Antares is a two-stage launch vehicle designed to provide responsive, low-cost, and reliable access to space for medium-class payloads weighing up to 6120 kg. Initially developed to demonstrate commercial re-supply of the International Space Station under a NASA Commercial Orbital Transportation Services (COTS) contract, the Antares launch system utilizes many management approaches, engineering standards, production and test processes common to Orbital's family of highly successful small-class Pegasus®, Taurus®, and Minotaur launch vehicles. These proven launch technologies, along with hardware from some of the world's leading aerospace suppliers, combine to provide cost-effective access to a variety of orbits for civil, commercial and military Delta II-class payloads. The first launch of Antares took place on April 21, 2013.
System Features Include:
Incorporates both solid and liquid stages and flight-proven technologies to meet medium-class mission requirements
Provides substantial payload performance into a variety of low inclination low-Earth and sun synchronous orbits and interplanetary trajectories
3.9 meter fairing accommodates large payloads
Streamlined vehicle/payload integration and testing via simplified interfaces reduce time from encapsulation to lift-off
Capable of launching single and multiple payloads
Initial launch capability in 2012 from the Wallops Flight Facility (WFF)
Compatible with the Western Range at Vandenberg Air Force Base (VAFB), Wallops Flight Facility, Eastern Range at Cape Canaveral Air Force Station (CCAFS) and Kodiak Launch Complex (KLC)
Quick Facts
Medium class space launch vehicle utilizes proven systems from Pegasus, Taurus, and Minotaur product lines
Rocket incorporates both solid and liquid stages
Designed to achieve a 98% or greater launch reliability
