Orbital Set to Launch First Minotaur IV Rocket for U.S. Air Force This Week

-- Suborbital Launch of Peacekeeper-Based Rocket to Support DARPA’s
HTV-2 Hypersonic Research Mission --

Defense News: DULLES, Va.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Orbital Sciences Corporation (NYSE: ORB - News), one of the world’s leading space technology companies, today announced that it is prepared to launch the first of its Minotaur IV rockets in support of the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency’s (DARPA) Hypersonic Technology Vehicle-2 (HTV-2) program. The Minotaur IV launch vehicle is based on decommissioned Peacekeeper rocket motors that Orbital integrates and upgrades with modern avionics and other subsystems to produce a cost-effective booster based on flight-proven hardware. Subject to final preparations and favorable weather conditions, the mission will originate from Space Launch Complex-8 at Vandenberg Air Force Base, CA, with its first available launch window from 12:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. (PST) tomorrow, April 20, 2010.

For the HTV-2 mission, Orbital will fly a three-stage Minotaur IV “Lite” version of the rocket to carry out the suborbital flight trajectory. The Minotaur IV will propel the HTV-2 air vehicle into the upper atmosphere, where it will be released. The HTV-2 will then descend at hypersonic speed into the Pacific Ocean near Kwajalein Atoll in the Marshall Islands.

The Minotaur IV rocket is the newest in the Minotaur family of launchers that Orbital produces for the U.S. Air Force under the Orbital/Suborbital Program-2 contract. The first orbital mission of the Minotaur IV will take place later this year when it launches the Air Force’s Space Base Space Surveillance (SBSS) satellite.

“The first flight of the Minotaur IV rocket ushers in an all-new capability for the Air Force and other U.S. Government customers at a time when reliable, cost-effective missions are at a premium,” said Mr. Ron Grabe, Orbital’s Executive Vice President and General Manager of its Launch Systems Group. “Building on the outstanding record of the 16 previous flights of the Minotaur family, all of which have been successful, we are excited to begin flying the Minotaur IV rocket for our Air Force customer.”

The debut of Minotaur IV begins a series of launch vehicle system introductions that will highlight Orbital’s position as the most active current developer of new rocket systems in the world. Beginning with Minotaur IV, Orbital is scheduled to complete the development and carry out the first flights of five new space and strategic launch systems in the next two and a half years.

The four other launch vehicles are the Launch Abort System for NASA’s Orion program, the two-stage interceptor booster for the Missile Defense Agency’s Ground-based Midcourse Defense system, the Taurus II medium-class space launch vehicle for NASA and other customers, and the Air Force’s Minotaur V rocket that is scheduled to launch NASA’s LADEE lunar mission in 2012.

Mr. Grabe also stated, “With the introduction of several new space launch vehicles in the next couple of years, combined with our heritage Pegasus, Taurus and Minotaur vehicles, Orbital will offer its defense and intelligence, civil government and commercial satellite customers the world’s most complete and proven line of launchers for small- and medium-class satellites weighing up to 12,000 lbs.”

About the HTV-2 Mission

DARPA’s HTV-2 program objective is to create new technological options that enable capabilities that urgently address threats to U.S. national security. The program is developing and testing an unmanned, rocket-launched, maneuverable, hypersonic air vehicle that glides through the Earth’s atmosphere, at speeds of Mach 20 and above. The key technical challenges of the HTV-2 program are the design of an innovative high lift-to-drag aerodynamic shape, advanced lightweight but tough thermal protection structures, materials and fabrication technologies, autonomous hypersonic navigation guidance and control systems, and an autonomous flight safety system.

About Minotaur IV

The Minotaur IV space launch vehicle leverages the flight-proven heritage of Orbital’s Minotaur I, Pegasus and Taurus space launch vehicles to provide a reliable, capable and cost-effective space launcher. Minotaur IV utilizes three government-furnished solid rocket motors from decommissioned Peacekeeper ICBMs and a commercial solid rocket upper stage. Minotaur IV builds on a long heritage of launch systems with over 50 flights of each core stage and is capable of launching payloads up to 3,800 lbs. (1,730 kgs.) to low Earth orbit.

