DELTA M FACT SHEET

By Cliff Lethbridge

Delta M Launch, Photo Courtesy NASA

Classification: Space Launch Vehicle

Length: 106 feet, 4 inches

Diameter: 8 feet

Date of First Cape Canaveral Launch: September 18, 1968

Date of Final Cape Canaveral Launch: February 2, 1971

Number of Cape Canaveral Launches: 12

Like the Delta L, the Delta M was referred to as a Long Tank Delta (LTD) or Long Tank Thrust Augmented Delta (LTTAD). However, the Delta M was a Delta J with an elongated first stage fuel tank and improved Castor solid rocket boosters. Stated more simply, the Delta L and Delta M were identical except for the third stage. The Delta L carried the Delta E third stage, while the Delta M carried the Delta J third stage. The Delta M could carry a 2,200-pound payload to low-Earth orbit or a 785-pound payload to geostationary transfer orbit.