BOEING EXPECTED TO GET EELV LAUNCH DESPITE EARLIER REPORTS
Despite earlier reports that Boeing might lose key launch of Air Force’s evolved expendable launch vehicle (EELV) program next year, Boeing spokesman said “more up-to-date information” resulted in Air Force announcing that Boeing would still be expected to launch vehicle in May 2002. But Air Force could switch to Lockheed Martin if Boeing vehicle couldn’t be flown. Air Force was said to be taking steps to move launch from Boeing to rival Lockheed Martin. Move would echo reported transfers of 90 postponed launches from satellite companies. Forty of postponed launches were Boeing and Lockheed Martin flights for SkyBridge project. They were supported by Alcatel and ICO-Teledesic Global led by Craig McCaw. Spokesman for ICO-Teledesic wouldn’t comment on whether company had alternative plans in place after postponement. Lockheed Martin spokesman also declined comment.
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Postponements were part of overall decline in satellite launch market as tight U.S. export controls for flights and other factors contributed to 30% decline in global market share for U.S. companies last year (CD Feb 7 p5). Futron analyst Elaine Gresham said strong U.S. dollar vs. weaker euro and other European currencies and strengthening European companies such as Arianespace also were factors in drop for U.S. launch companies.
Seeming change in Air Force tune is based partly on positive test results for launch vehicle that"have validated the design changes we've needed to make,” Boeing spokesman said. “In the last week we have been testing an RS-68 engine that incorporated all of the design changes we needed to make and that engine has performed as expected across the board,” he said. “The Air Force is planning for the first EELV government launch to be with Boeing as is currently scheduled,” he said. “However, with the basic contract, the Air Force preserved the option for each of the EELV contractors to provide a backup if necessary for all government launches.”