Boeing Delays Next Delta IV Launch

Boeing [NYSE: BA] and U.S. Air Force officials
have postponed the Feb. 10 launch of the Defense Satellite Communications
System (DSCS) spacecraft, DSCS III A3, aboard a Delta IV Medium launch
vehicle from Cape Canaveral Air Force Station, Fla.

Launch officials are addressing an issue involving contamination of a valve
in the rocket’s main engine gimbal actuator.

“We’ll be ready for launch at the first available date after the Air Force
resumes operation of the range from their annual upgrade activity,” said Dan
Collins, vice president and program manager of Delta Programs.

DSCS III A3 is the first mission for the U.S. Air Force’s Evolved Expendable
Launch Vehicle program.

The launch will take place from Space Launch Complex 37B.

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 $23 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.