CAPE CANAVERAL AIR STATION, Fla., June 24, 1999 -- A Boeing Delta II launch vehicle lifted off at 11:44 a.m. EDT, placing a satellite telescope into orbit that will increase astronomers' abilities to test basic theories about the evolution of galaxies and the formation of the universe. The Far Ultraviolet Spectroscopic Explorer (FUSE) satellite is sensitive to a portion of the energy spectrum of light that is invisible to the eye. FUSE will allow astronomers to study ultraviolet light wavelengths that are unobservable to other telescopes. The launch is one in the series of Medium Light (Med-Lite) launches for NASA and the first using a two-stage Delta equipped with a 10-foot-diameter fairing to protect the payload and three, instead of the usual nine, solid rocket motors on the first stage.

Photo Credit: Boeing Photo

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Boeing Delta II Boosts NASA Satellite Telescope Into Orbit