About Orbital

Orbital develops and manufactures small- and medium-class rockets and space systems for commercial, military and civil government customers. The company’s primary products are satellites and launch vehicles, including low-Earth orbit, geosynchronous-Earth orbit and planetary exploration spacecraft for communications, remote sensing, scientific and defense missions; human-rated space systems for Earth-orbit, lunar and other missions; ground- and air-launched rockets that deliver satellites into orbit; and missile defense systems that are used as interceptor and target vehicles. Orbital also provides satellite subsystems and space-related technical services to U.S. Government agencies and laboratories. More information about Orbital can be found at http://www.orbital.com

Note to Editors: High-resolution images of the Minotaur IV rocker can be found at:
http://www.orbital.com/NewsInfo/ImagesMultimedia/Images/SpaceLaunch/index.shtml

Contact:

Orbital Sciences Corporation
Barron Beneski, 703-406-5528
Public and Investor Relations
beneski.barron@orbital.com

Related Headlines
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Orbital Sciences Corporation Earnings Call scheduled for Tue, Apr 20 - CCBN
Orbital to Announce First Quarter 2010 Financial Results on April 20 - Business Wire
NASA, Navy will have say on offshore Va. drilling - AP
Orbital Sciences completes $55 million acquisition- AP

Orbital Announces the Closing of Its Acquisition of General Dynamics' Satellite Development and Manufacturing Business

Defense News: DULLES, Va.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Orbital Sciences Corporation (NYSE: ORB - News), one of the world’s leading space technology companies, today announced that it has completed the acquisition of a Gilbert, AZ-based, spacecraft development and manufacturing business from General Dynamics Advanced Information Systems, a subsidiary of General Dynamics Corporation (NYSE: GD -News).
With the formal closing of the acquisition, Orbital welcomed to its workforce approximately 325 new employees, most of whom are engineers, technicians and program managers, many with security clearances for sensitive U.S. Government programs. Orbital has also acquired a state-of-the-art 135,000-square-foot space systems manufacturing, integration and test facility that is one of the most modern and capable in the world, providing the company with additional satellite manufacturing capacity to accommodate anticipated growth for many years to come.
“Today, we are very excited to welcome a great team of highly qualified and experienced satellite professionals to the Orbital family,” said Mr. David W. Thompson, Orbital’s Chairman and Chief Executive Officer. “With the addition of important new strategic customer relationships, a broad range of complementary satellite products and engineering capabilities, and a state-of-the-art production facility, we have significantly strengthened our competitive position in the defense and intelligence, civil government and commercial satellite markets.”
The acquisition is expected to enhance Orbital’s already-established position in the growing market for national security space systems, including spacecraft used in intelligence and surveillance, missile tracking, space situational awareness, space weather monitoring and other operational defense missions. The combination will also substantially strengthen the company’s capabilities to design and manufacture Earth science, weather and climate monitoring, and space-based astronomy satellite systems.
“By combining Orbital’s experience building industry-leading small low-orbit and geosynchronous satellites with General Dynamics/Spectrum Astro’s work on advanced medium-class spacecraft, our company has now produced, or is currently developing, 148 satellites for over 35 separate customers in the U.S. Department of Defense and intelligence community, civil government agencies such as NASA and NOAA, and commercial communications and imaging satellite operators,” Mr. Thompson added.
In the 30-year period from 1982, when Orbital was founded, through 2012, by which time spacecraft under current design and production will be delivered, the company and its predecessor businesses will have developed and built 75 commercial satellites, 37 national security spacecraft, and 36 civil government satellites. Of these 148 total spacecraft, 114 are low-orbit satellites, 31 are geosynchronous satellites and 3 are deep-space probes.
About Orbital
Orbital develops and manufactures small- and medium-class rockets and space systems for commercial, military and civil government customers. The company’s primary products are satellites and launch vehicles, including low-Earth orbit, geosynchronous-Earth orbit and planetary exploration spacecraft for communications, remote sensing, scientific and national security missions; human-rated space systems for Earth-orbit, lunar and deep-space missions; ground- and air-launched rockets that deliver satellites into orbit; and missile defense systems that are used as interceptor and target vehicles. Orbital also provides satellite subsystems and space-related technical services to U.S. Government agencies and laboratories.
“Safe Harbor” Statement Under the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995
Certain statements in this press release may be forward-looking in nature or “forward-looking statements” as defined in the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Such forward-looking statements are subject to risks, trends and uncertainties that could cause the actual results or performance of the company to be materially different from the forward-looking statement. Uncertainty surrounding factors such as the successful integration of the acquired business, continued government support and funding for key space and defense programs, new product development programs, product performance and market acceptance of products and technologies, government contract procurement and termination risks, as well as other risk factors and business considerations described in the company’s SEC filings, including its annual report on Form 10-K, could impact Orbital’s actual financial and operational results. Orbital assumes no obligation for updating the information contained in this press release.
More information about Orbital can be found at http://www.orbital.com.
Contact:
Orbital Sciences Corporation
Barron Beneski, 703-406-5528
Public and Investor Relations
mail to:
Relationsbeneski.barron@orbital.com



