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Boeing Co.,
to restore confidence in its Delta III rocket, plans to fly a
payload simulator on the launch vehicle’s flight in August. The
launch decision by Boeing is intended to demonstrate to
satellite-system operators that the rocket works. The
launch is tentatively scheduled for August 19 from pad 17B at Cape
Canaveral Air Force Station, Fla. A four-hour launch window will
be available from 4 to 8 a.m. PDT.
 The
4310 kg (9500 lbm) satellite simulator was built at Boeing’s
Huntington Beach, Ca., factory. The mockup is made up of steel and
aluminum plates and cylinders that produce the same dynamic
characteristics of Orion 3. The rocket will be outfitted with
special instrumentation to collect as much information as possible
during launch. There will be 120 extra measurements taken, such as
pressure, temperature and acceleration, from different locations
on the rocket. Seventy measurements will be located on the second
stage. The rocket will also carry an onboard video camera to watch
the second stage engine during the flight.
The
Delta III launch price is expected to range between US$75 – 90
million. Boeing is introducing the rocket during a period when the
industry is entering a period of excess capacity to launch
satellites. The Delta III employs some key technologies that
Boeing plans to use on its next-generation line of Delta IV
rockets.
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