Let’s Do Launch

McDonnell Douglas Corp.’s Space and Defense Systems unit said Thursday it has signed an agreement to build and launch five Delta III rockets for a Loral Space & Communications Ltd. unit between 1999 and 2001. Terms were not disclosed.

A spokeswoman for McDonnell Douglas’ Orange County-based space division said the new agreement isn’t expected to create additional employment because the Huntington Beach plant already is geared up to produce 13 of the rockets for other clients.

The Loral order brings the Delta III backlog to 18, with launches to be conducted from 1998 through 2002.