ORBITAL'S PEGASUS ROCKET SUCCESSFULLY LAUNCHES SEVEN ORBCOMM SATELLITES
ORBCOMM Data Communications Network Now Has 35 Satellites In Orbit
Latest Mission Represents 14th Consecutive Successful Mission for Company’s Air-Launched Rocket
(Dulles, VA 6 December 1999) – Orbital Sciences Corporation (NYSE: ORB) announced today that its Pegasus® rocket successfully launched seven ORBCOMM data communications satellites into low-Earth orbit in a mission that took place on Saturday, December 4, 1999. The ORBCOMM mission represented the 14th consecutive successful launch of the innovative air-launched Pegasus rocket over a span of three years. During this period, Pegasus has successfully launched 43 satellites, including 31 for Orbital’s ORBCOMM Global L.P. affiliate. The mission was also the 28th mission overall since the debut of the Pegasus rocket in 1990, representing a depth of experience far greater than any other operational small launch vehicle in the world.
Information gathered following the launch indicates that all seven ORBCOMM satellites successfully separated from the launch vehicle and were deployed into their orbital configurations. Initial communications with the new satellites are progressing as expected. A team of Orbital and ORBCOMM satellite engineers is currently conducting a series of early in-orbit tests to confirm that the satellites are operating as planned. Following this initial evaluation phase, the engineering team will engage in a more comprehensive series of performance tests that could last as long as several months prior to placing the satellites into commercial service.
“The successful outcome of the ORBCOMM launch represents multiple achievements for our company,” said Mr. David W. Thompson, Orbital’s Chairman and Chief Executive Officer. “For our launch vehicle business, the success of this mission reemphasizes the Pegasus rocket’s standing as the world’s most reliable small launch vehicle. For our satellite manufacturing business, the seven new ORBCOMM spacecraft extend our record of producing and deploying highly-reliable and cost-effective space systems. Finally, for our ORBCOMM affiliate, the new satellites will allow it to offer unparalleled data communications services to over 300 industrial customers in North America, Europe, Asia and elsewhere.”
On Saturday, December 4, the ORBCOMM mission originated from NASA’s Wallops Flight Facility in Southeastern Virginia when the company’s “Stargazer” L-1011 Pegasus carrier aircraft took off at approximately 12:55 p.m. (EST). The aircraft flew about 50 nautical miles off the Virginia coast at an altitude of 39,000 feet to a predetermined launch point over the Atlantic Ocean. After being released at 1:53 p.m., the Pegasus rocket ignited its first stage motor after a planned five-second free fall. Following an approximate one-hour flight, Pegasus accurately deployed the seven 95-pound advanced communications satellites into their targeted orbits approximately 510 miles (825 kilometers) above the Earth, inclined at 45 degrees to the equator.
ORBCOMM Global offers low-cost, narrow-band data communications services to industrial customers in over 190 countries primarily for tracking mobile assets, such as truck trailers, rail cars and shipping containers, and monitoring fixed assets, such as pipelines, utility meters and storage tanks.
Orbital is one of the largest space technology and satellite services companies in the world, with 1999 revenues targeted to exceed $900 million. The company, which is headquartered in Dulles, Virginia, employs over 5,200 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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