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Lockheed Martin/Orbital Team Makes Final On-Orbit Delivery of N-STAR c Satellite

GEO Communications Satellite Based on Orbital's STAR-2 Platform Successfully Completes In-Orbit Checkout

(Dulles, VA 12 September 2002) - Orbital Sciences Corporation (NYSE: ORB) announced today that the final on-orbit delivery of the N-STAR c satellite has been made to NTT DoCoMo after the spacecraft successfully completed a comprehensive series of tests and performance check-out procedures. Built by a Lockheed Martin/Orbital team, N-STAR c is the first spacecraft based on Orbital's state-of-the-art STAR-2 small geosynchronous (GEO) communications satellite platform. Since its launch aboard an Ariane 5 rocket on July 5, 2002, a team of Lockheed Martin and Orbital engineers conducted a thorough evaluation of the operating systems of the satellite platform, the onboard communications payload and the ground system. In late August, operational control of the satellite system was transferred to NTT DoCoMo.

"We are delighted with the performance of the first spacecraft based on our STAR-2 platform," said Dr. Ali Atia, head of Orbital's GEO communications satellite business unit. "The performance check-out of the STAR-2 satellite platform went very smoothly, reflecting the confidence we have in our industry-leading small GEO satellite products."

For the N-STAR c program, Lockheed Martin served as prime contractor, providing the entire payload, which was integrated onto Orbital's STAR-2 small GEO platform. The satellite was assembled and integrated at Lockheed Martin facilities in Newtown, PA.

NTT DoCoMo, Inc., Japan's premier mobile communications company, provides wireless voice and data communications to tens of millions of subscribers. NTT DoCoMo is the creator of W-CDMA air interface technology, the new de facto global industry standard, as well as the groundbreaking mobile i-mode service.

Orbital is one of the world's leading developers and manufacturers of affordable space systems for commercial, civil government and military customers. The company's primary products include low-orbit, geosynchronous and planetary spacecraft for communications, scientific and remote sensing missions; ground- and air-launched rockets that deliver satellites into orbit; and missile defense boosters that are used as target and interceptor vehicles. Orbital also offers space-related technical services to government agencies and develops and builds satellite-based transportation management systems for public transit and public works agencies, as well as private vehicle fleet operators.

Contact: Barron Beneski, 7034065000, beneski.barron@orbital.com