An artist's concept of the Delta 4 family of rockets. Photo: Boeing

The U.S. Air Force has authorized production of the first EELV/Delta 4 launch vehicle for the Defense Satellite Communications System (DSCS). The launch will occur in May 2002.

"This is an important milestone for our Delta IV program," said Mike Kennedy, EELV/Delta 4 Vice President. Our Mission Services team has now begun working with the DSCS program to successfully integrate their satellite and fulfill their launch requirements.

This will be the first launch for the U.S. Air Force's Evolved Expendable Launch Vehicle (EELV) program. The DSCS satellite will be carried into orbit by a Delta 4 Medium, which is capable of lifting 9,285 lbs. (4210 kg) to geosynchronous transfer orbit (GTO).

There are five variants of the Boeing Delta 4 launch vehicle family that are capable of delivering 9,285 - 28,950 lbs. (4210 - 13130 kg) to GTO. Each of the variants can launch single or multiple payloads and are capable of delivering the entire range of government and commercial payloads to space.

"This is a major vote of confidence in our Delta 4 team from our Air Force customers," said Dave Schweikle, Boeing Delta Launch Services, Inc. vice president. "The EELV government/industry partnership has changed the nature and composition of the global launch industry."

In October 1998 the U.S. Air Force awarded 19 of the initial 28 EELV missions. The initial launch services contract covers small, medium and heavy payload-class launches from 2001 to 2006.