|
|
|
|
|
As I mentioned here, on October 21st the last Titan II rocket launched and succesfully deployed a satellite into orbit. A nice picture of the liftoff is here, along with some background information about the rocket and it's history.
More amazing photos here and here.
According to online sources, "there are probably 30 more Titans at Davis-Monthan AFB, but maybe only one fully reconditioned and ready for flight. At the time of the Titan II deactivation, there were 52 missiles + spares in serviceable condition - I think something less than 15 were selected for use as satellite boosters - they got guidance upgrades, safety upgrades, and assorted what-not."
The current undisputed workhorse of the US lifter fleet are the Boeing Deltas. Some beautiful pictures of the Delta II, Delta III, and Delta IV can be found at the Boeing Gallery website. Be sure to look around a bit, because there are multiple pages of photos.
Posted by Ted at November 3, 2003 09:56 PMSorry Ted, I dispute your "undisputed" assertion. The Atlas V (which I work on) currently has as many successful launches as the Delta IV. And with the governments recent punishment of Boeings illegal conduct during the EELV competition, the Atlas V has more contracted launches than the Delta IV.
Posted by: Rocket Man at November 4, 2003 02:15 AMReally? Wow, I had no idea (obviously). I thought the Atlas launches were being phased out too, just at a slower rate than the Titans. Thanks for the correction!
Posted by: Ted at November 4, 2003 05:12 AMWe are phasing out the Titan II, Titan IV and the Atlas III, but not the Atlas V. Note that the "rocket scientists" at my company decided to skip the Atlas IV.
Posted by: Rocket Man at November 4, 2003 09:33 AM
