Today's successful launch of a Boeing [NYSE:BA] Delta II rocket sets the stage for a 38-month NASA mission to investigate the origins of the solar system.
The Boeing Delta II lifted off from launch pad 17A at 12:13 p.m. EDT. Spacecraft separation occurred 64 minutes into flight.
"Genesis' trip back in time began its journey right here, with the launch," said Joy Bryant, director of NASA Programs for Boeing Expendable Launch Systems. "With the Genesis probe accurately placed on its unique orbital path, the Boeing Delta II rocket has helped NASA take the first major step toward achieving the goals of this mission."
The results from the Genesis mission will help scientists better understand the formation of the planets, moons, asteroids, comets and the sun.
This is the third NASA science mission flown aboard a Boeing Delta II this year.
During the most recent NASA mission aboard a Boeing Delta II, the rocket placed MAP on its course with such precision and accuracy, that NASA mission managers found it unnecessary to perform spacecraft-controlled adjustments. The result translated into additional station keeping fuel and an extended probe life.
Genesis is managed by Jet Propulsion Laboratory in Pasadena, Calif., for NASA's Office of Space Science.
The Boeing Company is the largest aerospace company in the world and the United States' leading exporter. It is the world's largest NASA contractor and the largest manufacturer of commercial jetliners and military aircraft. The company's capabilities in aerospace also include rotorcraft, electronic and defense systems, missiles, rocket engines, launch vehicles, satellites and advanced information and communication systems. The company has an extensive global reach with customers in 145 countries and manufacturing operations throughout the United States, Canada and Australia.
Boeing Delta Web Site
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