The first launch of Orbital's new Antares medium-class space launch vehicle, the A-ONE mission, is currently scheduled to occur no earlier than April 17, with a targeted date range of April 17 to 19. The A-ONE Mission will originate from the Mid-Atlantic Regional Spaceport (MARS) at NASA's Wallops Flight Facility.
The goal of the A-ONE mission is to demonstrate the operational Antares launch system, from roll-out of the rocket from its integration facility, through emplacement on the pad and fueling, to launch and delivery of a simulated payload to a target orbit of 250 by 300 kilometers with an inclination of 51.6 degrees.
A successful test launch will lead to Orbital's Demonstration Mission of cargo delivery to the International Space Station. The mission is the final operational milestone under the NASA Commercial Orbital Transportation System (COTS) agreement.
Following the successful completion of the COTS research and development program, Orbital is slated to deliver up to 20,000 kilograms of supplies to the ISS under the Commercial Resupply Services (CRS) contract with NASA.
The A-ONE and COTS demonstration missions represent the culmination of Orbital's largest product development in the 30-year history of the company.