Related Headlines
Orbital Announces the Closing of Its Acquisition of General Dynamics' Satellite Development and Manufacturing Business - Business Wire
FAA, NASA Vie for Authority Over Commercial Space Safety - at The Wall Street Journal Online Aerojet and Orbital Complete Main Engine Lifetime Testing for Taurus II Space Launch Vehicle - PR Newswire

Aerojet and Orbital Complete Main Engine Lifetime Testing for Taurus II Space Launch Vehicle

Russian Tests of Heritage NK-33 Rocket Engine Confirm Performance and Durability
Engine Completes Two Times Normal Firing Duration of a Taurus II Launch Profile

Defense News: SACRAMENTO, Calif., March 15 /PRNewswire/ -- Aerojet, a GenCorp (NYSE:GY - News) company, and Orbital Sciences Corporation (NYSE:ORB - News), along with Aerojet's Russianpartner, SNTK, announced today that a series of NK-33 rocket engine tests conducted in Samara, Russia were successfully completed in support of the development of Orbital's Taurus® II space launch vehicle.

The purpose of the extended-time testing of the NK-33 engine, on which the AJ26 first-stage engine for the Taurus II rocket is based, was to demonstrate a 'hot-fire' duration equal to two times a normal Taurus II acceptance testing and launch profile duty cycle. Over the last two weeks, three tests were conducted by SNTK with a cumulative duration of more than 600 seconds. These tests verified the significant technical margins on engine performance and durability required by Orbital's Taurus II development program.

GenCorp President and CEO and Aerojet President, Scott Seymour, said, "Completing the margin testing is a significant milestone in Aerojet's contract with Orbital. This success demonstrates the engine's robust design and its ability to operate at the power levels and duration times compatible with the Taurus II flight profile with additional performance margin."

"The success of the NK-33 engine tests in Russia is an important step forward in the development of the Taurus II rocket," said Ron Grabe, Orbital's Executive Vice President and General Manager of its Launch Systems Group. "With the performance of the heritage engine now confirmed and well understood, we can move forward with confidence to configuration verification and acceptance testing of AJ26 engines at NASA's Stennis Space Center in Mississippi beginning in April."

Aerojet is the provider of the AJ26/NK-33 rocket engine for the first stage of the Taurus II launcher. The basic NK-33 engine was originally designed and produced in Russia for the Russian N1 lunar launch vehicle. Aerojet subsequently purchased approximately 40 of the basic NK-33 engines in the mid-1990s and, under contract with Orbital, the company is currently modifying the engines specifically for the Taurus II launch vehicle.

Aerojet and Orbital are scheduled to begin ground testing of the AJ26 engine at NASA's Stennis Space Center in Mississippi in less than two months. The U.S.-based testing will validate the Taurus II specific engine configuration and continue to build on the extensive engine database that includes more than 17 years of development testing, encompassing approximately 1,500 engine-level tests totaling 194,000 seconds of firing duration. After the design verification tests are completed at Stennis, regular production acceptance testing will be initiated, paving the way to the first flights of the Taurus II rocket in 2011.

