ORBITAL'S MUBLCOM SATELLITE COMPLETES PRELIMINARY IN-ORBIT CHECK-OUT
Company-Built Communications Satellite for U.S. Military Displaying Flawless Performance
(DULLES, VA 24 MAY 1999) - Orbital Sciences Corporation (NYSE: ORB) today announced that the Multiple Path Beyond Line-of-Sight Communications (MUBLCOM) satellite that the company built and launched for the U.S. Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA) is displaying flawless in-orbit performance as it completes preliminary in-orbit testing. On Monday, May 17, Orbital's Pegasus¨ rocket accurately delivered the MUBLCOM satellite into its targeted circular orbit at 482 miles (775 kilometers) above the Earth, inclined at 97.75 degrees to the equator.
As a result of data gathered from initial tests, Orbital engineers have determined that all of the MUBLCOM satellite's main operating systems are healthy and operating as expected. The satellite is generating full electrical power, indicating that its solar arrays are properly deployed and are tracking the sun. The spacecraft is also maintaining reliable communications with its satellite ground station located at Orbital's Dulles, Virginia facility. Later this week, the satellite's communications payload will be activated to begin mission operations and the communications program demonstration.
The MUBLCOM program is a partnership of Orbital, DARPA and the U. S. Army Communications-Electronics Command. It will demonstrate a unique new capability to provide space-based digital voice and data communications to combat forces or commercial users that were previously considered out of range of standard radio communications systems.
Using UHF frequencies, the 105-pound (48-kilogram), Orbital-built MUBLCOM satellite will directly connect hand-held radios, also built by Orbital, that are beyond line-of-sight without the need for gateways or other terrestrial switching infrastructure. It could allow troops to communicate securely and without interference over distances of more than 200 nautical miles, as well as in mountainous terrain and in cities where large buildings often limit contact. Additionally, the MUBLCOM program has potential commercial applications in providing networked communications for disaster relief workers, forest firefighters, police forces and drug enforcement personnel.
Orbital is one of the largest space and information systems companies in the world, with 1998 revenues of about $735 million. The company, which is headquartered in Dulles, Virginia, employs over 5,000 people at its major facilities in the United States, Canada and several overseas 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 and ORBNAV subsidiary, Orbital is also a pioneering operator of satellite-based networks that provide data communications, high-resolution imagery and automotive information services to customers all around the world.
Contact: Barron Beneski, 7034065000, beneski.barron@orbital.com
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