Orbital's space and ground infrastructure systems of satellites, launch vehicles, sensors and electronics was bolstered by last year's acquisition of CTA, Inc., a small satellite maker. The satellite segment accounted for more than $1 billion of the new orders. The launch vehicle business, consisting of sales of the Pegasus XL and Taurus launchers as well as research Sounding Rockets, brought in $400 million. The back order book for OSC launches shows more than 60 launches planned over the next five years.

The company also brought in $200 million in new business for sensors and electronics systems. The company is reporting a total backlog of $2.9 billion, including options. Some $1 billion of that total are firm orders, the company reported yesterday. OSC's bottom line was helped last year by a flawless five flights of the Pegasus XL winged space booster.

The company faces a major test of its launch vehicle services at the end of the month with the launch of its second Taurus rocket, planned to loft a Navy research satellite. Sales of the Taurus have lagged far behind the winged Pegasus, and industry analysts say a success would go far in helping marketers sell the vehicle, which closely resembles the Pegasus in performance and design, although without wings.