Orbital Sciences Corp. announced May 27 as this issue of Satellite News was going to press that U.S. government agents executed search warrants at its Dulles, Va., and Chandler, Ariz., facilities. Although it did not explicitly state why government officials were searching the facilities, Orbital said it believes the investigation is focusing on contracting procedures on certain U.S. government launch vehicle programs.

Orbital said it is not aware that it has violated any federal contracting laws, policies or procedures, and added that it strongly supports the U.S. government’s procurement integrity process. It added in the announcement that due to the ongoing nature of the investigation, Orbital is unable to make any further statements regarding the investigation at this time.

Look to the June 6 issue of Satellite News for continuing coverage of this investigation.