The third flight of the
Boeing Delta IV today successfully deployed the U.S. Air Force’s
Defense Satellite Communications System (DSCS) spacecraft, DSCS III B6.

The Delta IV Medium launch vehicle carrying DSCS III B6 lifted off at 7:13
p.m. EDT from Space Launch Complex 37B, Cape Canaveral Air Force Station, Fla.
Approximately 42 minutes after liftoff, the Delta IV delivered the
communications satellite to a geosynchronous transfer orbit.

Today’s mission was the final installment for the Air Force’s DSCS
program. The Air Force Space Command operates 10 Phase III DSCS satellites
that provide defense officials and battlefield commanders secure voice and
high rate data communications. The DSCS III system also transmits space
operations and early warning data to various systems and users.

“This was a great mission and our second successful launch this week. Our
team did a great job in preparing the vehicle and executing the mission. I am
very proud of the entire Delta family,” said Dan Collins, vice president and
program manager, Boeing Delta Programs.

The Delta IV Medium configuration launch vehicle features the Boeing-built
Common Booster Core first stage, RS-68 main engine, and four-meter composite
payload fairing, all of which have flown successfully in three consecutive
missions so far.

The next scheduled Delta launch is another mission for the Air Force. A
Delta II will deploy the Global Positioning System satellite, GPS IIR-10. The
launch is planned for October from Cape Canaveral.

A unit of The Boeing Company, Integrated Defense Systems is one of the
world’s largest space and defense businesses. Headquartered in St. Louis,
Boeing Integrated Defense Systems is a $25 billion business. It provides
systems solutions to its global military, government and commercial customers.
It is a leading provider of intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance; the
world’s largest military aircraft manufacturer; the world’s largest satellite
manufacturer and a leading provider of space-based communications; the primary
systems integrator for U.S. missile defense; NASA’s largest contractor; and a
global leader in launch services.