Initial evidence shows that the decades-old rocket engines used by Dulles-based Orbital Sciences Corp. were the cause of the catastrophic explosion Oct. 28, spurring the company to look to its competitors to help launch its vehicle to the International Space Station.
Orbital will need to go to direct competitors to launch its Cygnus cargo spacecraft. CEO David Thompson said the company is in discussions with three launch providers — two in the U.S. and one based in Europe.
The two primary U.S. launch companies are Space Exploration Technologies Corp., the other company with a contract to deliver cargo to the space station, which has its Falcon 9 rocket, and United Launch Alliance, which has its Atlas and Delta rocket family.
Orbital said it will likely need to launch only one or two non-Antares rockets to satisfy its NASA commitments.
Elon Musk theme song should be All I Do is Win
Brian Wang is a Futurist Thought Leader and a popular Science blogger with 1 million readers per month. His blog Nextbigfuture.com is ranked #1 Science News Blog. It covers many disruptive technology and trends including Space, Robotics, Artificial Intelligence, Medicine, Anti-aging Biotechnology, and Nanotechnology.
Known for identifying cutting edge technologies, he is currently a Co-Founder of a startup and fundraiser for high potential early-stage companies. He is the Head of Research for Allocations for deep technology investments and an Angel Investor at Space Angels.
A frequent speaker at corporations, he has been a TEDx speaker, a Singularity University speaker and guest at numerous interviews for radio and podcasts. He is open to public speaking and advising engagements.
