Boeing Fires Up Engine in Preparation for Delta IV Debut.

News Editors & Aerospace/Defense Writers

ST. LOUIS--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Oct. 14, 2002

The Boeing Co. (NYSE:BA) completed a critical hot-fire rehearsal today at Cape Canaveral Air Force Station, Fla.

The test sets the stage for the first flight of the Boeing Delta IV powered by the first U.S.-designed and built liquid-fueled rocket engine certified for flight in a generation.

The test firing of the Delta IV first stage propulsion system -- the Boeing Rocketdyne RS-68 engine -- was an integral part of a second launch dress rehearsal designed to help ensure the success of the rocket's first flight -- currently scheduled for mid-November.

It was also the last major Delta IV development milestone for the rocket that was built by Boeing Integrated Defense Systems, a business unit of The Boeing Co.

"We are about to launch a new family of rockets that will have a long-term impact on the space launch, telecommunications and defense industries," said Dan Collins, vice president and Delta program manager. "Our team did a fantastic job of completing this rehearsal. The test firing serves as a steppingstone and positions us to obtain our goal of providing the U.S. government and the commercial world the best value, performance-driven launch vehicle for satellite deployment.

"We planned a rigorous test program focused on assuring mission success and we've completed every test in the plan. Now it's time to go launch."

During the rehearsal, the Delta team counted down to T minus 3.5 seconds, ignited the RS-68 main engine, and brought it up to full thrust at 17 million horsepower -- rivaling the power generated by 11 Hoover Dams. The engine was shut off at T zero as planned.

The Delta IV Medium+(4,2), which includes a 4-meter diameter fairing with two strap-on solid rocket motors to supplement the first stage engine, is scheduled to launch next month from Space Launch Complex 37B. It will deploy into orbit the W-5 telecommunications satellite for Eutelsat S.A. of France.

This Delta IV Medium+(4,2) is one of five Delta IV configurations. The largest and most powerful of this launch system is the Delta IV Heavy, which can carry up to 13,130 kg (28,950 lb) to the geosynchronous transfer orbit (high orbit).

The new Delta IV launch system was developed under the U.S. Air Force's space launch program called Evolved Expendable Launch Vehicle (EELV) to reduce launch costs and provide assured access to space. Though an Air Force program, EELV was designed with both government and commercial use in mind.

A unit of The Boeing Co., Boeing Integrated Defense Systems, is one of the world's largest space and defense businesses. With headquarters in St. Louis, Boeing Integrated Defense Systems is a $23 billion business. It provides systems solutions to its global military, government and commercial customers.

It is a leading provider of intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance; the world's largest military aircraft manufacturer; the world's largest satellite manufacturer and a leading provider of space-based communications; the primary systems integrator for U.S. missile defense; NASA's largest contractor; and a global leader in launch services.