Orbital Sciences Corporation, a world leader in smaller-sized civil government and national security satellites, announced today that it has been selected by the U.S. Air Force Research Laboratory's (AFRL) Space Vehicles Directorate, Kirtland Air Force Base, N.M., for a $29.5 million contract to support the execution of the Autonomous Nanosatellite Guardian for Evaluating Local Space satellite program.

The ANGELS program supports the continued initiatives of AFRL's Space Vehicle Directorate to develop innovative nanosatellite technologies capable of independently providing localized space situational awareness.

"The ANGELS program will develop key technologies and capabilities for a broad spectrum of defense and civilian space missions," stated Dr. Antonio Elias, Orbital's Executive Vice President and General Manager of its Advanced Programs Group. "Under AFRL's leadership, this effort will help maintain the United States' continuing technological and industrial superiority in space."

AFRL's Space Vehicle Directorate focuses on developing advanced technology in the several disciplines of space operations, including space situational awareness.

About Orbital

Orbital develops and manufactures small rockets and space systems for commercial, military and civil government customers. The company's primary products are satellites and launch vehicles, including low-orbit, geosynchronous-orbit and planetary spacecraft for communications, remote sensing, scientific and defense missions; ground- and air-launched rockets that deliver satellites into orbit; and missile defense systems that are used as interceptor and target vehicles. Orbital also offers space-related technical services to government agencies and develops and builds satellite-based transportation management systems for public transit agencies and private vehicle fleet operators.