation’s most critical satellite payloads.

For its maiden flight, the Delta IV Heavy Demonstration mission will have an ambitious goal: To deliver its payload directly to Geosynchronous Orbit, a spot 23,000 miles above the Earth’s equator.

“With three Delta IV missions already under our belt, and rigorous preflight testing and planning, we believe we’re ready for this challenging mission,” explained Collins. “We are eager to demonstrate this heavy-lift capability for our Air Force customer.”

The primary payload is a Demonstration Satellite instrumented and configured to simulate a typical heavy-size payload and identify ascent conditions and their effect on future payloads. Data gathered from the demonstration mission will be used to evaluate vehicle performance and payload environments.

Once successfully launched, the Delta IV Heavy will become a proven performer to serve future Air Force and national defense needs as well as other potential applications.

“Delta IV Heavy represents the latest innovation in the Boeing Delta family of launch solutions,” said Jayne Schnaars, vice president of Boeing Launch Services. “Over the years, the Delta family of rockets has expanded and grown to best suit the needs of our customer, be it the Air Force, NRO, NOAA or NASA. We look forward to continuing our legacy of successful partnerships in the years ahead.”