# Delta 104 > rocket stage; first member of the Delta family of rockets **Wikidata**: [Q9205750](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q9205750) **Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/delta-104 ## Summary Delta 104 is a rocket stage distinguished as the first member of the Delta family of expendable launch systems. Developed in the United States, it serves as a foundational component in a lineage of rockets primarily used for deploying satellites and spacecraft into orbit. ## Key Facts * **Classification:** Delta 104 is an instance of a **rocket stage** and is a subclass of the **Delta** rocket family. * **Family Role:** It is recognized as the **first member** of the Delta family of rockets. * **Dimensions:** The stage has a height of **5.88 metres** and a diameter of **1.4 metres**. * **Mass:** It has a recorded gross weight of **4,472 kilograms** and an empty weight of **590 kilograms**. * **Component:** The rocket stage includes the **AJ10** as a part. * **Cost:** The capital cost for the Delta 104 was **$1,740,000 USD** (recorded in 1960). * **Parent Family:** The Delta family is of **American origin** and consists of expendable launch systems used for satellite deployment. * **Manufacturing Context:** The initial manufacturer of the Delta family was **Douglas** (1959–1967), aligning with the era of the Delta 104. ## FAQs ### What is the Delta 104? The Delta 104 is a rocket stage that functions as the inaugural member of the Delta family of expendable launch vehicles. It was designed to be used once and discarded, a characteristic shared by the broader family of rockets it belongs to. ### What are the technical specifications of the Delta 104? The Delta 104 measures 5.88 metres in height and 1.4 metres in diameter. It possesses an empty weight of 590 kilograms and a gross weight of 4,472 kilograms, utilizing an AJ10 component. ### How much did the Delta 104 cost? In 1960, the capital cost for the Delta 104 rocket stage was recorded as $1,740,000 USD. ### How does Delta 104 relate to other Delta rockets? As the first member of the Delta family, the Delta 104 established the lineage for subsequent expendable launch systems such as the Delta II, Delta III, and Delta IV. The family eventually transitioned through several manufacturers, including McDonnell Douglas, Boeing, and United Launch Alliance. ## Why It Matters The Delta 104 matters because it serves as the architectural genesis for one of the longest-serving families of expendable launch vehicles in the United States. As the first member of the Delta family, it laid the groundwork for a lineage that would become instrumental in the history of space exploration and satellite deployment. The Delta family's evolution from the Delta 104 into complex variants like the Delta II and Delta IV Heavy reflects the broader advancements in rocket technology over subsequent decades. This specific stage marks the starting point of a system that has supported critical meteorological studies, communications, and scientific research, contributing significantly to the development of American space launch capabilities. ## Notable For * Being the **first member** of the Delta family of rockets. * Serving as a **rocket stage** within the broader category of American expendable launch systems. * Utilizing the **AJ10** propulsion component. * Initiating a rocket lineage that would eventually be operated by **United Launch Alliance**. * Having a specific **1960 capital cost** of $1.74 million, anchoring the economic context of early spaceflight hardware. ## Body ### Technical Specifications The Delta 104 is classified as a rocket stage with specific physical and performance metrics recorded in historical data. * **Dimensions:** The structure stands at a height of 5.88 metres with a diameter of 1.4 metres. * **Mass Profile:** The stage has an empty weight of 590 kilograms. When fully fueled and ready for operation, it achieves a gross weight of 4,472 kilograms. * **Propulsion Components:** The technical breakdown confirms the integration of the **AJ10** component within the stage. ### Historical Context and Economics The Delta 104 represents the inaugural entry into the Delta class of rockets. Its development and utilization occurred during the early years of the space race, evidenced by its capital cost valuation of **$1,740,000 USD** in 1960. During this period, the Delta family was manufactured by **Douglas** (1959–1967), which was responsible for the initial production before the portfolio transitioned to McDonnell Douglas, and eventually Boeing and United Launch Alliance. ### Relationship to the Delta Family As a subclass of Delta, the Delta 104 is the progenitor of a vast lineage of expendable launch systems. * **Evolution:** The family expanded to include the Delta 0100, 1000, 2000, 3000, 4000, and 5000 series, as well as the notable Delta II, Delta III, and Delta IV variants. * **Capabilities:** While the Delta 104 was the initial stage, the family it spawned grew to support heavy-lift requirements (Delta IV Heavy) and a wide array of scientific missions. * **Mission Legacy:** The Delta family has been utilized to deploy meteorological satellites (such as ITOS-I and ITOS-J) and conduct planetary exploration missions. The family is characterized by its expendable nature—rockets used once and discarded—and remains a cornerstone of American space launch infrastructure. ## References 1. [Source](http://www.astronautix.com/d/delta104.html)