Orbital contracted to define hybrid launch vehicle architectures

DULLES, Va., 15 May 2006. Orbital Sciences Corporation has been awarded a research and development contract by the U.S. Air Force for the Hybrid Launch Vehicle (HLV) Studies and Analysis Program. Under the contract, Orbital will develop responsive space launch designs that combine a reusable first stage with various types of expendable upper stages.

Under the HLV Studies and Analysis contract, Orbital is evaluating alternative aerodynamic, propulsion, and structural configurations, identifying potential development program risk and mitigation plans, and providing recommendations for technical risk reduction activities.

Orbital has begun sharing concepts with the Air Force. In late April, Orbital hosted the Air Force HLV team for a "kick-off" meeting at the company's Dulles, Va., facilities, where a wide range of design trades were examined and discussed.