First Delta IV Medium in 5/2 configuration launches from Vandenberg

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif.-- Team Vandenberg launched a United Launch Alliance Delta IV Medium+ (5,2) from Space Launch Complex-6 here at 4:12 p.m. PDT Tuesday, April 3, 2012. The launch was the Department of Defense?s first-ever Delta IV Medium launch vehicle configured with a 5-meter payload fairing and two solid rocket motors. (U.S. Air Force photo/Staff Sgt. Levi Riendeau)

Lift Off

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif.-- Team Vandenberg launched a United Launch Alliance Delta IV Medium+ (5,2) from Space Launch Complex-6 here at 4:12 p.m. PDT Tuesday, April 3, 2012. The launch was the Department of Defense's first-ever Delta IV Medium launch vehicle configured with a 5-meter payload fairing and two solid rocket motors. (U.S. Air Force photo/Staff Sgt. Andrew Satran)

Media photographers set up for launch

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. -- The United Launch Alliance Delta IV Medium rocket sits on the pad at Space Launch Complex Six and is scheduled to launch April 2, 2012. (U.S. Air Force photo/Staff Sgt. Andrew Satran)

Media photographers set up for launch

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. -- Ben Cooper, Spaceflight Now website photographer, sets up a remote camera near Space Launch Complex six for a luanch here March 29, 2012. The United Launch Alliance Delta IV Medium rocket launch is scheduled for April 2, 2012. (U.S. Air Force photo/Staff Sgt. Andrew Satran)

Vandenberg’s new simulator; virtual excellence

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. – Tech. Sgt. Jerrid White, 4th Space Launch Squadron mission assurance technician, examines the trainer here Thursday, March 8, 2012. The squadron’s new training facility, Bogart Bay, will see its first class in June. (U.S. Air Force photo/ Jennifer Green-Lanchoney)

Vandenberg’s new simulator; virtual excellence

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. – A completed trainer sits in the Training Device Design and Engineering Center here Thursday, March 8, 2012. Trainers were made to train 4th Space Launch Squadron members in a new training bay called Bogart Bay. (U.S. Air Force photo/ Jennifer Green-Lanchoney)