First flight of OmegA rocket to carry SSN payload
A model of Northrop Grumman’s OmegA rocket stands in the Vehicle Assembly Building’s High Bay 2. Photo Credit: Mike Howard / SpaceFlight Insider
Northrop Grumman’s OmegA rocket has been selected by Saturn Satellite Networks to ferry to satellites to orbit on its maiden voyage.
The rocket’s inaugural flight is currently scheduled to take place in the spring of 2021. If everything goes according to plan, OmegA will lift off from Kennedy Space Center’s Launch Complex 39B in Florida on its way to deliver the spacecraft into a geosynchronous transfer orbit.
“The OmegA rocket expands Northrop Grumman’s launch capabilities beyond our small and medium class rockets, which have successfully launched nearly 80 missions,” said Scott Lehr, vice president and general manager, flight systems, Northrop Grumman via a company-issued release. “Expanding the company’s launch capabilities to the intermediate/heavy class with OmegA complements our national security satellite portfolio and enables us to better support our customers.”
Saturn Satellite Networks noted that they had selected OmegA given that their payload, the NationSat spacecraft, were well-suited to fly on the new launch system.
Artist’s depiction of OmegA rocket lifting off from Kennedy Space Center’s Launch Complex 39B. Image Credit: Northrop Grumman
“We are excited to launch Saturn’s NationSat on Northrop Grumman’s OmegA launch vehicle’s inaugural mission. OmegA’s performance, payload accommodations, and rigorous certification program assures us it is a great fit for NationSats and our customers,” Jim Simpson, CEO of Saturn said in the release.
OmegA’s development has been proceeding along at a steady pace. In August, Northrop Grumman held a ribbon-cutting ceremony in KSC’s High Bay 2 (where OmegA will be prepared for flight). Two months later the U.S. Air Force awarded Northrop Grumman a $792 million Launch Services Agreement. The agreement will review and verify the rocket as well as the locations it should launch from.
“The first flight of OmegA is a key step in our certification process for the U.S. Air Force National Security Space Launch program,” said Charlie Precourt, vice president, propulsion systems, Northrop Grumman. “Having Saturn’s NationSat on board for this mission further demonstrates the versatility of OmegA to serve other markets including commercial and civil government.”
Jason Rhian
Jason Rhian spent several years honing his skills with internships at NASA, the National Space Society and other organizations. He has provided content for outlets such as: Aviation Week & Space Technology, Space.com, The Mars Society and Universe Today.
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