Boeing

A Boeing Delta II rocket delivered four Globalstar satellites to orbit today, completing a 52-satellite launch program for the global-mobile telecommunications company Globalstar L.P.

The rocket lifted off the pad at 4:24 p.m. EST becoming the 276^th Delta mission ever to fly, and the first Delta launch for Boeing in 2000.

"For nearly 40 years, Delta launch vehicles have carried scientific, military and commercial payloads into space," said Darryl Van Dorn, Boeing manager of NASA and Delta II commercial programs. "Today's successful launch and deployment of another four Globalstar satellites is yet another achievement in the growing commercialization of space," he noted.

With its satellite infrastructure in place, Globalstar L.P., a provider of mobile satellite personal communications services, is focusing on launching worldwide services.

The Delta II is manufactured in Huntington Beach, Calif., with final assembly in Pueblo, Colo., and is powered by the RS-27A engine built by Boeing in Canoga Park, Calif. Alliant Techsystems, Magna, Utah, builds the graphite epoxy motors for boost assist. Aerojet, Sacramento, Calif., manufactures the second-stage engine, and L3 communications Space & Navigation (formerly known as AlliedSignal), Teterboro, N.J., builds the guidance and flight control system.

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Boeing Delta web site: (www.boeing.com/delta)