Quote from: Lurker Steve on 02/22/2013 09:07 pmHow many more Delta IIs need a mission ? There were parts for 5 more launches, right ? If this is the fourth manifested Delta 2 launch, then there should be one remaining, probably. This will use a 7320.Interesting that Delta 2, even a shelved program Delta 2, keeps winning over other rockets that could handle the payloads. Maybe ULA should ring up Rocketdyne and Aerojet to order a few more "spare parts". - Ed Kyle
How many more Delta IIs need a mission ? There were parts for 5 more launches, right ?
ICESat (1) was launched on D-294 Delta II 7320-10.
Not really a surprise that the Delta II got this contract, given the previous three launches it was awarded (OCO-2, SMAP, and JPSS-1) and when ICESat-2 is scheduled to fly. This leaves critical parts for one more Delta II — but I'm not so sure that there's another appropriately-sized NASA payload that would a ride to space from Vandenberg before Falcon 9 and Antares get established.
This leaves critical parts for one more Delta II — but I'm not so sure that there's another appropriately-sized NASA payload that would need a ride to space from Vandenberg before Falcon 9 and Antares get established.
Is there a GLORY 2 in the works?
If this is the fourth manifested Delta 2 launch, then there should be one remaining, probably. This will use a 7320.Interesting that Delta 2, even a shelved program Delta 2, keeps winning over other rockets that could handle the payloads. Maybe ULA should ring up Rocketdyne and Aerojet to order a few more "spare parts". - Ed Kyle
Interesting that Delta 2, even a shelved program Delta 2, keeps winning over other rockets that could handle the payloads. Maybe ULA should ring up Rocketdyne and Aerojet to order a few more "spare parts".
OT, but Ed when was the last Delta upper stage failure (excluding Delta IV and any fairing issues).