Diplomatic and Military Affairs
US launches largest rocket carrying spy satellite
Updated: 2011-01-21 06:40
(Xinhua)
LOS ANGELES - The United States on Thursday launched Delta IV Heavy, the largest rocket ever, carrying a spy satellite from Vandenberg Air Force Base in California.
|
The launch will make the US government capable of snapping pictures detailed enough to distinguish the make and model of an automobile hundreds of miles below, according to the Los Angeles Times.
The rocket, 235 feet (72 meter) in height, is the largest rocket that has ever been launched in the base. Three hydrogen- fueled engines -- each roughly the size of a semi-truck -- provide 17 million horsepower.
Delta IV Heavy Launch Vehicle was built by United Launch Alliance, a joint venture of Lockheed Martin Corp. and the Boeing Co. This is the rocket's fifth launch since it made its maiden flight in 2004.
The vehicle is capable of lifting payloads of up to 24 tons into low Earth orbit. All four of the previous Delta IV Heavy launches took place at Kennedy Space Center in Cape Canaveral, Fla. , according to reports.
Specials
President Hu visits the US
President Hu Jintao is on a state visit to the US from Jan 18 to 21.
Ancient life
The discovery of the fossile of a female pterosaur nicknamed as Mrs T and her un-laid egg are shedding new light on ancient mysteries.
Economic Figures
China's GDP growth jumped 10.3 percent year-on-year in 2010, boosted by a faster-than-expected 9.8 percent expansion in the fourth quarter.