Delta II comprises a large and growing family of expendable rockets that can be configured as two- or three-stage vehicles, depending on mission needs. Delta II payload delivery options range from about 1-2 metric tons (1,980 to 4,550 lb) to geosynchronous transfer orbit (GTO) and 2.7 to 5.8 metric tons (6,020 to 12,820 lb) to low-Earth orbit (LEO). Two-stage Delta II rockets typically fly LEO missions, while three-stage Delta II vehicles generally deliver payloads to GTO or are used for deep space explorations such as NASA's recent Mars missions.
WOW!
Edit - Here's something to think about. I always heard that we didn't want to leave any junk up in space, not even a nut or bolt. Take a look at this:
The metal shell (fairings) covering the spacecraft is discarded shortly after second stage ignition.
Threaded Mode
