The Boeing Co. today said its Delta 4 Heavy launch placed a demonstration payload into a lower than expected orbit. According to Boeing, preliminary review of the launch data indicated that shorter than expected first-stage burn led to the low orbit. But officials said the flight objectives were accomplished in the all-up test of the new launch vehicle. The launch occurred Dec. 21 at 4:50 p.m. EST from the Space Launch Complex 37B at the Cape Canaveral Air Force Station in Florida.

“While the demonstration satellite did not reach its intended orbit, we now have enough information and confidence in the Delta 4 Heavy to move forward with preparations for the upcoming Defense Support Program launch in 2005,” saidDan Collins, vice president of Boeing Expendable Launch Systems.

The company noted that the heavy boost phase, the new five meter upper stage and five meter payload fairing, extended coast, upper stage third burn and payload separation, and activation and usage of Space Launch Complex 37B for a Heavy launch were all successfully demonstrated.