The Delta 0100 series, also Delta 100, 0300 or 300 series, was an American expendable launch system which conducted orbital launches between 1968 and 1972. It was a member of the Delta family of rockets, and the first to be designated using a four digit numerical code. Two variants were flown, individually designated Delta 0300 and Delta 0900.

Delta 0100 series
Delta 0900 prior to the launch of Nimbus 5.
FunctionExpendable launch system
Country of originUnited States
Size
Stages
  • Long Tank Thor
  • Delta F
  • Castor 2 (3, 9)
Launch history
StatusRetired
Launch sitesVandenberg SLC-2W
Total launches5
Success(es)4
Failure(s)1
First flight23 July 1972
Last flight6 November 1973

The Long Tank Thor, a stretched version of the Thor missile, was used as the first stage of the Delta 0100 series. Castor-2 solid rocket boosters were attached to increase thrust at lift-off, three on the 0300 variant, and nine on the 0900. The second stage was a Delta F.

Five 0100 series rockets were launched, three using the 0300 configuration, and two in the 0900 configuration. All launches occurred from Space Launch Complex 2W at Vandenberg AFB. There was one failure, the launch of ITOS E on July 16, 1973. A hydraulic pump malfunction led to loss of pressure to the second stage attitude control thrusters, causing the launch vehicle to tumble out of control and break up in the atmosphere.

The Japanese N-I launch vehicle was derived from the Delta 0300, using a Japanese LE-3 engine on the second stage.[1][2]

Capabilities

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Capacity of the Delta 0100:

References

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  1. ^ Wade, Mark. "Delta". Archived from the original on 2008-07-24.
  2. ^ Krebs, Gunter. "Thor Family". Gunter's Space Page. Archived from the original on 2007-08-06. Retrieved 2021-12-21.
  3. ^ "NASA - NSSDCA - Spacecraft - Telemetry Details". NASA. October 28, 2022. Retrieved April 23, 2023.
  4. ^ "NASA - NSSDCA - Spacecraft - Details". NASA. October 28, 2022. Retrieved April 23, 2023.
  5. ^ "Delta 0100". Astronautix. Retrieved April 23, 2023.