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Delta E

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description Delta E Overview

Delta E was an American Delta rocket variant introduced around 1965 with an upgraded second-stage engine and enlarged tanks, offering improved payload performance over earlier lettered Delta versions.

help Delta E FAQ

What was Delta E, and when was it used?

Delta E, also called Thor-Delta E, was an American expendable launch vehicle used for orbital missions from 1965 to 1971. The variant completed 23 orbital launches. [Delta E fact sheet](https://www.spaceline.org/cape-canaveral-rocket-missile-program/delta-e/)

What did the first Delta E launch carry?

The first Delta E launched Explorer 29, also known as GEOS-1, on November 6, 1965. The satellite was designed for geodetic studies of Earth's shape and gravitational field.

How many stages and strap-on boosters did Delta E have?

Delta E used three stages and three Castor I solid rocket boosters attached to its Thor first stage. The boosters increased thrust during the early part of launch.

How did Delta E improve on earlier Delta rockets?

It used an upgraded Aerojet AJ-10-118E engine in the second stage and incorporated enlarged tanks. Those changes improved payload performance over earlier lettered Delta versions.

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