Note: Only forum leaders may delete posts.
*HTML is ON *UBB Code is ON Smilies Legend
Smilies Legend
[b]Stratolaunch Taps Orbital Sciences As Rocket System Provider[/b] [i]Leading space technology company will design, build and operate redesigned air-launch rocket system[/i] Stratolaunch Systems today announced that space technology leader Orbital Sciences Corporation (NYSE: ORB) will join its team to develop, build and operate the redesigned Stratolaunch air-launch rocket system. Orbital's involvement is key in realizing Stratolaunch System's vision to provide orbital access with greater safety, cost-effectiveness and flexibility. "Selecting Orbital to take on this important role represents a major step forward in our bold endeavor to develop a revolutionary air-launch system," said Gary L. Wentz, CEO and President of Stratolaunch. "Orbital is one of the most respected and reliable providers of space and rocket systems. For over 30 years, Orbital has compiled a record of success few companies in the industry can match. We're pleased to welcome Orbital to our team." The agreement was finalized after a research period in which Stratolaunch charged Orbital with developing a comprehensive operational concept for its air-launch system, including the unique design of the rocket and operational processes and procedures that will need to be in place to operate the system. Going forward, Orbital will be responsible for the program's overall systems engineering, as well as the development, production, integration, test, and operations of the air-launch vehicle (ALV) and related support systems. "Stratolaunch is introducing an innovative solution unlike anything ever before attempted, with convenient, airport-like operations to launch commercial and government payloads, and eventually, human missions," Wentz added. "With the rocket design and operational methodology well understood, we are now positioned to bring this vision to fruition." The Stratolaunch ALV system will be capable of launching government and commercial payloads up to 15,000 lbs. range to low-Earth orbit (LEO) and smaller payloads to geostationary transfer orbit (GTO). Due to its air-launch capability, the system is designed for maximum operational flexibility and payload delivery from multiple sites. It also offers the ability to minimize or avoid mission constraints that affect traditional ground-launch operations, such as certain aspects of range availability or inclement weather conditions. Stratolaunch is on track for carrier aircraft flight testing by 2016. "By selecting Orbital as a key member of its team, Stratolaunch has employed the world's expert in air- launch systems to orbit, having pioneered the small-class Pegasus rocket over 20 years ago, which, together with derivative air-launch vehicles, have carried out over 50 missions for government and commercial customers," said Frank Culbertson, Orbital's Executive Vice President and General Manager of its Advanced Programs Group. "We have assembled a first-class team of professionals, with decades of experience, and we are ready to support the program as it moves from concept into design and production."
Contact Us | The Source for Space History & Artifacts
Copyright 1999-2024 collectSPACE. All rights reserved.