For the 75th consecutive time, a Delta II rocket successfully delivered a satellite to orbit during a launch taking place on the U.S. Air Force's 60th anniversary.
Digital Globe's WorldView commercial satellite was launched at 11:35 a.m. PDT Tuesday from Vandenberg Air Force Base, Calif., by a combined United Launch Alliance, Boeing Launch Services and Air Force team, according to a ULA press release.
Up to 20 ULA employees from Cape Canaveral traveled to California to assist with the launch.
The Delta II success streak dates back more than 10 years. Important missions include the NASA Mars Rovers Spirit and Opportunity in 2003 and most recently the Phoenix Mars Lander Aug. 4, from Florida, which arrives at the red planet in 2008.
ULA's next launch, currently scheduled for Sept. 26, is the Dawn satellite for NASA aboard a Delta II Heavy from Space Launch Complex 17B at Cape Canaveral.
Formed in 2006, ULA combines the Atlas and Delta expendable launch vehicle programs.
1 comment:
The great "Delta ll" program will come to and end Oct 2008 because of lack of funding.
Replaced with a very expensive
Rocket program.
Golden would never have permitted this too take place.
Smaller better faster was his goal and it worked.
Now bigger slower more expensive programs will replace the Delta ll.
JCW
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