"We are excited to announce the long-awaited launch of our OrbView-3 high-resolution imaging satellite," said Matt O�Connell, Orbimage�s CEO.

"The utility and value of high-resolution imagery has been proven over the last few years, particularly in support of our Nation�s national security requirements. Orbimage has a long and proven track record in map production, satellite operations and related services.

"This heritage, combined with our contract backlog for OrbView-3, the increased demand for our products and services and completion of our financial restructuring, all position Orbimage to quickly achieve a leadership role in our industry."

The OrbView-3 satellite will supply high-resolution optical imagery of the Earth with its onboard camera that will take one-meter resolution panchromatic (black-and-white) and four-meter resolution multispectral (color) images of the entire planet.

The satellite, in its final 470 km circular orbit inclined at 97� to the equator, will have a revisit time of three days or less, enabling Orbimage to continually update its imagery archive.

From its control center in Dulles, Virginia Orbimage will provide full telemetry, tracking and tasking of the OrbView-3 satellite based on orders received from its customers and international distributor partners.

On launch day, the Pegasus rocket will be prepared for its mission during a series of pre-launch readiness checks.

Following a final launch decision, the rocket will be carried aloft beneath Orbital�s "Stargazer" L-1011 carrier aircraft to approximately 39,000 feet over the Pacific Ocean, where it will then be released into a free fall for 5 seconds before the first stage rocket motor ignites.

Approximately 10 minutes after the rocket ignition, the OrbView-3 satellite will separate from the rocket�s third stage and be placed into its intended orbit.

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