WASHINGTON — Orbital Sciences Corp. of Dulles, Va., will launch a NASA lunar orbiter in 2012 aboard a five-stage Minotaur 5 rocket, which is based in part on excess ICBM hardware, under a contract option exercised by the U.S. Air Force, the company announced Sept. 14.

To continue reading this article:

Register now to read
3 free articles this month.

You’ll also receive our weekly Editor’s Choice, SpaceNews This Week and Opinions newsletters. Opt-out at any time.

Sign in to an existing account

Get unlimited access to SpaceNews.com, the SpaceNews app and our digital monthly magazine for less than $5 per week.

$280

Cancel anytime. Sales tax may apply. No refunds. Terms and conditions apply.

See all subscription options