Delta II rocket

Overview

The launch of the Mars Global Surveyor onboard a McDonnell Douglas-built Delta II-7925 rocket on November 7, 1996 from Cape Canaveral Air Station, Florida

Delta II rocket systems are used in a variety of applications. Initially phased out of use during the development of the Space Shuttle program, the Challenger accident (January 28, 1986), spurred renewed investment in expendable launch vehicles such as the Delta II.

Delta II rockets have successfully launched over 125 missions into Earth orbit including several Mars missions:

• Mars Global Surveyor (1996)
• Mars Pathfinder (1996)
• Mars Climate Orbiter (1998)
• Mars Polar Lander (1999)
• Mars Odyssey (2001)
• Mars Exploration Rovers - Spirit and Opportunity (2003)

External links

[ http://kevinforsyth.net/delta/ Delta II history ] [ http://www.boeing.com/defense-space/space/delta/delta2/delta2.htm Boeing Integrated Defense Systems ]