Similarly, Orbital Sciences has made significant development progress in just a few short years by leveraging other key system components and suppliers with significant flight heritage and launch vehicle experience. These include:
- First stage tankage and associated components designed and built by Yuzhnoye / Yuzhmash of the Ukraine
- Avionics and Guidance systems derived from other Orbital successful launch vehicle programs
- Ground systems infrastructure designed and produced by a consortium of companies with extensive launch vehicle systems experience
This re-integration approach of existing components and infrastructure enables Orbital to not only reduce the time typically needed to bring a new launch vehicle on line, but also significantly mitigates development risks.
In addition to the main engine test firing, Orbital has aggressive plans to accomplish other significant development milestones in 2010 including:
- Completion and activation of a new integration and launch facility at the Mid-Atlantic Regional Spaceport (MARS) on Wallops Island, Virginia
- Completion of 1st stage booster structural testing
- Component delivery, integration and static fire test of the 1st stage booster
- Completion and test of proto-flight payload fairing and other payload accommodations elements
Through a systematic, detailed approach that builds on major proven systems, state-of-the art avionics and control elements and new launch and test facilities, Orbital is bringing the Taurus II launch system on line to meet the medium lift launch demands of the next decade.