About the AJ26 Rocket Engine

The AJ26 is a commercial derivative of the NK-33 engine that was first developed for the Russian rocket that would have taken cosmonauts to the moon. As the world's first oxidizer-rich, staged-combustion, oxygen/kerosene rocket engine, it achieves very high performance in a lightweight, compact package. Aerojet has been developing design modifications to make the engine suitable for commercial launchers since the mid-1990s.

About the Taurus II Launch Vehicle

Orbital is developing the Taurus II medium-class space launch vehicle to boost payloads into a variety of low Earth and geosynchronous transfer orbits and to Earth escape trajectories. Taurus II incorporates proven technologies from the company's Pegasus®, Taurus and Minotaur rockets, and is supported by a "best-in-class" network of suppliers from the U.S. and around the world.

The Taurus II program currently has a backlog of nine launches, beginning with the demonstration flight in 2011 for the Commercial Orbital Transportation Services (COTS) project, a joint research and development effort with NASA to develop a system capable of safely and reliably supplying the International Space Station (ISS) with essential cargo. Orbital is also under contract with NASA for the Commercial Resupply Services (CRS) program with an eight-mission, $1.9 billion agreement to deliver cargo to the ISS from 2011 through 2015.

In addition to its work with NASA on the COTS and CRS programs, Orbital is also offering the Taurus II rocket to U.S. civil government and military customers for dedicated launch services for medium-class scientific and national security satellites. From its Wallops Island, Virginia launch site, Taurus II will be capable of supporting mid-inclination and polar orbiting spacecraft weighing approximately 10,500 lbs. and 5,500 lbs., respectively.

About Aerojet

Aerojet is a world-recognized aerospace and defense leader principally serving the missile and space propulsion, defense and armaments markets. GenCorp is a leading technology-based manufacturer of aerospace and defense products and systems with a real estate segment that includes activities related to the entitlement, sale, and leasing of the company's excess real estate assets. Additional information about Aerojet and GenCorp can be obtained by visiting the companies' Web sites at http://www.Aerojet.com andhttp://www.GenCorp.com.

About Orbital

Orbital develops and manufactures small- and medium-class rockets and space systems for commercial, military and civil government customers. The company's primary products are satellites and launch vehicles, including low-Earth orbit, geosynchronous-Earth orbit and planetary exploration spacecraft for communications, remote sensing, scientific and defense missions; human-rated space systems for Earth-orbit, lunar and other missions; ground- and air-launched rockets that deliver satellites into orbit; and missile defense systems that are used as interceptor and target vehicles. Orbital also provides satellite subsystems and space-related technical services to U.S. Government agencies and laboratories. More information about Orbital can be found at http://www.orbital.com

Related Headlines

• InPlay: Orbital Sciences: Aerojet (GY) and Orbital Complete Main Engine Lifetime Testing for Taurus II Space Launch Vehicle - Briefing.com
• Aerojet and Orbital Complete Main Engine Lifetime Testing for Taurus II Space Launch Vehicle - PR Newswire
• Aerojet Supports Launch and Orbital Placement of GOES-P - PR Newswire
• ORBITAL SCIENCES CORP /DE/ Files SEC form 8-K, Regulation FD Disclosure - EDGAR Online
• Orbital and Aerojet Set to Begin AJ26 Rocket Engine Testing at Stennis Space Center - Business Wire

SpaceX says Falcon 9 rocket test fire is a success

* Debut flight of private rocket could be this spring

* SpaceX, Orbital to resupply space station for NASA

* Passenger space flight services also among plans (Adds time frame for next launch, paras 11-12)

By Irene Klotz

Defense News ~ CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla., March 14 (Reuters) - Space Exploration Technologies successfully test fired its Falcon 9 rocket this weekend, clearing a milestone toward the inaugural flight of a privately developed spaceship to fly cargo, and possibly astronauts, into orbit, the company said.

Saturday's 3.5-second 'static' firing of the Falcon's nine kerosene and liquid oxygen-burning motors took place on a refurbished oceanside launch pad at Cape Canaveral Air Force Station in Florida. It followed an earlier firing test aborted last week due to an improperly configured valve.

The successful test by California-based SpaceX clears the way for Falcon 9's debut mission -- a demonstration flight which could take place as early as April 12 from the same launch site, just south of the space shuttle launch pads at the Kennedy Space Center.

