Northrop Grumman Corp has confirmed that Saturn Satellite Networks has selected the OmegA space launch vehicle to launch up to two satellites on the rocket’s inaugural flight, which is scheduled for spring 2021.

OmegA will launch from Kennedy Space Centre’s Pad 39B and insert the SSN satellites into a geosynchronous transfer orbit.

Scott Lehr, general manager (flight systems) at Northrop Grumman (www.northropgrumman.com), said: “The OmegA rocket expands Northrop Grumman’s launch capabilities beyond our small- and medium-class rockets, which have successfully launched nearly 80 missions.

"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.”

Northrop Grumman has a ‘distinguished heritage’ in space launch.

In 1990, the company developed Pegasus, the world’s first privately developed space launch system, while its Minotaur launch vehicle has achieved 100% success on its 18 space missions and nine suborbital missions.

Northrop Grumman’s Antares rocket has launched more than 70,000lb of food, equipment and supplies to the astronauts aboard the International Space Station.