Delta IV Heavy Pad Tour, (with CEO Tory Bruno) - Smarter Every Day 199 | Summary and Q&A

TL;DR

United Launch Alliance's Delta IV Heavy rocket is set to launch the Parker Solar Probe, the fastest man-made object in history, on a mission to touch the sun.

Key Insights

• 🚀 The Delta IV Heavy rocket is a powerful vehicle used to launch important scientific missions like the Parker Solar Probe.
• 😚 Designing a spacecraft to get close to the sun is challenging, but innovative approaches can make it possible.
• 🧑‍🔬 The launch of a mission like the Parker Solar Probe is a significant moment for the scientists and engineers who have dedicated years of their careers to its success.
• ⛽ Accurate trajectory insertion during launch is crucial, as it affects the mission's fuel consumption and overall success.

Transcript

• Hey it's me Destin, welcome back to Smarter Every Day this is a really big day because I live in a hometown where there's a gigantic rocket plant owned by United Launch Alliance. They make a vehicle called the Delta IV Heavy right over there. It's about to throw the fastest man made object in the history of all the objects, into space to go touch... Read More

Questions & Answers

Q: What is the purpose of the Delta IV Heavy rocket launch?

The Delta IV Heavy rocket is launching the Parker Solar Probe, a spacecraft designed to study the sun and its solar wind.

Q: Why does the center core of the rocket have a lower throttle during launch?

The center core's throttle is reduced to conserve fuel. Once the outer cores are empty and jettisoned, the center core can increase its throttle for better performance.

Q: What kind of propellants are used in the Delta IV Heavy rocket?

The upper stage uses cryogenic propellants, while the lower stage of the Delta IV Heavy rocket uses kerosene. However, the Parker Solar Probe's mission required an additional solid propellant stage for more velocity.

Q: How does the trajectory of the Parker Solar Probe enable it to get closer to the sun?

The probe's trajectory takes advantage of gravitational interactions with Venus to gradually pull it closer to the sun over the course of multiple orbits.

Summary & Key Takeaways

• United Launch Alliance's CEO invites YouTuber Destin from Smarter Every Day to witness the roll back of the Delta IV Heavy rocket before its launch.

• Destin learns about the rocket's design and the use of different propellants to optimize performance.

• The Parker Solar Probe, designed by scientists with an innovative approach, will use its trajectory to get closer to the sun over the course of seven years.