President Barack Obama has proposed adding $6 billion to space agency NASA's budget over the next five years to help private firms like SpaceX develop spaceships that can ferry astronauts to and from the International Space Station, which he wants to continue until at least 2020.

With the NASA shuttle fleet retiring due to safety and cost concerns, the U.S. agency has turned over space station crew transport to the Russian government at a cost of about $51 million per seat.

Obama plans to hold a summit in Florida next month to discuss the U.S. space plans and industry.

SpaceX, owned and operated by Internet entrepreneur Elon Musk, already holds NASA contracts worth nearly $1.9 billion to develop and fly Falcon 9 rockets and Dragon capsules for space station cargo resupply missions.

Virginia-based Orbital Sciences Corp (ORB.N) has NASA contracts of similar value for its Taurus II-Cygnus system, which is scheduled to debut next year.

SpaceX says it needs about three years to develop a launch escape system for Dragon and other upgrades to have Falcon 9 ready for passenger service.

"What we are going through right now is the equivalent of 'beta testing'," Musk, SpaceX's founder and chief executive, wrote in an email after last week's aborted test. "The beta phase only ends when a rocket has done at least one, but arguably two or three consecutive flights to orbit," he said.

With its FAA license to launch granted last week, SpaceX is just awaiting clearance from the Air Force for Falcon 9's emergency abort system, which would be used to terminate the launch if the rocket strayed from its projected fight path and threatened populated areas.

"As soon as the tests are complete and (Air Force) has signed off, we will launch," said Musk. (Editing by Pascal Fletcher and Todd Eastham)

UPDATE 2-Orbital says General Dynamics deal to add $50 mln rev

* Sees about $50 mln in additional revenue in 2010

* Sees deal adding modestly to 2010 earnings

* Aims to boost existing product line through buy

* Shares rise as much as 2 percent

Defense News ~ BANGALORE, March 5 (Reuters) - Orbital Sciences Corp (ORB.N) on Friday said it expects its $55 million purchase of General Dynamics Corp's (GD.N) satellite development and manufacturing business to add about $50 million in additional revenue in 2010.

The deal takes the maker of small rockets and satellites closer towards its strategy of addressing the soaring demand for medium and small-class satellites.

Orbital, which has been investing in the development of a new medium-class commercial satellite bus called STAR 2.7 with a focus on the commercial sector, is expected to use the new acquisition to boost position in the government sector.

"It fits perfectly with our overall strategy to extend the product lines ... With the GD technology now being added in, these new products should more than double Orbital's addressable market over the next few years," Chief Executive David Thompson said on a conference call with analysts.

The deal, which is expected to close in early April, will also add modestly to 2010 earnings, the company said in a filing with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission.

On Thursday, the company had said it agreed to acquire the business from GD Advanced Information Systems, a unit of General Dynamics, mainly to add medium-class low-Earth orbit satellites to its existing product line. [ID:nWNAB5690]

Orbital also said it was looking at expanding customer relations, increasing technical staff and contributing modern industrial facilities through the buy.

Dulles, Virginia-based Orbital Sciences also makes small-class space and rocket systems for commercial, military, intelligence and civil government customers.

Shares of Orbital Sciences were up about 1 percent at $18.75 in mid-day trade on the New York Stock Exchange. General Dynamics shares were up about 1 percent at $73.27. (Reporting by Bijoy Koyitty in Bangalore; Editing by Aradhana Aravindan and Maju Samuel)

Orbital to Host Conference Call on March 5 to Discuss Acquisition of General Dynamics' Spacecraft Business

-- 11:00 a.m. Conference Call with Financial Analysts and Investors to be Webcast on Company’s Internet Site -

Defense News ~ DULLES, Va.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Orbital Sciences Corporation (NYSE: ORB - News) today announced that it will conduct a conference call with financial analysts and investors tomorrow morning, March 5, 2010, at 11:00 a.m. to discuss the company’s agreement to acquire the spacecraft development and manufacturing business of General Dynamics Corporation’s (NYSE: GD - News) GD Advanced Information Systems subsidiary, which was announced earlier today. Tomorrow’s conference call will be hosted by:

• Mr. David W. Thompson, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer
• Mr. Garrett E. Pierce, Vice Chairman and Chief Financial Officer
• Michael A. Hamel, Senior Vice President of Corporate Strategy and Development

To listen to the conference call, participants should dial (888) 541-8767 and use the conference ID number 61000462. A replay of the conference call will be available approximately two hours after the call and will remain active until Friday, March 12, 2010. For access to the replay of the conference call, dial (800) 642-1687. International callers accessing the replay should dial (706) 634-7258 and use the same conference ID number.

