To increase the reliability of space transportation, ORBCOMM (News - Alert) Inc. and Space Exploration Technologies scheduled launches for ORBCOMM's second generation (OG2) satellites.
According to a press release, the updated plan includes introducing the first OG2 prototype satellite on the first Cargo Re-supply Services (CRS) mission in mid-2012, followed closely by an additional launch of two OG2 satellites into a high inclination orbit as a secondary payload in late 2012.SpaceX (News - Alert) plans to launch eight to twelve OG2 satellites, and the remainder of the constellation of 18 OG2 satellites is expected to be launched in 2014. All launches are expected to be on Falcon 9 rockets.
ORBCOMM is capable to field additional spacecraft in 2012 resulting in increased coverage, while spreading the deployment across multiple launches thereby reducing risk.
SpaceX will check the mission performance on the COTS mission and keep its heed on the successful berthing of the Dragon spacecraft to the International Space Station (ISS).
“We are pleased that SpaceX has offered ORBCOMM this opportunity to launch two satellites that will help our customers using our OG2 messaging services, and additionally augment service to our maritime Automatic Identification System (AIS) customers that benefit from coverage at higher inclinations,” said Marc Eisenberg CEO of ORBCOMM. “The net outcome of these revised launch plans has us launching OG2 satellites at a faster pace with less risk.”
“We are excited to put ORBCOMM's second generation satellites into orbit as scheduled, in the most desirable inclinations with the least amount of risk.” said Elon Musk, founder and CEO of SpaceX. “ORBCOMM has been a great partner and we are looking forward to launch.”
ORBCOMM expects many OG2 satellites will be sent into a specific plane and these will immediately improve messaging services while other satellites will be put into a transfer orbit and drift to their final orbit location.
In other news, ORBCOMM Inc. recently entered into a definitive agreement with PAR Technology Corporation to acquire the assets of PAR's subsidiary, PAR Logistics Management Systems (PAR LMS).