Posted: Mon, Feb 11, 2002, 7:24 PM ET (0024 GMT)
On the fourth attempt in as many days, a Delta 2 rocket successfully launched five replacement Iridium satellites Monday afternoon. The booster lifted off at 12:43 pm EST (1743 GMT) from Vandenberg Air Force Base, California, after launch attempts on the previous three days were scrubbed by weather and technical problems. The five satellites separated from the Delta 2's upper stage between 63 and 85 minutes after liftoff. The five satellites will be used as on-orbit spares for the existing constellation of Iridium communications satellite. The launch was the 101st for the Delta 2 and the first Delta 2 launch of the year, as well as the first US commercial launch of the year.

Related Links:

•  Boeing press release
•  SPACE.com article
•  Spaceflight Now launch status center