Orbital Sciences, Thales Alenia Space get satellite deal with OverHorizon; terms not disclosed

Orbital gets communications satellite deal

DULLES, Va. — Orbital Sciences Corp., which makes small rockets, satellites and other space equipment, said Wednesday it received a contract for a communications satellite with OverHorizon, a satellite telephone and broadband provider.

Thales Alenia Space, a European satellite systems company, will be Orbital’s partner on the project.

Terms of the deal were not disclosed.

The satellite is to provide mobile broadband communications for use with inexpensive terminals installed in vehicles such as cars, trucks, boats and airplanes, Orbital said.

OverHorizon, based in Arlington, Va., said the services are aimed at government, media and non-governmental organization customers operating in areas with limited or no communications infrastructure.

Shares of Orbital added 36 cents, or 2.4 percent, to $15.64 in afternoon trading.