Space Systems/Loral has booked five launches of the McDonnell Douglas (MDC) Delta 3 booster from 1999 to 2001, to ensure that it can meet the demands of its communications-satellite customers. Loral has also reserved 16 launches on Arianespace, US/Russian ILS International Launch Services Proton and Japanese H2A boosters in addition to its firm launch contracts (Flight International, 11-17 December, 1996). The Delta 3, which will have its maiden flight in 1998, will be able to place 3,810 kg into geostationary-transfer orbit and 8,290kg into low-Earth orbit. The launcher now has 18 commitments. MDC hopes to resume launches of the Delta 2 in May, after the launch failure in January.
Source: Flight International
