Boeing

After a brush with Hurricane Floyd, a Boeing Delta II rocket stands ready to launch a Global Positioning System (GPS) satellite for the U.S. Air Force.

The Air Force is scheduled to launch the Delta II Oct. 5, during a 16-minute launch window that opens at 8:59 a.m. EDT.

Boeing [NYSE: BA] has been involved in the Air Force's GPS program since 1974, when the company won contracts to build developmental satellites and receiver sets. Boeing is currently working on design, development and production of the third generation of GPS satellites. To date, all 29 GPS satellites in orbit have been launched aboard Delta II rockets. The company currently has an additional 17 launches manifested for the global navigation system.

"Boeing has a long, proud and historical partnership with the Air Force," said Will Hampton, Boeing director of U.S. Air Force Delta II programs. "Today our company provides the Air Force with fighter and transport aircraft, munitions, ground support, training, satellites and launch vehicles. The upcoming launch is another example of our commitment to helping make the U.S. Air Force the world's preeminent air and space power."

Recognized as the world's leading satellite navigation system, GPS operates via a constellation of 24 satellites (not including spares), a ground control system, and thousands of terminals, to help locate and guide military and civilian users in the air, at sea, and on the ground.

The Delta II is a medium-capacity expendable launch vehicle derived from the Delta family of rockets that has logged 258 successful launches since 1960.

The Delta II rocket is manufactured in Huntington Beach, Calif., with final assembly in Pueblo, Colo. The rocket is powered by the RS-27A engine built by Boeing in Canoga Park, Calif. Launch coordination and operations for this mission are provided by the Delta launch team at Cape Canaveral Air Station.

Alliant Techsystems, Magna, Utah, builds the graphite epoxy motors for boost assist. Aerojet, Sacramento, Calif., manufactures the second-stage engine, Cordant Technologies, Elkton, Maryland, builds the third-stage motor, and AlliedSignal, Teterboro, N.J., builds the guidance and flight control system.

Boeing will host a live video feed of the GPS launch beginning at 8:45 a.m. EST, with bars and tone beginning at 8:30 a.m. EST.

Satellite coordinates are: Ku-band, GE 3K, Transponder 18, located at 87 degrees. The downlink frequency is 12060 MHz vertical.

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Visit our Delta home page at: (www.boeing.com/delta).