SPACE LAUNCHES ARE EASIER AND LESS EXPENSIVE

* University research scientists and space engineers will now have a less expensive way to conduct small, space-based science missions. Orbital Sciences Corporation, a manufacturer of space products and services, has said it will offer an inexpensive into-orbit service called the Microlab Orbital Experiments Service.

Microlab will use ultra-light, low-cost satellites and instrument technology to provide data as well as research and training opportunities. The service intends to provide a space-based "data stream" to experimenters for less than $10 million for each mission.