First Cygnus Service Module Shipped to Wallops
March 2013
On March 26th 2013, the Orbital Sciences Cygnus team shipped the Service Module (SM) for the COTS Demonstration mission from Orbital's Satellite Manufacturing Facility to Building H-100 at NASA's Wallops Flight Facility (WFF). The SM, encased in a protective shipping container, made the approximately 200 mile trip by truck to the H-100 facility high bay, where the trailer was dropped off. The Cygnus integration and test team will carefully remove the SM from the shipping container, inspect the SM for any damage from the trip, and begin launch site processing. In early April, the SM will be mated to the Cygnus Pressurized Cargo Module (PCM), which was loaded with cargo and configured for flight on March 23rd. The complete Cygnus spacecraft will then be transferred from H-100 to building V-55 at WFF for hypergolic propellant loading. Once fueled, the Cygnus will be ready for integration on the Antares rocket.
Cygnus Service Module in its shipping container at Orbital’s Satellite Manufacturing Facility, Dulles, Virginia, just prior to departure for Wallops Flight Facility, Virginia |
Cygnus Service Module arriving at H-100, Wallops Flight Facility building H-100 on March 26, 2013. |
Space Station Cargo Loaded in to Cargo Module at Wallops
March 2013
Orbital’s Cygnus Cargo team recently loaded cargo into the COTS Demonstration Pressurized Cargo Module (PCM) in advance of the COTS Demonstration Flight. The cargo from NASA arrived at Wallops Flight Facility building H-100 by truck from Houston Texas on March 19th and was accepted by the Cygnus team that evening. The cargo was then unpacked, weighed, measured and inspected to ensure that the cargo successfully survived the trip. The cargo was then loaded into the Pressurized Cargo Module starting on March 22nd and completing on March 23rd. A total of 1235 lbs of cargo (560 kg) was loaded into the Cygnus. In addition, the Cygnus team configured the interior of the module for flight. The PCM is now ready to be mated to the Service Module when it arrives at H-100 on March26th.
An additional 376 lbs of cargo (171 kg) will be added to Cygnus once it is mated to the Antares rocket just prior to launch.
NASA flight cargo being in-processed for loading at Building H-100, Wallops Flight Facility, VA |
Cargo PreFlight Inspection |
Cargo Delivered to the Cargo Module for Loading |
Cargo Bag Insertion into the PCM |
Pressurized Cargo Module Loaded With Cargo and Prepared for Launch |
Orbital Sets Antares “A-ONE” Test Flight Launch Date Between April 17th and 19th
March 2013
Orbital's Antares team is working toward carrying out the test flight (dubbed the "A-One" Mission) no earlier than April 16 with a targeted range of the 17th to the 19th. The test flight of America's newest medium-class launcher will originate from the Mid-Atlantic Regional Spaceport (MARS) located at NASA's Wallops Flight Facility on the eastern shore of Virginia.
For an overview of the A-ONE Mission, click HERE to download a PDF version of the mission overview shown below.
Antares “Hot Fire” Test Successful
February 2013
Orbital and the Antares team successfully conducted a "hot fire" test of the first stage propulsion system on February 22, 2013. The 29-second hot fire test at Pad 0A at the Mid-Atlantic Regional Spaceport (MARS), was designed to verify that the pad's fueling systems and the Antares stage one test article functioned properly in a fully operational environment, that engine ignition and shut down commands operated as designed, and that the dual AJ26 first stage engines performed to specification in the twin-engine configuration. The test included a full propellant loading sequence, launch countdown and engine ignition operation. The pad's high volume water deluge system also performed as designed to protect the pad from damage and provide noise suppression.
Initial review of the test data indicate the primary objectives of the test were accomplished. The pad and fueling systems will undergo post-test inspections and any necessary reconditioning work will be performed. Orbital will then roll out the first complete two-stage Antares rocket to prepare it for its test flight mission, which is expected to take place in four to six weeks. Orbital will purge and clean the engines used in the hot fire test and return the first stage test unit to the integration facility for reconditioning and use in a later Antares mission.
Antares “Hot Fire” Test Update
February 2013
After a preliminary overnight review of the data from the hot fire test attempt on February 13, Orbital's Antares team has identified low pressurization levels of a "nitrogen purge" of the aft engine compartment as the reason the Antares flight computer, acting as designed, aborted the test with about 1.5 seconds left in the countdown. All other aspects of the countdown procedure, from the ground fueling system of the MARS launch complex to the Stage 1 test article, performed nominally. Orbital's Antares team expects to perform another test before the end of February, with an exact date for the test still to be determined.
