Orbital ATK names next generation rocket that could launch from Kennedy Space Center

APRIL 18, 2018
ORLANDO SENTINEL
By Richard Tribou 

— Orbital ATK has already been planning its next generation rocket, but now it has a name: OmegA. This is the rocket the company is planning to compete for the Air Force’s Evolved Expendable Launch Vehicle program, which could be decided by the end of the year. If it wins the contract, one of the potential launch sites for the rocket would be from Kennedy Space Center’s Launch Pad 39-B, the same pad planned for NASA’s Space Launch System. If all goes according to Orbital’s plans, the first launch would be in early 2021.

Current companies in the EELV program include United Launch Alliance with its Delta IV and Atlas V rockets and SpaceX with its Falcon 9. The Air Force uses the private companies’ rockets to send military satellites into space. <learn more>