Spacecraft Activation Underway as Part of In-Service Commissioning
Satellite to Expand HISPASAT s Services for
The initial check-out and testing process indicates the Amazonas 4A
mission is proceeding smoothly, said Mr.
Amazonas 4A marks the 150th Orbital-built satellite to have been completed and delivered to commercial, civil government and national security customers over the past 32 years. Amazonas 4A is the 33rd satellite Orbital has produced based on its successful GEOStar commercial communications satellite platform, which supports all types of commercial communications payloads and is compatible with all major commercial launchers. Orbital-built satellites have now amassed about 1,100 years of in-orbit experience, a number that will continue to grow as the company is scheduled to deploy up to nine spacecraft in 2014 for commercial communications, space station logistics, scientific research and national security missions.
At launch, Amazonas 4A weighted approximately 3,000 kg. With its solar
arrays extended, it measures 23 meters wide and nearly 5 meters tall,
with two deployable reflectors and a Ku-band payload featuring 24 active
transponders that will provide voice, wireless backhaul, internet and
media application services to
About Orbital
Orbital develops and manufactures small- and medium-class rockets and
space systems for commercial, military and civil government customers.
The company s primary products are satellites and launch vehicles,
including low-Earth orbit, geosynchronous-Earth orbit and planetary
exploration spacecraft for communications, remote sensing, scientific
and defense missions; human-rated space systems for Earth-orbit, lunar
and other missions; ground- and air-launched rockets that deliver
satellites into orbit; and missile defense systems that are used as
interceptor and target vehicles. Orbital also provides satellite
subsystems and space-related technical services to
Source:
Orbital Sciences Corporation
Barron Beneski, 703-406-5528
Public
and Investor Relations
beneski.barron@orbital.com