ORBITAL IMAGING CORP
S-4/A, 1998-07-24
COMMUNICATIONS SERVICES, NEC
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<PAGE>   1
 
   
     AS FILED WITH THE SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION ON JULY 24, 1998
    
 
                                                      REGISTRATION NO. 333-49583
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 
                       SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
 
                             WASHINGTON, D.C. 20549

                            ------------------------
 
   
                                AMENDMENT NO. 3
    
                                       TO
                                    FORM S-4
                             REGISTRATION STATEMENT
                                     UNDER
                           THE SECURITIES ACT OF 1933

                            ------------------------
 
                          ORBITAL IMAGING CORPORATION
             (EXACT NAME OF REGISTRANT AS SPECIFIED IN ITS CHARTER)
 
                                    DELAWARE
                        (STATE OR OTHER JURISDICTION OF
                         INCORPORATION OR ORGANIZATION)
 
                                      4899
                          (PRIMARY STANDARD INDUSTRIAL
                          CLASSIFICATION CODE NUMBER)
 
                                   54-1660268
                                 (IRS EMPLOYER
                             IDENTIFICATION NUMBER)
 
                            21700 ATLANTIC BOULEVARD
                                DULLES, VA 20166
                                 (703) 406-5000
              (ADDRESS, INCLUDING ZIP CODE, AND TELEPHONE NUMBER,
       INCLUDING AREA CODE, OF REGISTRANT'S PRINCIPAL EXECUTIVE OFFICES)
 
                              SUSAN HERLICK, ESQ.
                                GENERAL COUNSEL
                            21700 ATLANTIC BOULEVARD
                                DULLES, VA 20166
                                 (703) 406-5000
              (ADDRESS, INCLUDING ZIP CODE, AND TELEPHONE NUMBER,
                   INCLUDING AREA CODE, OF AGENT FOR SERVICE)
 
                                With a copy to:
 
   
                             MICHAEL A. BELL, ESQ.
    
                                LATHAM & WATKINS
                    1001 PENNSYLVANIA AVE., N.W. SUITE 1300
                          WASHINGTON, D.C. 20004-2505
                            ------------------------
     APPROXIMATE DATE OF COMMENCEMENT OF PROPOSED SALE TO THE PUBLIC: As soon as
practicable after the effective date of this Registration Statement.
 
     If the securities being registered on this form are being offered in
connection with the formation of a holding company and there is compliance with
General Instruction G, please check the following box. [ ]
                            ------------------------
     THE REGISTRANT HEREBY AMENDS THIS REGISTRATION STATEMENT ON SUCH DATE OR
DATES AS MAY BE NECESSARY TO DELAY ITS EFFECTIVE DATE UNTIL THE REGISTRANT SHALL
FILE A FURTHER AMENDMENT THAT SPECIFICALLY STATES THAT THIS REGISTRATION
STATEMENT SHALL THEREAFTER BECOME EFFECTIVE IN ACCORDANCE WITH SECTION 8(a) OF
THE SECURITIES ACT OF 1933, AS AMENDED, OR UNTIL THE REGISTRATION STATEMENT
SHALL BECOME EFFECTIVE ON SUCH DATE AS THE COMMISSION, ACTING PURSUANT TO SAID
SECTION 8(a), MAY DETERMINE.
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<PAGE>   2
 
                          ORBITAL IMAGING CORPORATION
                            ------------------------
 
                             CROSS REFERENCE SHEET
     PURSUANT TO ITEM 501(b) OF REGULATION S-K, SHOWING THE LOCATION IN THE
         PROSPECTUS OF THE INFORMATION REQUIRED BY PART I OF FORM S-4.
 
