Orbital to design, build, and test GALEX satellite

17 Jun 2002

Orbital Sciences Corporation will design, build, and test NASA's Galaxy Evolution Explorer (GALEX) satellite under a contract with the California Institute of Technology. Orbital's role in the $16.5 million contract will be to provide the spacecraft platform, integrate and test the GALEX instrument, build and qualify the satellite ground control system, and provide launch vehicle and mission operations support. The GALEX satellite, part of NASA's Small Explorer program, will explore the origin and evolution of galaxies, stars, and heavy elements using an onboard ultraviolet telescope and is scheduled to be launched in 2001.