For webcast registration and information, please visit Orbital’s web site at http://www.orbital.com/Investor. The company advises participants to register at least 20 minutes prior to the call to download and install any necessary audio software.

About Orbital

Orbital develops and manufactures small- and medium-class rockets and space systems for commercial, military and civil government customers. The company’s primary products are satellites and launch vehicles, including low-Earth orbit, geosynchronous-Earth orbit and planetary exploration spacecraft for communications, remote sensing, scientific and defense missions; human-rated space systems for Earth-orbit, lunar and other missions; ground- and air-launched rockets that deliver satellites into orbit; and missile defense systems that are used as interceptor and target vehicles. Orbital also provides satellite subsystems and space-related technical services to U.S. Government agencies and laboratories.

More information about Orbital can be found at http://www.orbital.com

Contact:

Orbital Sciences Corporation
Barron Beneski, 703-406-5528
Public and Investor Relations
beneski.barron@orbital.com

Related Headlines
Orbital buys General Dynamics' spacecraft business - AP
Orbital to Host Conference Call on March 5 to Discuss Acquisition of General Dynamics' Spacecraft Business - Business Wire
InPlay: Orbital to acquire General Dynamics' satellite development and manufacturing business- Briefing.com
Orbital to Acquire General Dynamics' Satellite Development and Manufacturing Business - Business Wire
ORBITAL SCIENCES CORP /DE/ Financials - EDGAR Online Financials

