Boeing Delta III Failure Investigation Results Released

Boeing released the findings today of its investigation into the May 1999 failure of a Delta III rocket.
 
The failure, which left a communications satellite in a lower-than-expected orbit, was attributed to a breach in the combustion chamber of the rocket’s second-stage engine.
 
The report follows up on the interim report released in August 1999 when Boeing transitioned its efforts from an investigation into the cause to return-to-flight activities. The company declared the Delta III rocket mission ready at the completion of its return-to-flight effort in April 2000.
 
To view an abbreviated version of the report, visit the Delta web site at www.boeing.com/defense-space/space/delta/delta3/d3_report.pdf