1.   Because Alcantara is two degrees south of the equator, rockets launched here can achieve orbit faster and carry heavier payloads than those launched elsewhere.

2.   Boeing is preparing to launch later this month at Cape Canaveral its first Delta III, which is more powerful and can carry heavier payloads.

3.   Both Lockheed and McDonnell Douglas Corp. have plans under way to build rockets capable of carrying such heavier payloads.

4.   Heavier payloads and overworked launch technicians have some experts worried that this maneuver may move from theory to actuality.

5.   Lockheed Martin is upgrading its commercially available Atlas II rocket to carry heavier payloads.

6.   The rotation gives the rocket a boost, allowing it to use less fuel or to carry a heavier payload than a similar rocket launched from a higher latitude.

7.   Because the Earth moves faster at the equator, rockets launched there have an advantage in reaching orbit with heavier payloads.

8.   Larger cargo planes used to fly in heavier payloads risk developing problems with their hydraulic control systems in the deep subfreezing conditions.