Boeing Delta II Rocket Successfully Launches Experimental Reconnaissance Satellite

By Cliff Lethbridge

CAPE CANAVERAL AIR FORCE STATION, FL (May 18, 2001) - A Boeing Delta II 7925 rocket successfully launched the GeoLITE satellite from Launch Pad 17B at 1:45 p.m. EDT today. Launch was originally scheduled for May 17 but was postponed 24 hours to allow a series of flexible hoses on the rocket's first stage engine to be replaced. Leaks had been found in similar hoses during recent factory testing and replacement of these components at the launch pad was viewed as a precautionary measure only. Today's launch was delayed about 38 minutes to allow troubleshooting of a last-minute payload telemetry glitch and to allow the Coast Guard time to escort a stray boat out of the launch danger area in offshore Atlantic waters.

GeoLITE, short for Geosynchronous Lightweight Technology Experiment, is a product of the National Reconnaissance Office (NRO), a Department of Defense agency headquartered in Chantilly, Virginia. Built by TRW, GeoLITE is an advanced technology demonstration satellite which carries a laser communications experiment and operational UHF communications system. The satellite will be operated by NRO and in keeping with NRO policy, specific information about the operation of the satellite and its capabilities will remain secret. This marks the first time an NRO satellite has been launched aboard a Delta rocket.

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