Liftoff for NASA's ICESat-2!

Liftoff for NASA's ICESat-2!

Credit: Bill Ingalls/NASA

On Sept. 15, 2018, the final Delta II rocket launched into space carrying NASA's ICESat-2 satellite, ending an era for the workhorse rocket. See photos from the historic last launch of the famed United Launch Alliance booster here. This Image: The last United Launch Alliance Delta II rocket launches NASA’s Ice, Cloud and land Elevation Satellite-2 from Vandenberg Air Force Base, California on Sept. 15, 2018. ICESat-2 will use a laser instrument to measure the changing height of Earth's ice.

One Last Launch

One Last Launch

Credit: Jeff Spotts/United Launch Alliance

The Delta II rocket carrying NASA's ICESat-2 mission lifted off at 6:02 a.m. local time (9:02 a.m. EDT, 1302 GMT) from California's Vandenberg Air Force Base. Read our full launch story and video wrap up!

Farewell, ICESat-2

Farewell, ICESat-2

Credit: NASA TV

NASA's IceSat-2 satellite (top) separates from its Delta II rocket upper stage after a successful launch into orbit on Sept. 15, 2018.

Taking Flight

Taking Flight

Credit: Jeff Spotts/United Launch Alliance

The United Launch Alliance's final Delta II rocket lifts off in a spectacular predawn launch from Vandenberg Air Force Base in California on Sept. 15, 2018. Liftoff occurred at 6:02 a.m. PDT (9:02 a.m. EDT/1302 GMT).

A Brilliant Liftoff

A Brilliant Liftoff

Credit: NASA TV

A United Launch Alliance Delta II rocket, the last ever to fly, launches NASA's ICESat-2 satellite from Vandenberg Air Force Base in California before dawn on Sept. 15, 2018. ICESat-2 will measure Earth's ice sheets from space with a laser.

Delta II's Final Flight

Delta II's Final Flight

Credit: NASA TV

Shortly after launch, the rocket jettisoned four engines that had helped it leave Earth.

1st Stage Engine Cutoff

1st Stage Engine Cutoff

Credit: NASA TV

A little over four minutes after lift-off, the main engine of the Delta II rocket cut off in preparation for the rocket's second stage to continue on alone.

Ready to Fly

Ready to Fly

Credit: NASA TV

A view of the final Delta II rocket on the launch pad at Vandenberg Air Force Base in California, topped by NASA's ICESat-2 mission about 30 minutes before the rocket's scheduled launch.

A Number for Space

A Number for Space

Credit: NASA TV

Today's Delta II rocket marks the 381st launch by a Delta family rocket. To commemorate the final Delta II launch, ULA had about 800 current and former program staffers sign the stars that decorated the rocket.

At the Pad

At the Pad

Credit: United Launch Alliance/Walter Scriptunas II

A United Launch Alliance Delta II rocket, the last ever to launch, is prepared to launch NASA's ICESat-2 at Vandenberg Air Force Base in California ahead of its Sept. 15, 2018 liftoff.

Meet ICESat-2

Meet ICESat-2

Credit: NASA/Goddard Space Flight Center

An artist's depiction of the ICESat-2 spacecraft in action, measuring the thickness of Earth's ice sheets.

First Tests

First Tests

Credit: Timothy Trenkle/USAF 30th Space Wing/NASA

At Vandenberg AFB, NASA's Ice, Cloud and Land Elevation Satellite-2 undergoes a solar array first motion test.

On the Move

On the Move

Credit: Randy Beaudoin/NASA

The ICESat-2 sits on the transport inside NASA's Building 1555 at Vandenberg Air Force Base.

Cleaning Up

Cleaning Up

Credit: Randy Beaudoin/NASA

During preparations for the upcoming mission, technicians and engineers clean and take samples from the payload fairing set to deliver the ICESat-2 into orbit.

Up to Vertical

Up to Vertical

Credit: Pedro Carrillo/USAF 30th Space Wing/NASA

At Space Launch Complex 2, United Launch Alliance workers assist in lifting the Delta II first stage to vertical. The rockets will carry the ICESat-2 satellite into orbit. The ICESat-2 will use the Advanced Topographic Laser Altimeter System and investigate why and how the Earth's cryosphere is changing.

Time for the Motor

Time for the Motor

Credit: Mark Mackley/USAF 30th Space Wing/NASA

ULA technicians help as the solid rocket motor is lifted to the Delta II launch vehicle. The vehicle will take the ICESat-2 into orbit. The satellite will measure the height of Earth with a laser pulse.

Attaching the Stages

Attaching the Stages

Credit: Randy Beaudoin/NASA

The United Launch Alliance Delta II's second stage is lifted in preparation for connection to the top of the first stage booster after it's moved on the Mobile Service Tower.

Connecting the Parts

Connecting the Parts

Credit: Mark Mackley/USAF 30th Space Wing/NASA

At Vandenberg Air Force Base inside the Vertical Integration Facility at Space Launch Complex 2, ULA workers assist as the Delta II interstage is attached to the main booster.