-- Deployment of Three New Spacecraft for Department of Defense
This week s launch carried two Orbital-built satellites for the Air Force s Geosynchronous Space Situational Awareness Program (GSSAP). The spacecraft will operate in near-geosynchronous orbit, collecting Space Situational Awareness (SSA) data for more accurate characterization of man-made objects in Earth orbit. The goal of the program is to enhance the country s knowledge of the geosynchronous orbit environment for more timely and accurate orbit predictions to improve spaceflight safety.
The Delta IV rocket also carried the Automated Navigation and Guidance
Experiment for Local Space (ANGELS) satellite, another Orbital-built
spacecraft for the
The capabilities of the GSSAP and ANGELS satellites demonstrate
Orbital s innovative operational approaches in support of our customers
vital missions, said Mr.
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 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 government agencies and laboratories. More information about Orbital can be found at http://www.orbital.com. Follow the company on Twitter @OrbitalSciences
Source:
Orbital Sciences Corporation
Barron Beneski, 703-406-5528
Public
and Investor Relations
beneski.barron@orbital.com