Delta IV Heavy ready for demonstration launch (Forwarded)

Air Force Space Command News Service

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: October 28, 2004

Story ID 04-218

DELTA IV HEAVY READY FOR DEMONSTATION LAUNCH
By 1st Lt Kevin Tuttle, 45th Space Wing Public Affairs

Cape Canaveral Air Force Station -- America got its first look at the new,
fully-stacked Delta IV Heavy launch vehicle Oct. 27 when the mobile service
tower rolled back at Space Launch Complex 37B.

Members from various agencies, including Boeing, the Air Force and news media
representatives, witnessed historic event here -- a major milestone in the Air
Force's Evolved Expendable Launch Vehicle program.

The massive launch vehicle stands nearly 235 feet high and will carry a
demonstration payload on its inaugural mission, currently scheduled for next
month. The payload will weigh over 6.5 tons, simulating the weight of a heavy
payload, said Lt. Col. James Planeaux, Delta IV program manager, Space and
Missile Systems Center, Los Angeles Air Force Base, California.

"The whole mission will be demonstrated in anticipation of future heavy lifts
for national security payloads," Lt. Col. Planeaux said. Boeing and the Air
Force have worked hand-in-hand since the inception of the project and look
forward to a successful mission, he said.

The 5th Space Launch Squadron, a unit of the 45th Space Wing, located here helps
process and launch EELVs.

"We scrutinize the contractors launch processes and procedures by participating
with them as they plan each mission and prepare the rocket for launch, and by
engaging with the launch team during the countdown," said Lt. Col. Robert
Atkins, 5th SLS commander. He explained the significance of the upcoming launch.

"The Air Force Heavy Demonstration mission will be the first launch of a Delta
IV Heavy configuration, essentially three liquid-fueled rockets flying 'in
formation,' " he said. "This booster is critical for our nation's security
because it will enable us to launch our heaviest DoD and national reconnaissance
satellites after Titan IV retires."

The Delta IV Heavy is made up of three conventional Delta IV rockets strapped
together. Each rocket has a RS-68 hydrogen-fueled engine, which generates 17
million horsepower, equivalent to 11 Hoover dams. Each rocket engine produces
about 758,000 pounds of thrust at lift off.

The EELV program has created more affordable spacelift for both commercial and
military payloads. "This is the first rocket engine designed specifically for
value," said Michael Costas, RS-68 program director in Canoga Park, Calif. "Each
rocket consumes one ton of propellants per second equating to about five tanker
trailers per minute," he said.

IMAGE CAPTION:
[http://www.peterson.af.mil/hqafspc/N...ges/04-218.jpg (46KB)]
The newly-unveiled Delta IV Heavy Launch Vehicle sits poised at Space Launch
Complex 37B. Photo by 2nd Lt Kevin Coffman, 45 SW/PA