The Delta IV launches from Vandenberg Nov. 4 at 5:53 a.m. Image courtesy of Boeing.

Delta IV DMSP F-17 Launch a Success

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. (11/4/06) — The Defense Meteorological Satellite Program (DMSP) F-17 spacecraft launched aboard a Delta IV rocket Saturday, Nov. 4, from Space Launch Complex 6 at Vandenberg Air Force Base. The launch occurred at 5:53 a.m. PST.

The Delta IV operations team within The Aerospace Corporation's Space Launch Operations (SLO) has supported the development of the Delta IV launch system from its inception as one of the next-generation of launch capabilities known as the Evolved Expendable Launch Vehicle. The corporation' s Space Program Operation’s Meteorological Satellite Systems group also played a key mission assurance role on the F-17 satellite.

Aerospace’s Delta IV team performed extensive launch verification to assess flight worthiness and launch readiness for the Nov. 4 launch. This process included the definition and verification of rocket and satellite interface, review of hardware build records and tests, as well as independent verification of mission analyses and software. Analysis and monitoring continued during launch site processing, countdown, and post-launch operations.

Aerospace has supported DMSP for more than 30 years. Teams within the company's Meteorological Satellite Systems group are involved with every aspect of flight mission assurance for DMSP satellites, from early satellite integration and testing to launch countdown monitoring to on-orbit analysis and operations.

Each DMSP satellite is placed in near-polar orbit for strategic and tactical weather prediction and is equipped with sensors designed for the military’s specialized meteorological, oceanographic, and solar-geophysical needs. The satellites also provide space environmental data to assist with high-frequency communications, over-the-horizon radar, and reentry tasks.

The Aerospace Corporation is an independent, nonprofit company that provides objective technical analyses and assessments for national-security space programs and selected civil and commercial space programs in the national interest.

Media inquiries: Dave Jonta, 310-336-5041, david.l.jonta@aero.org