Va Eastern Shore rocket test called 'successful'

ATLANTIC, Va. (AP) — Orbital Sciences has successfully tested an engine of its Antares rocket at NASA's Wallops Flight Facility on Virginia's Eastern Shore.

Gov. Bob McDonnell and NASA say the Dulles, Va.-based company conducted the 29-second "hot fire" test on Friday night.

NASA says the test demonstrated the readiness of the rocket's first stage and launch pad fueling systems to support upcoming test flights.

Orbital Sciences is getting ready for flight demonstrations of its Antares medium-class launch vehicle and Cygnus cargo logistics spacecraft as part of a 1.9 billion NASA contract to deliver essential cargo to the International Space Station.