Inaugural EELV Launch Opens New Era in Launch Systems

EL SEGUNDO, Calif. (8/21/02) -- The inaugural launch of an Atlas V rocket on Aug. 21 from Cape Canaveral Air Force Station was a resounding success, opening a new era in launch systems.

The rocket, built by Lockheed Martin and carrying a commercial payload, is the first vehicle to be launched under the Evolved Expendable Launch Vehicle (EELV) program, the first new government-sponsored launch system developed in the United States in two decades.

The Aerospace Corporation has played an integral role in the EELV program since its inception in 1995.

The aim of the government-industry partnership was to develop the next-generation expendable launch vehicle to give the country more reliable, affordable space transportation for the 21st century. EELV offers improved operability, a 25 to 50 percent cost reduction over current systems, and a standard payload interface flexible enough to accommodate changing mission requirements.

Linda Drake, EELV general manager at Aerospace, said that while the inaugural EELV launch carried a commercial payload–the Eutelsat Hot Bird 6 direct-to-home TV broadcasting satellite–the successful launch was a milestone in the EELV program.

"The government and Aerospace have limited involvement in commercial missions," Drake said. "But Aerospace has had an increasingly significant role in the development of the program. This commercial Atlas V flight is the first indicator of the success of that development."

Lockheed Martin and Boeing have both produced rockets that meet EELV requirements. Boeing's Delta IV is scheduled to make its debut on Oct. 9, also carrying a commercial satellite. The first government EELV launch of a Defense Satellite Communications System satellite is scheduled for Dec. 14 on a Delta IV. Aerospace will provide launch verification for that mission.

The EELV program is managed by the Air Force Space and Missile Systems Center. Aerospace efforts included support from members of the company's Engineering and Technology Group and Space Systems Group.