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 the company’s 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 focuses 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. Due to the ongoing nature of the investigation, Orbital is unable to make any further statements regarding the investigation at this time, the company said.

For continuing coverage of this investigation, please see the June 6 issue of Satellite News. For more information on subscribing to Access Intelligence’s satellite industry news and information products, please visit us on the Web at http://www.satelltietoday.com.