The Delta III launch vehicle was intended as an upgraded Delta II which could compete in the lucrative GTO launch market.   Designed by Boeing Expendable Launch System of Huntington Beach, CA, the Delta III is off to a slow commercial start with two initial launch failures.  The Delta III uses a stretched Delta II core, larger Graphite Epoxy Motors (GEM's), and a cryogenic upper stage to place intermediate class payloads into orbit.  The Delta III has been contracted to place the bulk of Hughes' ICO Global satellites into their MEO orbits.

Although the Delta III has approximately 20 launches in its backlog, Boeing already has plans to phase out the Delta III in favor of the Delta IV launch vehicle.  Until that time, the Delta III will be flow primarily out of the Eastern Test Range in Florida.