Tentatively in March 2016. Taking GOES-R's slot. GOES-R will get pushed back to later in the year.
Quote from: .gif on 08/12/2015 07:11 pmTentatively in March 2016. Taking GOES-R's slot. GOES-R will get pushed back to later in the year.What is your source for that ?I thought ORB-5 would fly in Early 2016 from MARS with Antares....
United Launch Alliance (ULA) has signed a contract with Orbital Sciences Corporation (Orbital) (NYSE: ORB) to launch up to two cargo missions to the International Space Station (ISS) under NASA’s Commercial Resupply Services (CRS) program.
GOES-R is NASA/ NOAA mission, the decision how to use the Atlas V may come down to NASA.
Perhaps the falcon dragon failure help cement this choice Ed Kyle
Quote from: jacqmans on 08/12/2015 07:26 pmQuote from: .gif on 08/12/2015 07:11 pmTentatively in March 2016. Taking GOES-R's slot. GOES-R will get pushed back to later in the year.What is your source for that ?I thought ORB-5 would fly in Early 2016 from MARS with Antares....Even in the announcement for Atlas V on Orb-4, Orbital mentioned that they had an option for a second Atlas V.QuoteUnited Launch Alliance (ULA) has signed a contract with Orbital Sciences Corporation (Orbital) (NYSE: ORB) to launch up to two cargo missions to the International Space Station (ISS) under NASA’s Commercial Resupply Services (CRS) program. http://www.ulalaunch.com/ula-signs-contract-with-orbital-sciences.aspxSpacenews reported that ORB-6 might also go on an Atlashttp://spacenews.com/orbital-atk-orders-second-atlas-5-leaves-door-open-for-more/I am guessing OrbATK wants to position itself well for the upcoming CRS-2 contract as a reliable provider, and Atlas will let them put up a lot of cargo quickly without worrying about the Antares modification schedule.
Spacenews reported that ORB-6 might also go on an Atlashttp://spacenews.com/orbital-atk-orders-second-atlas-5-leaves-door-open-for-more/
Besides the mission to be announced Aug. 12, Orbital ATK will conduct “at least three more CRS missions” in 2016, one of which could be launched by a third Atlas 5, the company said.
“In 2016, we will carry out at least three more CRS missions: two (or possibly three) will be launched by Antares rockets, the first of which is on a path to be ready to launch early in the year, and one more will be launched aboard Atlas V to support NASA’s need for additional cargo,” Culbertson added.
“Our plan is just the two Atlas missions, then we’re back on Antares as our launch vehicle,” stated Mr. DeMauro.