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Orbital and NASA Postpone Launch of DART Spacecraft

(Dulles, VA 26 October 2004) – Orbital Sciences Corporation (NYSE: ORB) and the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) have postponed the launch of the Demonstration of Autonomous Rendezvous Technology (DART) spacecraft for at least 48 hours. The mission's target satellite, the Multiple Paths, Beyond-Line-of-Sight Communications spacecraft, had a temporary loss of Global Positioning System (GPS) data reception that might have impacted the navigation accuracy for the on-orbit rendezvous sequence of events.

While the GPS dropout has been corrected, the launch team wanted additional time to verify the data. In addition, the high probability of adverse weather at the scheduled launch time also contributed to the decision to postpone the launch for at least 48-hours, pending the availability of certain range assets.

DART is a flight demonstrator that provides a key step in establishing autonomous rendezvous capabilities for the U.S. space program and the Vision for Space Exploration. While previous rendezvous and docking efforts have been piloted by astronauts, the unmanned DART spacecraft will have only computers and sensors to perform all of its rendezvous functions.

Future applications of technologies developed by the DART project will benefit the nation in future space systems development requiring in-space assembly, services, or other autonomous rendezvous operations.

About Orbital
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 are satellites and launch vehicles, including geostationary and low-orbit spacecraft for communications, remote sensing and scientific missions; ground- and air-launched rockets that deliver satellites into orbit; and missile defense boosters that are used as interceptor and target vehicles. Orbital also offers space-related technical services to government agencies and develops and builds satellite-based transportation management systems for public transit agencies and private vehicle fleet operators.

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