Gen. William Shelton, head of Air Force Space Command, has ordered an accident investigation board to determine why a Delta IV RL-10B-2 upper-stage engine failed to perform as expected during the Oct. 4 launch of a GPS IIF navigation satellite. Despite the anomaly, the Delta IV did deliver the GPS satellite “into its proper orbit,” states the command’s Oct. 11 release. However, “while the launch was ultimately successful, the time-honored rigor and earnest process of an AIB will serve us well as we attempt to determine the root cause of this anomaly,” said Shelton. He added, “In the end, our objective is continued safe and reliable launch for our nation.” The Air Force’s launch-manifest schedule is currently under review while the root cause is determined, states the release.
The incoming head of the 7th Air Force will face an intense mission while relying on 4th-generation fighters to stave off looming threats from North Korea and China.