Titan-IV launch re-scheduled

VANDENBERG AFB, Calif. – The launch of a Titan-IVB carrying a national
security payload from Space Launch Complex 4-East, has been re-scheduled for
Friday at 2:19 p.m. This will be the first Titan IV launched from
Vandenberg this year.

Titan IVB is the Air Force’s largest 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. 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.