Air Force launches first EELV payload Published March 11, 2003 CAPE CANAVERAL AIR FORCE STATION, Fla. (AFPN) -- The Air Force launched its first military satellite payload on an Evolved Expendable Launch Vehicle from here March 10.The military payload, a Defense Satellite Communications System satellite, was lifted into orbit by a Boeing Delta IV rocket.The Delta IV and Lockheed Martin's Atlas V are the two families of EELVs developed with the Air Force to modernize and reduce the cost of America's space-lift operations. Both flew their maiden missions with commercial payloads last year."Today's launch marks the dawn of a new day for national security space programs," said Lt. Col. Tony Taliancich, director of the EELV Cape Consolidated Task Force. "It culminates our joint efforts with industry to develop a national launch capability that satisfies both government and commercial needs.""This ... satellite will be positioned over the Indian Ocean and should be fully operational by July 1. That's about a 55-day reduction from nominal on-orbit checkout operations," said Capt. Greg Ellingson, from Detachment 8 of the Space and Missile Systems Center. "Getting this satellite up and running is being accelerated because it's critical to our warfighters' needs for current national security operations."