Press Release

Boeing Dedicates New Delta IV Launch Complex At Cape Canaveral

By SpaceRef Editor
October 9, 2001
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Unveiled to the theme from the motion picture “The Right
Stuff(c),” Boeing today dedicated its new Space Launch
Complex (SLC) 37 facility at Cape Canaveral Air Force Station.

SLC-37 is the newest, most state-of-the-art rocket processing and
launch facility and will serve as the home of east coast launch
operations for the new Boeing Delta IV, which is part of the Air
Force’s Evolved Expendable Launch Vehicle program.

Today’s dedication ceremony marked the completion of the final
element of the new facility — the launch pad itself.

On hand for today’s ceremony were Congressman Dave Weldon of
Florida; Secretary of the Air Force James G. Roche; Principal Deputy
Assistant Secretary of the Air Force for Acquisition and Management
Darleen Druyun, and Florida Lieutenant Governor Frank T. Brogan.

“The completion of Space Launch Complex 37 brings Boeing one step
closer to providing the next generation of launch services with the
new Boeing Delta IV,” said Jim Albaugh, president and chief executive
officer of Boeing Space and Communications. “Our Delta IV launch
service incorporates new concepts and technologies that enable rockets
to be produced, processed and launched more safely, reliably,
efficiently and affordably. We’re looking forward to the first flight
of the Delta IV from SLC-37 next year.”

The new SLC-37 facility will process and launch all five variants
of the Delta IV family that includes the Delta IV Medium, three
versions of the Delta IV Medium+, and the Delta IV Heavy. SLC-37 will
enable the Boeing Delta team to prepare a Delta IV launch vehicle in
fewer than 30 days upon its arrival from the factory, reducing on-pad
preparation time to about 10 days, which significantly reduces costs.

“This new launch capability enhances our access to space, provides
increased operational flexibility, and deepens the commitment of our
industrial base teammates to world-class space launch systems,” said
Roche. “We look forward to building on this public-private partnership
to serve America’s needs in space.”

In addition to the launch pad, SLC-37 also includes the Delta IV
Horizontal Integration Facility, Operations Center and Logistics
Operations buildings.

The Boeing Delta team has already begun preliminary operations of
SLC-37 to test its new systems, structures and processes.

The Delta IV is scheduled to begin service early next year and is
sold out for 2001 with four planned launches. The Delta IV is already
halfway sold out for 2003, which is when construction of the new SLC-6
facility at Vandenberg Air Force Base, Calif., is targeted for
completion.

The Boeing Co., with headquarters in Chicago, is the largest
aerospace company in the world and the United States’ leading
exporter. It is the world’s largest manufacturer of commercial
jetliners and military aircraft, and the largest NASA contractor.

The company’s capabilities in aerospace also include rotorcraft,
electronic and defense systems, missiles, rocket engines, launch
vehicles, satellites, 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: A special media Web site has been established to
obtain high-resolution imagery and information on SLC-37, and will be
updated with photos and video from the dedication. The Web site is
located at: http://hbexternal.cal.boeing.com/index.html

SpaceRef staff editor.