A Boeing
Delta II rocket is poised to help NASA investigate the
beginnings of our solar system by launching Genesis into a halo orbit
between the Earth and Sun. The spacecraft’s goal is to capture and
return the first sample of extraterrestrial material in the new
millennium.

The Boeing Delta II is tasked with completing one of the most
crucial phases of this mission by launching the Genesis spacecraft
during a two minute window from Space Launch Complex 17A at Cape
Canaveral Air Force Station, Fla. on July 30 at 12:36 p.m. EDT.

“We have worked closely with NASA on nearly 200 missions, bringing
forth tremendous results,” said Rich Murphy, Boeing mission director
for the Genesis launch.

“While the Boeing Delta II launch success rate leads the market,
we remain vigilant in making certain the Genesis launch builds on this
highly successful track record.”

The results from the Genesis mission will help scientists better
understand the formation of planets, moons, asteroids, comets and the
sun.

The Boeing Delta II 7326 first stage features the Boeing
Rocketdyne RS-27A main engine and three solid rocket motors. It will
provide more than 500,000 pounds of thrust to send Genesis into a
halo orbit around one of Earth’s Lagrange points (L1), where the
gravitational pull between the Earth and sun is balanced.

After 30 months in space, the sample particles captured by Genesis
will be brought back to earth for an exciting mid-air helicopter
recovery.

Boeing remains to be NASA’s preferred launch service provider with
a proven history of success. During the most recent NASA mission
aboard a Boeing Delta II, the rocket placed MAP on its course with
such great precision and accuracy that NASA mission managers found it
unnecessary to perform spacecraft controlled adjustments. The result
translates into additional station keeping fuel and an extended probe
life.

The Boeing Company is the largest aerospace company in the world
and the United States’ leading exporter. It is the world’s largest
NASA contractor and the largest manufacturer of commercial jetliners
and military aircraft. The company’s capabilities in aerospace also
include rotorcraft, electronic and defense systems, missiles, rocket
engines, launch vehicles, and advanced information and communication
systems. The company has an extensive global reach with customers in
145 countries and manufacturing operations throughout the United
States, Canada and Australia.

NOTE TO EDITORS: All media representatives attending this launch
must assemble on July 30, at Gate 1 Pass & Identification Building,
Cape Canaveral Air Force Station, Fla. Departure for Press Site 1 will
be at 11:15 a.m. EDT. To attend this launch, you will need Genesis
badges issued by NASA/KSC. Annual KSC badges or other Space Shuttle
launch credentials will not be honored on Genesis launch day. After
launch, media may leave unescorted to Gate 1. An escort is required
for all other areas of Cape Canaveral Air Force Station.