The Delta III rocket was an expendable launch vehicle made by Boeing. The first Delta III launch was on August 26, 1998. Of its three flights, the first two were failures, and the third, though declared successful, reached the low end of its targeted orbit range and carried only a dummy (inert) payload. Delta III had the capability to deliver 8,400 pounds (3,800 kilograms) of cargo to geostationary transfer orbit, twice the payload of its predece...
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The Delta III rocket was an expendable launch vehicle made by Boeing. The first Delta III launch was on August 26, 1998. Of its three flights, the first two were failures, and the third, though declared successful, reached the low end of its targeted orbit range and carried only a dummy (inert) payload. Delta III had the capability to deliver 8,400 pounds (3,800 kilograms) of cargo to geostationary transfer orbit, twice the payload of its predecessor in the Delta rocket family, the Delta II.
Throughout the 1990s, satellite masses were growing steadily. It was apparent that the Delta II could not lift many upcoming payloads. In addition, the Delta was a relatively complex launch vehicle, designed for mission flexibility and low development costs rather than low operating cost. Boeing felt the need to maintain market position, through increased capacity, more competitive pricing, and expedited launch-site operations.
Delta Flight 259: The inaugural launch on 26 August 1998 from Cape...
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