Antares “Hot Fire” Test Abort
February 2013
The planned first stage propulsion system "hot fire" test of Orbital's new Antares medium-class rocket was halted in the final seconds of the countdown by the rocket's flight computer, which detected an anomalous condition. The Antares team will evaluate the data from the test to determine the nature of the abort. A new date for the test has not been determined.
The test hot fire test is being conducted at Pad 0A at the Mid-Atlantic Regional Spaceport (MARS) at NASA's Wallops Flight Facility on the eastern shore of Virginia. The major objectives of the hot fire test are to verify the that pad's fueling systems and the Antares stage one test article functioned properly in a fully operational environment, that engine ignition and shut down commands operated as designed, and that the dual AJ26 first stage engines performed to specifications in the twin-engine configuration.
Antares “Cold Flow” Test Complete. “Hot Fire” Test is Next.
January 2013
Orbital recently completed an extensive series of cold flow propellant tests, also known as wet dress rehearsals, at the Mid-Atlantic Regional Spaceport (MARS) launch complex at NASA’s Wallops Flight Facility. The series of tests were performed to confirm that the launch complex’s propellant handling systems were performing according to specifications and were fully compatible with the liquid fuel first stage of the Antares rocket. With the completion of these flow tests, the Orbital team will begin to prepare for a “hot fire” test of the first stage, which is the final ground test before the inaugural flight of the Antares rocket. This test is currently scheduled to take place in February.
For the hot fire, Orbital will conduct a 29-second hold-down operation of the Antares first stage and its dual AJ26 rocket engines. The primary goals of the test will be to ensure that the pad’s fueling systems and the Antares stage one test article function properly in a fully operational environment, that engine ignition and shut down commands operate as designed, and that the two AJ26 first stage engines perform properly in the dual engine configuration. The test will include a full propellant loading sequence, launch countdown and engine ignition operation. The pad’s high volume water deluge system will also flow throughout the entire period of the test to protect the pad from damage and to provide general noise suppression.
After the test is successfully completed, the first stage test article will be returned to the Horizontal Integration Facility where the core and two engines will be refurbished for a later flight.
Orbital updates its COTS and CRS milestone schedule:
January 2013
- Completion of cold flow testing (aka wet dress rehearsals): The Antares team has completed all but one test. The last test is expected to be completed before the end of January.
- "Hot Fire" test of Antares first stage: To be conducted at the Mid-Atlantic Regional Spaceport (MARS), located at NASA's Wallops Flight Facility. This is the last major ground test before the first Antares flight and is expected to be conducted in February.
- Test Flight of the Antares rocket from MARS/Wallops: The mission will carry a heavily instrumented mass simulator for data gathering, not an operational Cygnus spacecraft. The test flight is expected to be conducted in March, approximately 4 to 6 weeks after the hot fire test.
- COTS Demonstration mission to the ISS: This mission involves an Antares launch carrying a fully operational Cygnus spacecraft that will rendezvous and berth with the International Space Station (ISS) to demonstrate the full capabilities of the cargo resupply system. Orbital is working with NASA's ISS program to identify an available time window for Cygnus to arrive at the ISS. Current candidate slots are in May and June.
- First CRS mission: Like the demonstration mission, the schedule needs to be coordinated with NASA's ISS program and is dependent on the completion of the previous milestones. Currently scheduled for the third quarter of 2013.
Successful AJ26 Acceptance Test
January 2013
On Friday, January 18, 2013, Orbital, Aerojet and NASA successfully completed a hot fire test of an Antares AJ26 engine at NASA's Stennis Space Center. The full-duration test was the eleventh AJ26 engine tested at Stennis. Initial review of the test data indicates that the test successfully met all of its requirements.
After further review of the test data, the AJ26 will be configured for flight and shipped to NASA's Wallops Flight Facility for integration with Orbital's Antares rocket. The AJ26 is a modified NK-33 engine originally designed and produced in Russia for the Russian N1 lunar launch vehicle. Aerojet purchased approximately 40 NK-33 engines in the mid-1990s and, under contract with Orbital, is modifying the engines specifically for Antares.
In addition to the certification testing, each AJ26 engine to be used on an Antares rocket will be routed through the Stennis facility for pre-launch acceptance testing prior to being integrated with the rocket.
Antares Cold Flow Testing Begins and Antares A-ONE Gets All Dressed Up
December 2012
The Antares team began cold flow testing with a first stage on the launch pad. The initial cold-flow tests validated the loading and unloading of liquid oxygen to the rocket. The top photo below is a still image captured by the pad video system.
