New Antares rocket to be launched

Officials unveiled a sneak peak at the rockets expected to be used in upcoming test launches and missions.

Next May, a new Antares rocket is expected to launch to the International Space Station (ISS) for a resupply mission.

We’re told the biggest modification between the new rocket and past rockets is the main engine.

Mike Pinkston, general manager with the Antares program, says the engine is completely new and not refurbished.

According to Pinkston, the hope is for it to have a better performance and be more reliable. In October 2014, an Antares rock exploded in mid-air just seconds after lift-off during a resupply mission.

“We did a thorough investigation of happened…the cause of the Orb 3 failure. We don’t talk in a lot of detail of what we found, but I will tell you what we’ve done with this engine and the way we’re testing the engine fully addresses all of the issues that were kind of at the root of the Orb-3 failure.”

Pinkston says the new rocket can also reportedly carry 20 to 25 percent more cargo to the ISS.

There will be a “hot fire test” taking place on the MARS launch pad in March before the launch in May. We’re told there is another launch expected next October.

Orbital ATK, the manufacturer of the Antares rocket, says they have scheduled flights at the NASA Wallops Flight Facility through 2018.