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Boeing Delta II Launches Global Positioning Satellite for U.S. Air Force

CAPE CANAVERAL AIR FORCE STATION, Fla., July 16, 2000 -- A Boeing [NYSE: BA] Delta II rocket today successfully placed the 29th Global Positioning System (GPS) satellite into orbit aboard a Delta rocket. Every GPS satellite launched to date has been carried into its nearly 10,900 mile elliptical transfer orbit by Delta rockets (excluding the Block I satellites used during the research and development phase of the GPS program).

The launch took place at 5:17 a.m. EDT from Space Launch Complex 17A. Boeing has an additional 16 launches manifested aboard the Delta II rocket for the satellite-based GPS (Block IIR satellites). The rocket launched the satellite into a nearly 10,900-mile elliptical transfer orbit.

Recognized as the world's premier navigation satellite system, GPS operates via a constellation of 28 operational satellites, a ground control system, and thousands of terminals to help locate and guide military and civilian users in the air, at sea, on the ground, and in space.

"Boeing has been involved in the Air Force's GPS program since 1974 when the company won contracts to build developmental satellites and receiver sets," said Will Hampton, Boeing director of U.S. Air Force Delta II programs. "We are currently designing, developing, and producing the third generation of GPS satellites -- the Block IIF -- and are proud to continue playing a significant role in this important effort.

"Mission success is our number-one priority, and we help to ensure it by focusing on sound, proven processes that have worked well for Delta II and our customers for years," Hampton said.

"Our efforts have been strengthened by implementing recommendations from the Broad Area Review panel brought together by President Clinton and from the Boeing Mission Assurance Review panel. Maintaining the integrity of Delta's launch success record requires constant attention to detail and a commitment to continuous improvement, so these recommendations serve to reinforce our efforts to remain at the forefront of the space transportation evolution," he said.

The technological evolution continues with development of the Delta III to meet the needs of the commercial launch market for larger payloads, and the Delta IV for the Air Force Evolved Expendable Launch Vehicle Program (EELV). Delta IV is offered as a family of launch vehicles -- Small, Medium and Heavy.

Boeing is working on design, development, and production of the third generation of GPS satellites, the Block IIF, for the Air Force. A number of these satellites will be launched on the Boeing Delta IV under the Air Force EELV program.

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Boeing Delta Web Site: www.boeing.com/delta

Contact Info:
Boeing Communications
(714) 896-1301

Boeing Launch Hotline
(714) 896-4770