Meanwhile, in the Horizontal Integration facility, the Antares to be employed for the test launch (mission A-ONE) has been dressed up with its logos (middle photo). The bottom image shows the first Antares payload fairing in the foreground with the cores for the A-ONE mission (left) and COTS demo mission (center) behind it.
Three Cygnus Service Modules in Dulles
December 2012
As the year draws to a close there are now three substantially complete Cygnus Service Modules in Orbital's Dulles, Virginia Satellite Manufacturing Facility (see photo below). In addition to the integration and testing of the spacecraft, the program has achieved a number of key milestones in the last few months:
Mission Operations to Spacecraft Testing: The Orbital team successfully completed the first test of the Mission Operations to Spacecraft link. The COTS demo service module was attached via data and command lines to Orbital's Mission Operations Center in Dulles, Virginia, and the mission timeline from launch to berthing was exercised by the Cygnus team. This test required the team to operate in shifts, flying the spacecraft continuously for approximately 80 hours to simulate all required maneuvers to achieve ISS berthing, successfully executing all required procedures.
Safety Review: In addition, the Cygnus engineering and safety teams successfully completed the presentation of our final safety hazard assessment to the ISS Safety Review Panel, including design and operational controls to mitigate hazards to the Space Station or its Crew.
Joint Avionics Software Validation Testing: At the Johnson Space Center (JSC) Orbital connected its Cygnus "Flatsat" to a ISS "Flatsat" platform to validate the avionics that comprise the spacecraft and the Cygnus ground control system. Joint Test 4 (JT4) validated Cygnus interfaces to the ISS successfully demonstrating its ability to send commands and receive telemetry. Cygnus flight software also demonstrated nominal and off-nominal approaches, nominal departures, aborts, and a wide variety of responses to faults.
Joint Test 5, also known as the End-to-End-Test, used the same test configuration and included mission control centers in Houston, Texas, Dulles, Virginia, and Tskuba, Japan to validate the ability of the distributed ground control system to properly operate ISS and Cygnus. The team passed all test cases on the first pass with no issues.
Antares Post Hurricane Update
November 2, 2012
Following initial post-Hurricane Sandy inspections and a more thorough review conducted over the last two days, it appears the Antares first stage "weathered" the storm in good condition, as did the launch pad and supporting facilities on Wallops Island. The pre-storm precautionary procedures the team put in place were successful. Beginning today, the team is getting back to normal operations, leading to a series of three "wet dress rehearsals" (fueling and defueling the rocket to test the launch complex's systems) and a "hot fire" test during which the rocket's dual main engines will run at full thrust for about 30 seconds while the first stage is held down on the pad, projected to take place in November. Once these tests are complete and data is analyzed, a launch date for the test flight of Antares will be determined.
More Photos from Stage One Roll Out
October 2012
Antares Rolls Out To Wallops Launch Pad NASA Video
Antares First Stage Test Article Rolled Out to Pad
October 2012
Orbital and the Mid-Atlantic Regional Spaceport (MARS) have completed checkout and performance testing of Launch Pad 0A and its associated Liquid Fueling Facility (LFF), paving the way to begin on-pad operations for the Antares Program at Wallops Island, VA. On October 1 an Antares first stage test article was transported from the Horizontal Integration Facility (HIF), where the Antares launchers are assembled, to the pad about a mile away.
At the pad, the test article will be used to verify the launch pad fueling systems through a series of "wet dress rehearsals" during which Antares is fueled and then defueled to test all launch complex systems. Later, Orbital will conduct a 30-second hot-fire test of the Antares first stage and its dual AJ26 rocket engines. After these tests are successfully conducted, the test article will be returned to the HIF and the stage and the engines will be refurbished for a later flight.
Approximately one month after the successful hot fire test, the maiden flight of the Antares rocket will occur. For this mission Antares will carry a simulated payload that will be heavily instrumented to gather data on the launch environment aboard the vehicle. In addition, four small "pico satellites" will also be deployed from two dispensers that will be integrated with the mass simulator.
In 2013 Antares will conduct a demonstration mission to deliver cargo to the International Space Station (ISS) under the company's Commercial Orbital Transportation Services (COTS) agreement with NASA. For this mission, a fully operational Cygnus spacecraft will be launched into orbit by Antares and, following an extensive series of in-orbit tests, will autonomously rendezvous and berth with the ISS. The first Cygnus will deliver approximately 550 kg of cargo upon its arrival and will remove about 1,000 kg of disposal cargo upon its departure from the Station.
