Design World

  • Home
  • Technologies
    • 3D CAD
    • Electronics • electrical
    • Fastening & Joining
    • Factory automation
    • Linear Motion
    • Motion Control
    • Test & Measurement
    • Sensors
    • Fluid power
  • Learn
    • Ebooks / Tech Tips
    • Engineering Week
    • Future of Design Engineering
    • MC² Motion Control Classrooms
    • Podcasts
    • Videos
    • Webinars
  • LEAP AWARDS
  • Leadership
    • 2022 Voting
    • 2021 Winners
  • Design Guide Library
  • Resources
    • Subscribe!
    • 3D Cad Models
      • PARTsolutions
      • TraceParts
    • Digital Issues
      • Design World
      • EE World
    • Women in Engineering
  • Supplier Listings

Space Station Crew Gets Special Delivery from Virginia

By NASA | October 25, 2016

Share

This week, astronauts are unloading more than 5,000 pounds of cargo and crew supplies from the Cygnus spacecraft to support dozens of science and research investigations. However, this shipment has special significance. This shipment arrived via an Antares rocket from the Mid-Atlantic Regional Spaceport’s pad 0A at NASA’s Wallops Flight Facility.

Rocket launches to the International Space Station from Virginia are back. Teams from Orbital ATK, Virginia Space and NASA have worked diligently to bring about the launch following an Antares launch failure in October 2014.  Since that date, repairs and upgrades to the launch pad have been completed and the Antares rocket has been upgraded. 

“I’m extremely proud of the combined NASA, Orbital ATK and Virginia Space team for their tenacity in restoring a medium-lift launch capability at Wallops,” said Bill Wrobel, Wallops Flight Facility director. “Antares returned to flight brilliantly, and we are looking forward to many more flights in the months and years to come.”

In addition, Wallops Flight Facility is responsible for public safety, tracking, telemetry, communications and institutional support, and spent countless hours to make sure that the range was ready to support the launch.

“Watching the Antares rocket launch Cygnus into orbit from our home port at Wallops Island was a culmination of nearly two years of hard work by our employees, suppliers and our NASA partners,” said Frank Culbertson, Orbital ATK Space System Group President. “Congratulations to everyone who contributed to the job well done.”

The Antares launch from Wallops also was a boost to the local economy with the influx of those wishing to see the launch, national and international media reporting on the mission, and Orbital ATK, NASA and Virginia Space members coming to the Shore to support the flight.

This positive impact to the local economy was definitely seen in the Town of Chincoteague, the location of the town closest to Wallops with a variety of restaurants and lodging facilities.

“We are delighted to see the Antares program return to flight. Increased calls to the chamber office in the last couple of weeks in anticipation of the October 17 launch verify that folks were excited to watch the next re-supply mission leave from Wallops Flight Facility,“ said Evelyn Shotwell, executive director of the Chincoteague Chamber of Commerce..

The spectacular night launch has been the talk of the town as visitors and team members continue celebrate the successful launch. The light from the rocket’s engine flames spreads across Wallops Island and reflected over the surrounding water and marsh as the Antares rocket rose from the launch pad. Spectators continue to trade stories of how they stood in awe at the view and felt the rumble as the rocket flew toward space.

“This influx of visitors are a vital component of our shoulder season economy and the year round work force of government contractors stimulates restaurant, lodging, and recreational businesses in Chincoteague and the surrounding area.” Shotwell said.

The launch of the Antares rocket is not a one-time event, and preparations are already underway for the next Antares launch in the first quarter of 2017. 


Filed Under: Aerospace + defense

 

Related Articles Read More >

Mars helicopter receives Collier Trophy
Flexible rotary shafts to power Delta Airlines’ engines powering their first Airbus A321neo aircraft
Ontic acquires Servotek and Westcon product lines from Marsh Bellofram
Flexible rotary shafts support thrust reverser on 150 LEAP 1-A turbofan engines

DESIGN GUIDE LIBRARY

“motion

Enews Sign Up

Motion Control Classroom

Design World Digital Edition

cover

Browse the most current issue of Design World and back issues in an easy to use high quality format. Clip, share and download with the leading design engineering magazine today.

EDABoard the Forum for Electronics

Top global problem solving EE forum covering Microcontrollers, DSP, Networking, Analog and Digital Design, RF, Power Electronics, PCB Routing and much more

EDABoard: Forum for electronics

Sponsored Content

  • Industrial disc pack couplings
  • Pushing performance: Adding functionality to terminal blocks
  • Get to Know Würth Industrial Division
  • Renishaw next-generation FORTiS™ enclosed linear encoders offer enhanced metrology and reliability for machine tools
  • WAGO’s smartDESIGNER Online Provides Seamless Progression for Projects
  • Epoxy Certified for UL 1203 Standard

Design World Podcasts

July 26, 2022
Tech Tuesdays: Sorbothane marks 40 years of shock and vibration innovation
See More >
Engineering Exchange

The Engineering Exchange is a global educational networking community for engineers.

Connect, share, and learn today »

Design World
  • Advertising
  • About us
  • Contact
  • Manage your Design World Subscription
  • Subscribe
  • Design World Digital Network
  • Engineering White Papers
  • LEAP AWARDS

Copyright © 2022 WTWH Media LLC. All Rights Reserved. The material on this site may not be reproduced, distributed, transmitted, cached or otherwise used, except with the prior written permission of WTWH Media
Privacy Policy | Advertising | About Us

Search Design World

  • Home
  • Technologies
    • 3D CAD
    • Electronics • electrical
    • Fastening & Joining
    • Factory automation
    • Linear Motion
    • Motion Control
    • Test & Measurement
    • Sensors
    • Fluid power
  • Learn
    • Ebooks / Tech Tips
    • Engineering Week
    • Future of Design Engineering
    • MC² Motion Control Classrooms
    • Podcasts
    • Videos
    • Webinars
  • LEAP AWARDS
  • Leadership
    • 2022 Voting
    • 2021 Winners
  • Design Guide Library
  • Resources
    • Subscribe!
    • 3D Cad Models
      • PARTsolutions
      • TraceParts
    • Digital Issues
      • Design World
      • EE World
    • Women in Engineering
  • Supplier Listings