Two of ORBIT Communication Systems Inc.’s advanced tracking and telemetry systems have been incorporated as part of SpaceX’s participation in NASA’s Commercial Orbital Transportation Services (COTS) Program. The company’s 1.8 m AL-4016 ship-stabilized telemetry tracking unit and the AL-4000 tracking antenna control unit, were used by SpaceX during its launch of a Falcon-9 launch vehicle with a DRAGON spacecraft – a free-flying, reusable craft. During the test, ORBIT’s systems tracked and received telemetry information from the DRAGON spacecraft.

This is the second time that ORBIT’s solutions have been selected by SpaceX. The first was a successful test that took place in June, 2010, when the company’s selection was based on its ability to deliver its system within a very short time, to design specially customized software that answered the precise needs of the test, and to provide 24/7 support.

According to Israel Adan, CEO of ORBIT CS Inc. (USA), “We are very pleased that SpaceX has selected ORBIT as its partner for this important NASA program. Our technology provides the optimal answer for tracking antennas and reception of real time telemetry data from in-flight systems, successfully meeting the challenges of severe weather and operational conditions.”