About the Taurus Rocket

• Orbital developed the ground-launched Taurus vehicle to provide a cost-effective, reliable means of launching satellites weighing up to 3,000 pounds into low-Earth orbit, or up to 800 pounds into geosynchronous Earth orbit. Taurus incorporates advanced structural and avionics technology proven on Pegasus and other operational launch systems. It is also designed for easy transportability, offering customers rapid-response launches from a wide range of locations. Including its debut flight in 1994,
• Orbital's Taurus rocket has now carried out five space missions, all of which have been successful. Prior to the MTI mission, the most recent Taurus launch occurred on December 20, 1999, when the rocket deployed two satellites - the KOMPSAT satellite for the Republic of Korea and the ACRIMSAT satellite for NASA.

 About Orbital

• Orbital is one of the largest space technology and satellite services companies in the world, with 1999 revenues of about $900 million. The company, which is headquartered in Dulles, Virginia, employs over 5,200 people at its major facilities in the United States, Canada and several overseas locations. Orbital is the world's leading manufacturer of low-cost space systems and products, including satellites, launch vehicles, electronics and sensors, satellite ground systems and software, and satellite-based navigation and communications products.
• Through its ORBCOMM and ORBIMAGE affiliates and ORBNAV subsidiary, Orbital is also a pioneering operator of satellite-based networks that provide data communications, high-resolution imagery and automotive information services to customers all around the world.