The new Air Force Orbital Suborbital Space Launch Vehicle with a JAWSAT (Joint Air Force Academy-Weber State University Satellite) payload lifted off from SSI's Spaceport on Vandenberg Air Force Base, Calif., Wednesday evening.

"Today we witnessed many firsts," said Earl Severo, CEO of SSI. "The launch is not only the first launch from SSI's Spaceport; but also the first launch of an Air Force converted Minuteman II for space lift, from the first FAA licensed Spaceport in the United States. "For the record book, this launch is the Millennium's first successful launch into space. SSI is proud to be a part of the JAWSAT mission team," added Severo.

SSI was formed through a limited partnership between ITT Industries and California Commercial Spaceport; SSI is the first privately owned spaceport.

ITT Industries has provided the business leadership to enable this commercial spaceport to achieve many successes leading up to this first successful launch. "We have assembled an amazing team here and are working with some of the best people in the industry. With our premier facilities and the first successful launch behind us, we envision great things for the future of SSI and the commercial space industry," said Earl Severo.

SSI was selected to provide commercial payload processing, range and launch site services for the Orbital/Suborbital program Space Launch Vehicle (OSPSLV) JAWSAT mission in June 1998.

The OSPSLV launch vehicle consists of Minuteman II and Pegasus rocket motors. JAWSAT consists of a Multi- Payload Adapter (MPA), which supports four free-flying sub-satellites to be released after attaining orbit. Additionally, it carries an Imaging system, Attitude Control Platform and a NASA scientific experiment that will stay attached to the MPA.

"Through a competitive process, the Air Force chose SSI's Commercial Spaceport because it represented the best value to the government when considering mission requirements and cost," said Lt. Luis Marina, Air Force Mission Manager for JAWSAT.

SSI also was selected to provide these same services for the OSPSLV MightySat Mission, which is scheduled to launch mid-year 2000.

"I believe we provide the best value," said Severo. "We provide the most important essentials in one package: infrastructure, expertise, location and affordability."

Spaceport Systems International was formed in 1995 as a limited partnership between ITT Industries, Inc., and California Commercial Spaceport, Inc., to foster and facilitate commercial space boosters and satellites. Since its formation, the company has focused its efforts to bring commercial space services to the central coast of California.

ITT Industries, Inc.

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