Map of the Wallops Island, VA Launch Facilities
July 2012
In preparation for Orbital's cargo resupply missions to the International Space Station, which will use our Antares rocket and Cygnus spacecraft, significant launch site development has taken place at NASA's Wallops Flight Facility on the eastern shore of Virginia. The aerial map below shows the location of the Mid-Atlantic Regional Spaceport's (MARS) Pad 0A, from which our COTS and CRS missions will launch, as well as the Horizontal Integration Facility where the Antares Rockets are integrated, and Building H-100 Payload Processing Facility on the Wallops main base where Cygnus will be integrated prior to mating with the Antares rocket. The legend on the lower right of the map details all of the facilities that Orbital will utilize in support of the COTS and CRS missions (listed in red). Download a PDF of the map.
Multiple Antares Rocket Components Being Readied for Flight Operations at Wallops Island
July 2012
Major systems of our Antares medium-class launch vehicle are approaching the final stages of processing and assembly at the Horizontal Integration Facility (HIF) at Wallops Island, VA. The three Antares first stage cores shown in the photo below will be used for the key upcoming COTS program milestones, including the static fire test, the Antares Test Flight and the COTS demonstration mission to the International Space Station (ISS).
At the far right of the photo, the complete first stage for the static fire test is already aboard the transporter vehicle that will roll it out to the pad, located approximately one mile from the HIF. At the far left of the photo (in the background) is the Antares rocket that will carry out the Test Flight. The first and second stages are already mated, with the Cygnus mass simulator and fairing to be integrated during the month before launch. The Cygnus mass simulator is seen in a vertical configuration at the left foreground of the photo. Finally, in the center of the photo, is the first stage of the Antares rocket that will carry out the COTS demonstration mission to the ISS. It is being readied for engine integration. The nozzle of an AJ26 engine can be seen in the left foreground.
Updated COTS and CRS Schedules
July 2012
Orbital updated its COTS and CRS operational schedules, with plans to achieve four major operational milestones within the next year. They are as listed below:
- Late August/Early September 2012 - Antares First-Stage Static Fire Test at Wallops
- October 2012 - Antares Test Flight for COTS
- December 2012 - COTS Demonstration Mission to ISS*
- First quarter 2013 - CRS Mission #1 to ISS*
*Dates are subject to coordination with NASA's ISS cargo delivery schedule.
Orbital Antares Team Conducts Another AJ26 Engine Test
June 2012
The Orbital, Aerojet and NASA team conducted a successful test at the NASA Stennis Space Center in a firing of an AJ26 engine that had undergone hot fire testing previously. Among several objectives, the test allowed the team to collect additional engine data in advance of the planned Antares stage one hot fire test planned for later this summer at the Wallops Island, VA launch site in which the entire stage one core, with two AJ 26 engines, will be test fired. (NASA photo)
US Senator Mikulski Tours Wallops Island Facilities
June 2012
Orbital personnel supported a visit by Sen. Barbara Mikulski of Maryland on Monday, June 25, who was at NASA's Wallops Flight Facility during a oversight tour of the facility Sen. Mikulski toured the launch pad, which is fully built and is being certified as safe and fully functional by a team of NASA, Orbital and Mid-Atlantic Regional Spaceport (MARS) representatives and was briefed on the progress being made toward completing the certification of the launch complex from which Orbital's cargo delivery mission to the International Space Station will originate. MARS is responsible for the construction and operation of the launch pad complex.
Orbital also briefed the Senator on the company's preparedness for carrying out a test launch of the Antares rocket and the demonstration cargo delivery mission to the International Space Station in the third and fourth quarters of 2012, respectively. These flight milestones will be the culmination of the Commercial Orbital Transportation Services (COTS) joint research and development program that was initiated between NASA and Orbital in late 2008. (NASA photo)
Orbital's COTS Program Featured in NASA Video
June 2012
NASA's COTS Project Executive Bruce Manners is interviewed about Orbital's COTS activities in this video clip posted to NASA's COTS website at http://www.nasa.gov/multimedia/videogallery/index.html?collection_id=28371&media_id=146401651
Orbital Begins Cryoshock Testing at MARS Launch Pad
May 2012
Orbital recently completed two incremental steps leading to the certification of the launch pad at the Mid-Atlantic Regional Spaceport (MARS) at Wallops Island, Virginia. In early May, an Orbital and MARS team completed a review of all construction documentation related to the design, development and construction of the launch pad infrastructure, including the pad itself and the surrounding propellant handling systems and tank farm. While this isn't a step that can be “seen” it is nonetheless important as it allows the certification process to proceed to a more “operational” level.
