Boeing is to spend $250 million on restoring a launch site at Cape Canaveral for its Delta IV Evolved Expendable Launch Vehicle (EELV).
All that is left of Launch Complex 37 (LC37) is the stand. Although eight early versions of the Saturn 1 rocket were launched from LC37, starting in October 1962, it was later mothballed.
Boeing's plans to resurrect the site initially include building one launch pad, employing around 250 staff, although a second pad could be built if necessary. It will be capable of launching 18 Delta IVs a year, from January 2001.
The Delta IVs will be assembled horizontally in a new integration building close to the pad, rather than on the pad - as is the case with the Delta II and III at LC17 - cutting pad time from 24 days to a maximum of eight.
Meanwhile, Lockheed Martin will begin work on its EELV pad, No 41, at the Cape in October. Both Boeing and Lockheed Martin will be awarded portions of the US Air Force's EELV contract later this year.
Boeing has awarded Standex International's Spincraft division a $147 million contract to build the fuel tank domes for the Delta IV.
Source: Flight International