Orbital Awarded Phase 2 Contract for "System F6" Satellite Program By DARPA

-- Company to Develop Fractionated Spacecraft Architecture that Could Transform Space Systems --
-- $75 Million Contract Award Continues Orbital’s Momentum in Innovative National Security Space Systems Market --
DULLES, Va.--December 18, 2009, (BUSINESS WIRE)--Orbital Sciences Corporation (NYSE: ORB - News), a world leader in smaller-sized civil government and national security satellites, announced today that it has been awarded a Phase 2 contract by the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA), Arlington, VA, to develop the final design for “System F6” (Future Fast, Flexible, Fractionated, Free-Flying Spacecraft). The Phase 2 award to Orbital came as a result of a down-select by DARPA from among several companies that participated in the program’s Phase 1 study contracts in 2008 and 2009. The Phase 2 contract is valued at $74.6 million over a one-year period of performance.
The objective of the System F6 program is to develop and demonstrate the basic building blocks of a radically new space architecture in which traditional large, multi-functional “monolithic” spacecraft are replaced by clusters of wirelessly interconnected spacecraft modules. Each of these modules performs a subset of the tasks performed by a large classical spacecraft and works together in a cluster to provide the same overall effective mission capability. By allowing the various functions of a spacecraft to be developed and launched separately, this type of “fractionated” system provides benefits such as reduced overall risk, budgetary and planning flexibility, faster initial deployment, and ultimately greater survivability, including selective replacement of damaged or obsolete elements of a complex spacecraft.
“System F6 has the potential to be a game-changing innovation in the way space systems are designed, built and operated in much the same way as the DARPA-developed Internet has changed many aspects of our daily lives,” stated Mr. Gregg Burgess, Orbital’s Vice President for National Security Systems in the company’s Advanced Programs Group. “System F6 is not just an incremental improvement in technology, but rather a fundamental transformation of the entire space community. Fractionated and networked architectures could be the answer to recurring problems that debilitate the space sector, including significant cost increases, late deliveries, launch mishaps and on-orbit failures.”
In the next phase of the System F6 program, Orbital will be responsible for the detailed design and ground testing of the new technologies, architectures and programmatic concepts required to successfully fractionate a space system. These include wireless data communications, cluster flight operations, distributed spacecraft computing systems, rapidly relocatable ground systems, and value-centric design methodologies.
Orbital was selected by DARPA out of four Phase 1 contractors to continue work on Phase 2 of the program, leading to a planned flight demonstration in 2013. The company’s program partners include IBM and NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory. Phase 2 will include development of the detailed design of the spacecraft modules, ground elements and launch options; a hardware-in-the-loop test-bed ground demonstration with new technology prototypes; and release of an F6 Developer’s Kit, which will allow third-parties to design compatible fractionated modules.
System F6 incorporates most key technology development in an “open source” format, a new and radical concept in spacecraft systems. All software source code, interfaces, standards and operating systems will be available to everyone, including the public. This will allow any interested third parties to develop modules compatible with the existing spacecraft network. These modules can launch and connect to the already deployed cluster, allowing them to leverage resources available in the network. The eventual goal is to provide an open source compatibility platform where any new satellite launched into space can access and reap the benefits of a worldwide interconnected system, similar to how the Internet functions on Earth.
About Orbital
Orbital develops and manufactures small- and medium-class rockets and space systems for commercial, military and civil government customers. The company’s primary products are satellites and launch vehicles, including low-Earth orbit, geosynchronous-Earth orbit and planetary spacecraft for communications, remote sensing, scientific and defense missions; human-rated space systems for Earth-orbit, lunar and other missions; ground- and air-launched rockets that deliver satellites into orbit; and missile defense systems that are used as interceptor and target vehicles. Orbital also provides satellite subsystems and space-related technical services to government agencies and laboratories. More information about Orbital can be found at http://www.orbital.com.
Note to Editors: A high-resolution concept image of DARPA’s System F6 in orbit is available on Orbital’s web site at: http://www.orbital.com/images/High/F6_constellation.jpg
Contact:
Orbital Sciences Corporation
Barron Beneski,
703-406-5528
Public and Investor Relations
beneski.barron@orbital.com

Second Stage Rocket Motor of Orbital's Taurus II Launcher Successfully Ground Tested

Company Begins Development Testing for Medium-Class Launch Vehicle in Preparation for First Flight in 2011

DULLES, Va.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Orbital Sciences Corporation (NYSE: ORB - News), one of the world’s leading space technology companies, today announced that Alliant Techsystems (NYSE: ATK - News) and the U.S. Air Force’s Arnold Engineering Development Center (AEDC) successfully ground tested the second stage rocket motor of the company’s Taurus® II launch vehicle at AEDC in Tennessee. The solid-fuel CASTOR® 30 motor, which is supplied to Orbital by ATK Space Systems of Magna, Utah, was test fired for approximately 150 seconds, producing 72,000 lbs. of maximum thrust. In order to accurately test the motor performance, the static fire test was conducted using a vacuum chamber specially designed to simulate upper atmospheric conditions, since motor is designed to ignite at altitudes in excess of 100,000 feet.
“We are very pleased with the results of the ground test of the Castor 30 motor, which performed according to the specifications built into the design of the Taurus II rocket,” said Mr. Brent Collins, Orbital’s Taurus II Program Manager. “The ground test of the Castor 30 motor is the first major event in the testing phase of the Taurus II development program, having completed the engineering design and procurement work over the past year and a half. In addition to the second stage testing, we will soon begin the testing process for the rocket’s liquid fuel first stage at NASA’s Stennis Space Center in Mississippi.”
About Taurus II
Taurus II is a two-stage launch vehicle designed to provide reliable and affordable access to space for medium-class payloads weighing up to 12,000 lbs. Orbital currently has a backlog of nine Taurus II launches that support NASA’s cargo transportation requirements for the International Space Station. The first launch of the Taurus II rocket is scheduled for March 2011 to demonstrate the capabilities of the cargo delivery system the company is developing for NASA under the Commercial Orbital Transportation Services (COTS) research and development project. NASA has also selected Orbital for an eight-mission, $1.9 billion Commercial Resupply Services (CRS) contract, with operational missions to the ISS scheduled to begin in late 2011.
About Orbital
Orbital develops and manufactures small- and medium-class rockets and space systems for commercial, military and civil government customers. The company’s primary products are satellites and launch vehicles, including low-Earth orbit, geosynchronous-Earth orbit and planetary spacecraft for communications, remote sensing, scientific and defense missions; human-rated space systems for Earth-orbit, lunar and other missions; ground- and air-launched rockets that deliver satellites into orbit; and missile defense systems that are used as interceptor and target vehicles. Orbital also provides satellite subsystems and space-related technical services to government agencies and laboratories.
More information about Orbital can be found at http://www.orbital.com
Note to Editors: Photos and videos of the Castor 30 ground test will be available upon request to public.relations@orbital.com
Contact:
Orbital Sciences Corporation

