The Delta launch vehicle has experienced 153 successful launches since 1960 and 40 more are scheduled. Relying on up-to-date technology and proven flight hardware, the Delta vehicle has been used for low to high circular and geosynchronous transfer orbits, high elliptic probes, and lunar and planetary missions. A history of Delta launches and configuration modifications is presented, noting a 92-95% success rate and its cost effective role in reimbursable missions. Elements of mission planning such as feasibility studies (1-3 yrs), spacecraft restraints manuals, reference trajectories, preliminary mission analysis, detailed test objectives, range/safety studies, guided nominal trajectory, and mission specific studies are discussed. Trajectory shaping determines vehicle and spacecraft restraints, optimizes the trajectory, and maximizes the payload capabilities. Improvements in the Delta vehicle have boosted payloads from 100 to 2890 lbs., improving the price per pound ratio, as costs have risen, only by a factor of three. Current launch schedules extend well into 1985.
Experiences in Delta mission planning
In: The year of the Shuttle ; 1981 ; Cocoa Beach, FL
1981-01-01
Miscellaneous
No indication
English
Delta mission planning in the Shuttle transition era
NTRS | 1982
|Delta mission planning in the Shuttle transition era
AIAA | 1982
|Delta II Stardust Mission Briefing
NTRS | 1999
AIAA | 2021
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