ABSTRACT

One of the greatest achievements in the history of the exploration of space was the Delta Launch Vehicle program (Winter, 1990). Figure 3.1 provides an illustration of the equipment involved.

The Delta program is important for a variety of reasons not least of which was that it was a model of public-private partnership. However, very few people know the story of the unique arrangement between the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) and private industry that made Delta such a success.