The second step recently accomplished certainly falls into the “operational” category, with the completion of the liquid nitrogen cryogenic pumping tests accomplished over a several day period. The extreme cold temperatures of the liquid nitrogen provide an environment where the robustness of the system can be tested at cryogenic temperatures. These extreme temperatures cause material contraction that stress the piping support systems and the valve systems, and they also introduce icing on exterior surfaces that can cause leaks and other issues. Orbital and MARS are intent on finding any problems using liquid nitrogen before Liquid Oxygen is introduced to the launch facility, which is the next planned testing milestone in the certification process. The introduction of liquid oxygen is the final step required before the beginning of end-to-end performance testing of the liquid fueling facility.
Another Successful AJ26 Hot Fire Test
May 2012
On May 3, 2012 an Orbital, Aerojet and NASA team successfully conducted a hot fire acceptance test of an AJ26 engine at NASA's John C. Stennis Space Center. The engine was the eighth AJ26 to undergo hot fire testing for the Antares program at NASA/Stennis. After a thorough post-test inspection, the engine will be shipped to the Wallops Flight Facility in Virginia. The engine is slated to be one of two AJ26 engines that will power Orbital's Antares rocket for the first operational mission to deliver cargo to the International Space Station under the Commercial Resupply Services (CRS) agreement with NASA. The first CRS mission, known as "ORB-1," is currently scheduled to occur in early 2013.
NASA Deputy Administrator Lori Garver and U.S. Congressman Steven Palazzo were on hand to watch the hot fire test. (NASA photo) |
NASA Administrator Bolden Visits Wallops
May 2012
On Thursday, May 17, Orbital’s Senior Vice President Frank Culbertson briefed NASA Administrator Charles Bolden on our progress on the COTS and CRS programs as he visited NASA Wallops Flight Facility. The first Pressurized Cargo Module (PCM) that will fly aboard the COTS program demonstration mission later this year is on-site at Wallops, where it will be integrated with the Cygnus Service Module (SM), which is being built and tested at our Dulles production facilities (see several updates on the SM below). Mr. Culbertson briefed the Administrator on Orbital’s progress in developing the Cygnus vehicle, as well as the company’s momentum toward launch pad “certification,” which will enable Orbital to conduct full operational activity for pre-flight tests and the first two Antares missions later this year.
(left to right) Bill Wrobel, Director, Wallops Flight Facility; Chris Scolese, Director, Goddard Space Flight Center; Charles Bolden, NASA Administrator; and Frank Culbertson, Senior Vice president for Human Spaceflight Systems, Orbital. (NASA photo) |
Administrator Bolden gets a close look at the Cygnus Pressurized Cargo Module (NASA photo) |
Updated COTS & CRS Schedules
April 2012
Orbital updated its COTS and CRS operational schedules, with plans to achieve four major milestones over the next year. They are as listed below:
Third quarter 2012 - Antares First-Stage Static Fire Test at Wallops
Third quarter 2012 - Antares Test Flight for COTS
Fourth quarter 2012 - COTS Demonstration Mission to ISS*
First quarter 2013 - CRS Mission #1 to ISS*
*Orbital's operational dates are subject to coordination with NASA's ISS cargo delivery schedule
Antares First Stage Goes Vertical
April 2012
Orbital has now fully erected the first stage of the Antares rocket into a vertical position at the MARS launch pad at Wallops Island, Virginia. We are continuing the pathfinder operations for the rocket's roll out to the pad from the Horizontal Integration Facility that began late last week. NASA photographer Patrick Black captured this image of the upright first stage on the pad.
More Photos of Antares Pathfinder
April 2012
More images of the Antares pathfinder from the Mid-Atlantic Regional Spaceport (MARS) pad cameras.
Orbital Begins Antares First Stage Roll Out Pathfinder Operations
April 2012
For the next several days, Orbital will be conducting "pathfinder" operations for the critical process of rolling out and erecting the Antares rocket at the MARS launch Pad 0A at Wallops Island. In the top photo below, the Antares first stage has just left the Horizontal Integration Facility (HIF), beginning its one-mile trip to the launch pad aboard the specially designed Transporter/Erector/Launcher (TEL). In the lower photo the first stage ascends the ramp leading to the pad. (NASA Photos)
Expect to see more photos and video from Orbital and NASA in the coming days as the rocket begins its fit check operations at the pad, after it is erected to a vertical position at the launch pad.
