Boeing Delta II Iridium 90-95 Launches from Vandenberg AFB 02-11-2002
A Boeing Delta II rocket launched the latest additions to the Iridium satellite constellation Monday from Vandenberg Air Force Base, Calif. at 9:44 a.m. PST.
The Delta II launch vehicle deployed five satellites into low-Earth orbit to serve as spares for Iridium Satellite's worldwide communications network. Monday's launch of IS-1 marks the first Delta mission of 2002 and the 101st Boeing Delta II mission since 1989.
The first satellite was placed into orbit 62 minutes into the mission, followed by the other four within 23 minutes.
"We've teamed with Iridium since the early 1990s and the Delta II team is proud to add to the constellation again," said Jay Witzling, vice president and deputy program manager of Delta and Titan programs. "I've been in this business for many years, and have seen many launches, but it's still a thrill to see the rocket fly and to place a customer's spacecraft successfully into its proper orbit."
To date, Boeing Delta II launch vehicles have successfully placed 60 of Iridium's satellites into orbit, starting with the initial launch in May 1997. 02-11-2002
Read MoreThe Delta II launch vehicle deployed five satellites into low-Earth orbit to serve as spares for Iridium Satellite's worldwide communications network. Monday's launch of IS-1 marks the first Delta mission of 2002 and the 101st Boeing Delta II mission since 1989.
The first satellite was placed into orbit 62 minutes into the mission, followed by the other four within 23 minutes.
"We've teamed with Iridium since the early 1990s and the Delta II team is proud to add to the constellation again," said Jay Witzling, vice president and deputy program manager of Delta and Titan programs. "I've been in this business for many years, and have seen many launches, but it's still a thrill to see the rocket fly and to place a customer's spacecraft successfully into its proper orbit."
To date, Boeing Delta II launch vehicles have successfully placed 60 of Iridium's satellites into orbit, starting with the initial launch in May 1997. 02-11-2002
