Orbital's Antares Maiden Flight & ORB-D "G. David Low" Cygnus Demo updates.
This thread will be of updates of the upcoming ORB-D Cygnus Demo and will also include updates for the maiden flight of the Antares vehicle, which are separate launches and missions that are absolutely critical to resupply the International Space Station.
Antares Maiden Flight (A-ONE) patch.
SOURCE OF ARTICLE: Orbital’s Cygnus debut mission to the ISS outlined
The Antares maiden flight is scheduled for August 9th, 2012.
The ORB-D Demo mission is scheduled for October-November, 2012.
This thread is for updates only, keep all political discussion in the NASA's Future: The News and Updates Thread
This thread will be of updates of the upcoming ORB-D Cygnus Demo and will also include updates for the maiden flight of the Antares vehicle, which are separate launches and missions that are absolutely critical to resupply the International Space Station.
Antares Maiden Flight (A-ONE) patch.
SOURCE OF ARTICLE: Orbital’s Cygnus debut mission to the ISS outlined
While the mission may be similar, the test schedule is slightly accelerated, with Orbital first tasked with a debut flight of its new launch vehicle, the Antares – formerly known as Taurus II, to be then followed by a one-off full COTS level demonstration mission, not unlike SpaceX’s C2+ mission, tasking Cygnus with a single flight to prove its ability, prior to starting CRS operations proper.
Antares’ debut has been delayed, mainly by ongoing work at the Wallops launch site, although it is hoped Orbital will be able to test launch the new vehicle and then follow it up with Cygnus’ mission to the ISS by the end of this year.
The Antares maiden flight is scheduled for August 9th, 2012.
The ORB-D Demo mission is scheduled for October-November, 2012.
This thread is for updates only, keep all political discussion in the NASA's Future: The News and Updates Thread
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