TITAN IV Launch Scheduled

VANDENBERG AFB, Calif. – Vandenberg is scheduled to launch a Titan-IVB
launch vehicle carrying a national security payload from Space Launch
Complex 4-East, Monday at 2:19 p.m. This will be the first Titan IV
launched from Vandenberg this year.

Titan IVB is a heavy-lift space launch vehicle used to carry government
payload satellites into space. It is launched from Cape Canaveral AFS,
Florida, and Vandenberg AFB, Calif. The Titan IVB is the most recent and
largest unmanned space booster used by the Air Force. It provides assured
capability for launch of space shuttle-class payloads.
The Titan family was established in October 1955 when the Air Force awarded
the then Martin Company a contract to build a heavy-duty space system. It
became known as the Titan I, the nation’s first two-stage, intercontinental
ballistic missile (ICBM) and first underground silo-based ICBM. Titan I
provided many structural and propulsion techniques that were later
incorporated into the Titan II. Years later, the Titan IVB evolved from the
Titan III family and is similar to the Titan 34D. The last Titan IVA was
launched in Aug 1998. The first Titan IVB flew on February 23, 1997. The
Titan IVB is an upgraded rocket having a new guidance system, flight
termination system, ground checkout system, Solid Rocket Motor Upgrade, and
a 25 percent increase in thrust capability.

MEDIA ADVISORY: Media wishing to cover the launch must be credentialed by
Vandenberg public affairs and arrive at the main Gate Visitor Center parking
lot not later than 1:19 p.m. for escort to the viewing location. Media not
credentialed by the base must fax or e-mail the following to the public
affairs office, attn. Capt. Tom Knowles, 10: a.m. Monday: Letter from
assignment editor to 30SW/PA media relations, on company letterhead,
requesting credentials to cover the launch. The letter must include full
names of all attendees and job title i.e. reporter, photographer, producer,
etc.