Delta IV Heavy | NROL-68

Mission timeline

1. 2023-06-22T09:18:00.000Z
   Liftoff
   Delta IV Heavy lifts off from Cape Canaveral SFS, FL, USA.
2. Max-Q
   Delta IV Heavy passes through max aerodynamic pressure (Max Q).
3. Main engine cutoff (MECO)
   Main engine cutoff — the first stage shuts down as planned.
4. Stage separation
   Stage separation — the first stage separates cleanly.
5. Second-stage ignition
   Second-stage engine ignites for the next phase of flight.
6. Orbit insertion
   Orbit insertion confirmed — the vehicle is now in Direct-GEO.
7. Mission success
   Mission success — all objectives completed.