2013-03-05 18:15:11 -

MEXSAT Bicentenario Satellite Completes On-orbit Testing
  * Spacecraft built by Boeing subcontractor, Orbital Sciences Corporation, is
    1st of 3 satellites

EL SEGUNDO, Calif., March 5, 2013 - The MEXSAT Bicentenario satellite, built by
Boeing [NYSE: BA] partner Orbital Sciences Corporation [NYSE: ORB], has
completed on-orbit testing and has been accepted by the customer, the first step
to establishing a space-based communications network that will markedly improve
Mexico's satellite communications capabilities.

The Secretaria de Comunicaciones y Transportes (Secretary of Communications and
Transportation) of Mexico, through Telecomunicaciones de Mexico (Telecomm),
became responsible for operating the satellite today following a successful
launch in December and completion of functionality testing.  Bicentanario is the
first of three satellites within the MEXSAT system, which will enhance
communications for domestic, military, civil and humanitarian   needs.

"Deployment of the first satellite means that enhanced services, ranging from
disaster relief to rural education to government agency operations, will soon be
available throughout Mexico," said Christopher Richmond, Orbital senior vice
president of Communications Satellite Programs.

Orbital produced Bicentenario under a subcontract agreement with Boeing, the
MEXSAT program prime contractor. The hybrid C-band and Ku-band communications
satellite is based on Orbital's flight-proven GEOStar-2 platform. Boeing is
building the remaining spacecraft, two 702HP geomobile satellites, for launches
scheduled in 2013 and 2014.

"The Boeing satellites are progressing on schedule," said Craig Cooning, chief
executive officer of Boeing Satellite Systems International.  "We look forward
to the completion of the first Boeing 702 geomobile satellite - Centenario - at
the end of this year, and to completing the entire MEXSAT system in 2014."

Boeing is integrating the MEXSAT network, which includes two ground telemetry
and control sites, associated operations systems and reference user terminals in
addition to the three satellites. For Bicentenario, Orbital is also providing
command and control ground equipment, software, and training and operational
documentation.

Orbital Sciences Corporation is one of the world's leading space technology
companies, specializing in small and medium-class satellite and rocket systems
for civil government, national security, and commercial customers around the
world. The company employs approximately 3,800 people and generates about $1.5
billion in annual revenues. Follow us on Twitter: @OrbitalSciences.

A unit of The Boeing Company, Boeing Defense, Space & Security is one of the
world's largest defense, space and security businesses specializing in
innovative and capabilities-driven customer solutions, and the world's largest
and most versatile manufacturer of military aircraft. Headquartered in St.
Louis, Boeing Defense, Space & Security is a $33 billion business with 59,000
employees worldwide. Follow us on Twitter: @BoeingDefense.

# # #

Contact:

Diana Ball
Boeing Defense, Space & Security
+1 562-797-4303
diana.ball@boeing.com

Barron Beneski
Orbital Sciences Corporation
+1 703-406-5528
beneski.barron@orbital.com



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Source: Orbital Sciences Corporation via Thomson Reuters ONE
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