The Port of Wilmington offloaded the first of six to twelve first‐stage core structures for the Taurus® II rocket that is being developed by Orbital Sciences Corporation, one of the world's leading space technology companies. These 100 ft long and 15ft wide cores originate in the Ukraine and will be trucked to the Wallops Island, VA launch site on a custom‐built heavy‐duty trailer. Orbital’s Taurus II space launch vehicle is a medium‐class launcher that will be used to conduct resupply missions to the International Space Station, as well as a launcher for civil government, defense and intelligence, and commercial satellites.

“Handling Orbital’s rocket booster cores is a great compliment to the Port of Wilmington and the State of Delaware. It underscores our excellent location and infrastructure, as well as our logistical expertise,” said Diamond State Port Corporation Executive Director, Gene Bailey.

“Furthermore, the fact that Delaware’s Departments of Transportation and the Department of Safety and Homeland Security are very accommodating in facilitating truck permitting and police and utilities escorts for such complex movement of cargo has been very helpful to our customers,” he added.

The movement of this high‐value piece was complex because the core unit was discharged off a uniquely configured stern ramp Ro‐Ro (Roll‐on Roll‐off) ship that required special mooring arrangements. In addition, the unit will be driven on a custom‐made truck, which is challenging to maneuver along public roadways. In preparation for the discharge, Orbital conducted a successful data collection test transport run in June 2010 driving a booster mock‐up from the Port to the Wallops Island, VA launch facility.