Flight Interational Online news 10:00GMT: NASA's next satellite will be built by Orbital Sciences Corporation under a $27m competitively awarded contract between Orbital and NASA's Jet Propulsion Laboratory.
The Space Technology 8 satellite will validate four advanced technologies in space for possible use in future NASA science missions. The mission is scheduled for launch in 2009.
The satellite consists of four payload experiments: a large flexible solar array; a 40-meter (131-foot) deployable boom; high radiation environment electronics; and a spacecraft thermal control device.
The satellite is based on a lightweight, multi-role spacecraft similar to others already in orbit performing communications, Earth and space science missions.
It will weigh approximately 144 kilograms (385 pounds).
Orbital Sciences also will provide the mission's Pegasus launch vehicle under a separate contract with NASA's Kennedy Space Center. JPL manages the New Millennium Program for NASA.
Source: Flight International
