Michael Braukus/J.D. Harrington
Headquarters, Washington      
202-358-1979/5241
michael.j.braukus@nasa.gov / j.d.harrington@nasa.gov

Keith Koehler
Wallops Flight Facility, Va.
757-824-1579
keith.a.koehler@nasa.gov

Barron Beneski
Orbital Sciences Corp., Dulles, Va.
703-406-5528
beneski.barron@orbital.com   



RELEASE: 11-276

CYGNUS SPACE STATION CARGO CARRIER ARRIVES AT NASA WALLOPS

WASHINGTON -- NASA's work to help develop the next generation of
commercial space transportation systems reached another significant
achievement yesterday with the arrival at Wallops Flight Facility in
Virginia of the Cygnus Pressurized Cargo Module, Orbital Science
Corp.'s spacecraft to carry supplies to the International Space
Station.

"This is one more important step in our partnership with U.S. private
industry to build safe, reliable and cost effective cargo
transportation systems," said Philip McAlister, acting director of
commercial spaceflight development at NASA Headquarters in
Washington. "We are pleased that Orbital has made this accomplishment
and look forward to the company flying the Cygnus spacecraft in
2012."

During the next several months, Orbital's engineering team will
integrate the pressurized module with the Cygnus service module that
includes the spacecraft's avionics, propulsion and power systems.

The Cygnus spacecraft is scheduled for a demonstration flight from
Wallops early next year on an Orbital Taurus II launch vehicle under
NASA's Commercial Orbital Transportation Services agreement with the
company.

For information about NASA's commercial space transportation efforts,
visit:


http://www.nasa.gov/exploration/commercial/index.html


For images and information about the Cygnus arrival, visit:


http://www.nasa.gov/centers/wallops/news/cygnus-arrives.html