Boeing

Boeing [NYSE: BA] announced today that the first launch of the Delta IV rocket remains on schedule for November 16 following satisfactory progress in the resolution of issues related to the RL10B-2 upper-stage engine on the vehicle.

The announcement comes as Boeing successfully completed the mating of the Eutelsat W5 spacecraft to the Delta IV. The integration of the spacecraft with the Delta IV is a major step toward flight readiness status and first launch.

Even as the spacecraft mating was proceeding, the Boeing Delta team continued to review data related to the upper-stage engine.

"The issue involves RL10B-2 engine components that were manufactured this year, but it does not seem to be related to the engine that we have aboard our first-flight vehicle," said Dan Collins, vice president Delta programs. "We're confident that we will show there's no relationship with the current issue and the engine that we're using for this launch."

The first flight Delta IV RL10B-2 engine was manufactured in 1998 and is not related to the same group of engines that were manufactured in 2002 that recently caused concern.

A Delta IV Medium+ (4,2) rocket will carry W5, a commercial telecommunications for Eutelsat S.A. The launch will take place from Space Launch Complex (SLC) 37B, Cape Canaveral Air Force Station, Fla.

Boeing Delta Web Site