Updated COTS & CRS Schedules
April 2012
Orbital updated its COTS and CRS operational schedules, with plans to achieve four major milestones over the next year. They are as listed below:
Third quarter 2012 - Antares First-Stage Static Fire Test at Wallops
Third quarter 2012 - Antares Test Flight for COTS
Fourth quarter 2012 - COTS Demonstration Mission to ISS*
First quarter 2013 - CRS Mission #1 to ISS*
*Orbital's operational dates are subject to coordination with NASA's ISS cargo delivery schedule
Cygnus Service Module for COTS Mission Completes TVAC Testing
March 2012
The Cygnus service module to be used in the Commercial Orbital Transportation System (COTS) demonstration mission successfully completed thermal vacuum testing, a major milestone in the test phase of the COTS development program. The spacecraft underwent two weeks of testing to simulate the extreme temperature variations and vacuum of the space environment. The service module will undergo additional testing at Orbital's Dulles, Virginia satellite manufacturing facility prior to shipment to the Wallops Island, Virginia launch. At Wallops, the service module will be mated to the Pressurized Cargo Module that will be used for the COTS demonstration mission scheduled for later this year.
Orbital's second Cygnus service module, to be used on the first Commercial Resupply Services (CRS) mission, is also fully assembled and ready for its environmental test program. Orbital's third service module is being assembled and will begin testing this Spring. The Pressurized Cargo Module (PCM) for the COTS Demonstration mission has already been delivered to Orbital and is located at the Payload Processing Facility at Wallops Flight Facility. The PCM for the first CRS mission is has been completed as well and will be shipped from Turin Italy to Wallops this Summer.
Updated 2012 COTS & CRS Schedules
February 2012
Today, Orbital updated its 2012 COTS and CRS operational schedules. Gone is our colorful Development and Flight Milestones chart, now that we're in the homestretch to our four major milestones for the year, which are as follows:
May - Antares First-Stage Static Fire Test at Wallops
June - Antares Test Flight for COTS
Third quarter - COTS Demonstration Mission*
Fourth quarter - CRS Mission #1*
*Orbital's operational dates are subject to coordination with NASA's ISS cargo delivery schedule
Progress Update on Orbital's Cygnus and ISS Cargo Resupply Activities
February 2012
Frank Culbertson, Orbital's Senior Vice President and head of our human space systems business, gave a presentation to the FAA's Commercial Space Transportation Conference in Washington, DC on February 16 with an update on our Cygnus and ISS Cargo Resupply Activities. His presentation, which contains some new photos and updates, is posted below.
Orbital Hosts NASA Deputy Administrator at Wallops
January 2012
Orbital was pleased to host NASA Deputy Administrator Lori Garver on Thursday, January 19 at our Wallops operations where the Antares rocket is being prepared to support our COTS and CRS launches scheduled in 2012. Ms. Garver (center) was briefed by Orbital's Senior Vice President Frank Culbertson (left) and was accompanied by NASA Wallops Center Director Bill Wrobel (right). The group toured the Horizontal Integration Facility, also known as "the HIF", and surveyed the launch pad complex that is nearing completion.
Integration and Testing of Cygnus Service Modules
January 2012
Integration and testing of Cygnus spacecraft service modules continues at our Dulles, VA Satellite Manufacturing Facility (SMF). The service module on the left in the photo below will be used for the Commercial Orbital Transportation Services (COTS) demonstration flight to the International Space Station (ISS) later this year. The service module on the right will carry out the first of eight cargo resupply missions under Orbital's Commercial Resupply Services (CRS) contract with NASA, also scheduled for later this year. A third Cygnus service module (not shown) is also undergoing integration in a separate clean room facility in the facility.
The two service modules shown below are being integrated and assembled in a class 100,000 clean room prior to the beginning of environmental testing, the last major phase of the spacecraft development and testing prior to shipment to the Wallops Island, VA launch site, where it will be integrated with the Pressurized Cargo Module (PCM) that was delivered in 2011. The Cygnus service module on the left will begin its thermal vacuum testing in February, followed by mechanical environmental tests one month later. The banner seen on the wall above the Cygnus service modules is a full-scale depiction of the complete Cygnus system with its solar arrays deployed.
To view other photos, images and video animation of the launch sequence of Orbital's Cygnus spacecraft and the Antares launch vehicle that will carry the Cygnus into orbit, click on the Images Multimedia link above.
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