Barron Beneski,

703-406-5528

Public and Investor Relations

beneski.barron@orbital.com

ATK Successfully Ground Tests New CASTOR(R) 30 Upper Stage Solid Rocket Motor

Motor will be used for NASA Commercial and Government Launch Vehicles

MINNEAPOLIS, Dec. 10 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- Alliant Techsystems (NYSE: ATK - News) successfully tested its newly developed CASTOR® 30 upper stage solid rocket motor today at the U.S. Air Force's Arnold Engineering Development Center (AEDC) in Tennessee.
The test was a significant milestone for ATK, which developed the motor using internal research and development funding. The CASTOR 30 fills a key position in the company's "Family of Motors" product line concept. This concept provides a set of fully developed rocket motors to the market place that have been specifically selected to satisfy the maximum number of current and future military and commercial customer missions.
A version of this motor is being used by Orbital Sciences Corporation (NYSE: ORB - News) in its Taurus®( )II medium-class launch vehicle. It is slated to perform commercial cargo re-supply missions to the International Space Station (ISS) for NASA, to be demonstrated under the Commercial Orbital Transportation Services (COTS) program for later delivery missions to the ISS under the Commercial Resupply Services contract. A slightly modified version of the CASTOR 30 is also being used as the basis for the third stage of the U.S. Air Force Large Class (92-inch) Stage (LCS) program. Other potential applications have also been identified.
'This was an important test for ATK today," said Scott Lehr, ATK vice president and general manager of Strategic and Commercial Systems. "The CASTOR 30 solid rocket motor offers a number of low-cost, high-performance features and fills a niche in the market that will make it an important part of ATK's future solid rocket motor business. We see this as an important addition to our Family of Motors product portfolio."
The CASTOR 30 is designed to ignite at altitudes in excess of 100,000 feet. In order to accurately test the motor performance the static fire was conducted at AEDC using a vacuum chamber specially designed to simulate upper atmospheric conditions. All channels of data were collected which will allow ATK to validate their predictive models. The motor utilized a prototype version of a newly developed Electromagnetic (EM) Thrust Vector Control (TVC) system, manufactured by Moog Inc, to provide nozzle steering. This system, once qualified, will also have applications across multiple solid rocket motor product lines.
ATK is a premier aerospace and defense company with more than 18,000 employees in 22 states, Puerto Rico and internationally, and revenues of approximately $4.8 billion. News and information can be found on the Internet at www.atk.com.
Certain information discussed in this press release constitutes forward-looking statements as defined in the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Although ATK believes that the expectations reflected in such forward-looking statements are based on reasonable assumptions, it can give no assurance that its expectations will be achieved. Forward-looking information is subject to certain risks, trends and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from those projected. Among those factors are: the development of new rocket motors, changes in governmental spending, budgetary policies and product sourcing strategies; the company's competitive environment; the terms and timing of awards and contracts; and economic conditions. ATK undertakes no obligation to update any forward-looking statements. For further information on factors that could impact ATK, and statements contained herein, please refer to ATK's most recent Annual Report on Form 10-K and any subsequent quarterly reports on Form 10-Q and current reports on Form 8-K filed with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission.
Media Contact:

Trina Patterson

Phone: 801-699-0943

E-mail: trina.patterson@atk.com

Investor Contact:

Jeff Huebschen

Phone: 952-351-2929

E-mail: jeff.huebschen@atk.com