Today's successful launch also marked another significant stride forward in the deployment of the OrbComm global data communications system. The eight new Orbital-built satellites launched today now bring the total number of satellites deployed for the OrbComm system to 20. Orbital is the founder and 50% owner of OrbComm Global, L.P., with other partners Teleglobe Inc. of Canada and TRI Bhd. of Malaysia.

Preliminary information gathered following the launch indicates that initial communications with the eight new OrbComm satellites is progressing as expected. Over the next several days, a team of Orbital and OrbComm engineers will conduct a series of early in-orbit tests to confirm that the satellites are operating as planned and to make any necessary adjustments. Following this initial evaluation phase, the engineering team will conduct a more comprehensive series of performance tests over the next several months in preparation for placing the satellites into commercial service.

Today's launch originated from the Virginia Space Flight Center, located on Wallops Island in Southeastern Virginia, when the company's "Stargazer" Pegasus carrier aircraft took off at approximately 11:25 a.m. The L-1011 aircraft flew off the Virginia coast at an altitude of 40,000 feet to a predetermined launch point over the Atlantic Ocean. After being released from its carrier aircraft at approximately 12:24 p.m., the Pegasus rocket ignited its first stage motor after a planned five-second free fall. Following an approximate 75 minute flight, Pegasus delivered all eight OrbComm satellites into their targeted orbits at an altitude of approximately 825 kilometers, inclined at 45 degrees to the equator. Following the separation of the last of the eight satellites, Pegasus completed the planned burn of its remaining hydrazine fuel.