Orbital Selected by NASA for $6 Million Lunar Exploration Study Contract
Orbital Sciences
Corporation (NYSE: ORB) today announced that it was awarded a one-year
contract, worth up to $6 million, by the National Aeronautics and
Space Administration (NASA) to perform a Concept Exploration and
Refinement (CE&R) study for human lunar exploration systems and the
development of the crew exploration vehicle. Orbital was one of
several companies awarded similar contracts that are divided into
six-month increments, beginning with a firm portion of approximately
$3 million over the first six months and a $3 million optional portion
over the second six-month period. Under these contracts from the
Exploration Systems Mission Directorate, NASA is seeking outside
expertise to work in partnership with the space agency. The company
said that work on the contract would begin immediately.
"We are delighted to be able to continue our long-standing support
of NASA's efforts to develop new human space exploration systems,"
said Dr. Doug Stanley, Program Manager for Orbital's Advanced Programs
Group. "Ever since the Space Transportation Architecture Studies were
commissioned in 1998 and throughout the Space Launch Initiative and
the Orbital Space Plane Programs, Orbital has worked in partnership
with NASA to develop space system concepts that are innovative,
affordable and achievable. We are convinced that our team will
continue to add significant value to the development of new space
exploration concepts with our unique ability to offer creative
solutions grounded in disciplined engineering approaches."
NASA's Vision for Space Exploration is focused on developing a
sustained and affordable human and robotic space exploration program
designed to explore the solar system and beyond.
About Orbital
Orbital develops and manufactures small space and rocket systems
for commercial, military and civil government customers. The company's
primary products are satellites and launch vehicles, including
low-orbit, geosynchronous and planetary spacecraft for communications,
remote sensing, scientific and defense 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 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:
Orbital Sciences Corporation
Public and Investor Relations:
Barron Beneski, 703-406-5528 Beneski.barron@orbital.com
