ORBITAL'S PEGASUS LAUNCH OF NASA SATELLITE RESCHEDULED
(DULLES, VA 2 MARCH 1999) – Orbital Sciences Corporation (NYSE: ORB) announced that the planned launch of its Pegasus® rocket carrying NASA’s Wide-Field Infrared Explorer satellite (WIRE) was called off Monday evening, March 1, at approximately 6:55 p.m. (PST) when the locking pin of the rocket’s rudder did not disengage as planned. Orbital anticipates that it will take a minimum of several days to prepare the rocket and its satellite payload for another launch attempt.
NASA’s WIRE satellite is a part of the space agency’s Small Explorer (SMEX) series of lightweight spacecraft designed to carry out cost-effective scientific missions. The purpose of the four-month WIRE mission is to study the formation and evolution of “starburst” galaxies to help astrophysicists gain a better understanding of the structure and evolution of the early universe.
Orbital is one of the largest space and information systems companies in the world, with 1998 revenues of $734 million. The company, which is headquartered in Dulles, Virginia, employs 4,500 people at its major facilities in nine states and several international locations. Orbital is the world’s leading manufacturer of low-cost space systems and products, including satellites, launch vehicles, electronics and sensors, satellite ground systems and software, and satellite-based navigation and communications products. Through its ORBCOMM and ORBIMAGE affiliates, Orbital is also a pioneering operator of satellite networks that provide data communications and high-resolution imagery services to customers all around the world.
Contact: Barron Beneski, 7034065000, beneski.barron@orbital.com
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