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Boeing Continues Successful Launches of Mars Missions for NASA

ST. LOUIS, June 10, 2003 - Mars Exploration Rover-A (MER-A), the
first of two NASA science missions being launched this month, has
begun its journey to Mars after successfully being deployed to space
today by a Boeing [NYSE: BA] Delta II rocket.

The Delta II lifted off from Space Launch Complex 17A, Cape Canaveral
Air Force Station, Fla., at an instantaneous window of 1:58:47 p.m.
EDT. Approximately 37 minutes later, the spacecraft carrying MER-A
separated from the launch vehicle.

MER-A is scheduled to land on Mars on Jan. 4, 2004.

"Launching at the instantaneous window is certainly an important
factor in contributing to the success of NASA's Mars Exploration
Rover missions. I'm proud of the efforts by the government and
industry team that made today's launch successful, and that the Delta
II continues to be called upon by NASA to support these important
science missions," said Jay Witzling, vice president and deputy
program manager, Boeing Delta programs. 

Following a parachute and air bag landing, MER-A will begin roaming
and will activate a panoramic camera to image the surface and sky of
Mars. Using precision instruments, the Rover will examine samples of
the Martian terrain to help scientists determine if past water
activity could have supported life on Mars. Communication with
scientists on Earth will be enhanced by use of the Mars Odyssey
spacecraft as a relay station, which is orbiting Mars. 

MER-B, the second of the two missions, is scheduled to launch on June
25 from Cape Canaveral aboard the new Delta II Heavy launch vehicle.
It is scheduled to land on Mars on Jan. 25, 2004 and will perform
similar tasks as MER-A.

NASA's Jet Propulsion Laboratory and Kennedy Space Center manage the
MER missions that are part of NASA's Mars Exploration Program, a
long-term effort of robotic exploration of Mars.

Boeing has successfully launched all of NASA's Mars probes and rovers
aboard Delta II launch vehicles.

A unit of The Boeing Company, Integrated Defense Systems is one of
the world's largest space and defense businesses. Headquartered in
St. Louis, Boeing Integrated Defense Systems is a $25 billion
business. It provides systems solutions to its global military,
government and commercial customers. It is a leading provider of
intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance; the world's largest
military aircraft manufacturer; the world's largest satellite
manufacturer and a leading provider of space-based communications;
the primary systems integrator for U.S. missile defense; NASA's
largest contractor; and a global leader in launch services. 

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Contacts:
Robert Villanueva
Boeing Expendable Launch Systems
(714) 372-2089 Office
(714) 330-1781 Mobile

Madonna Walsh
Boeing IDS News Bureau
(314) 234-1362 Office
(314) 705-0717 Mobile

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