   
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
         ITEM NUMBER AND CAPTION IN FORM S-4           LOCATION OR CAPTION IN PROSPECTUS
         -----------------------------------           ---------------------------------
<S>  <C>                                          <C>
A.   INFORMATION ABOUT THE TRANSACTION
 1.  Forepart of the Registration Statement and
       Outside Front Cover Page of Prospectus...  Cover Page of Registration Statement; Cross
                                                    Reference Sheet; Outside Front Cover Page
 2.  Inside Front and Outside Back Cover Pages
       of Prospectus............................  Inside Front Cover Page; Outside Back Cover
                                                    Page
 3.  Risk Factors, Ratio of Earnings to Fixed
       Charges and Other Information............  Prospectus Summary; Risk Factors; Business;
                                                    Selected Historical Financial Data
 4.  Terms of the Transaction...................  Prospectus Summary; The Exchange Offer;
                                                    Description of the Exchange Notes; U.S.
                                                    Federal Income Tax Consequences
 5.  Pro Forma Financial Information............  Not Applicable
 6.  Material Contacts with the Company being
       Acquired.................................  Not Applicable
 7.  Additional Information Required for
       Reoffering by Persons and Parties Deemed
       to be Underwriters.......................  Not Applicable
 8.  Interests of Named Experts and Counsel.....  Legal Matters
 9.  Disclosure of Commission Position on
       Indemnification for Securities Act
       Liabilities..............................  Not Applicable
B.  INFORMATION ABOUT THE REGISTRANT
10.  Information With Respect to S-3
       Registrants..............................  Not Applicable
11.  Incorporation of Certain Information by
       Reference................................  Not Applicable
12.  Information With Respect to S-2 or S-3
       Registrants..............................  Not Applicable
13.  Incorporation of Certain Information by
       Reference................................  Not Applicable
14.  Information With Respect to Registrants
       Other Than S-2 or S-3 Registrants........  Prospectus Summary; Risk Factors;
                                                    Capitalization; Management's Discussion
                                                    and Analysis of Financial Condition and
                                                    Results of Operations; Selected
                                                    Historical Financial Data; Business;
                                                    Management; Principal Stockholders;
                                                    Description of the Exchange Notes;
                                                    Financial Statements
C.  INFORMATION ABOUT THE COMPANY BEING ACQUIRED
15.  Information With Respect to S-3
       Companies................................  Not Applicable
16.  Information With Respect to S-2 or S-3
       Companies................................  Not Applicable
17.  Information With Respect to Companies Other
       Than S-2 or S-3 Companies................  Not Applicable
D.  VOTING AND MANAGEMENT INFORMATION
18.  Information if Proxies, Consents or
       Authorizations Are to be Solicited.......  Not Applicable
19.  Information if Proxies, Consents or
       Authorizations Are Not to be Solicited or
       in an Exchange Offer.....................  Management
</TABLE>
    
<PAGE>   3
 
     INFORMATION CONTAINED HEREIN IS SUBJECT TO COMPLETION OR AMENDMENT. A
     REGISTRATION STATEMENT RELATING TO THESE SECURITIES HAS BEEN FILED WITH THE
     SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION. THESE SECURITIES MAY NOT BE SOLD NOR
     MAY OFFERS TO BUY BE ACCEPTED PRIOR TO THE TIME THE REGISTRATION STATEMENT
     BECOMES EFFECTIVE. THIS PROSPECTUS SHALL NOT CONSTITUTE AN OFFER TO SELL OR
     THE SOLICITATION OF AN OFFER TO BUY NOR SHALL THERE BE ANY SALE OF THESE
     SECURITIES IN ANY STATE IN WHICH SUCH OFFER, SOLICITATION OR SALE WOULD BE
     UNLAWFUL PRIOR TO REGISTRATION OR QUALIFICATION UNDER THE SECURITIES LAWS
     OF ANY SUCH STATE.
 
   
                   SUBJECT TO COMPLETION, DATED JULY 24, 1998
    
PROSPECTUS
                               OFFER TO EXCHANGE
            11 5/8% SERIES B SENIOR NOTES DUE 2005 FOR ALL ORIGINAL
                     11 5/8% SERIES A SENIOR NOTES DUE 2005
 
                                       OF
 
                          ORBITAL IMAGING CORPORATION
 
   THE EXCHANGE OFFER WILL EXPIRE AT 5:00 P.M., NEW YORK CITY TIME ON AUGUST   ,
1998, UNLESS EXTENDED.
 
    Orbital Imaging Corporation, a Delaware corporation (the "Company" or
"ORBIMAGE") hereby offers (the "Exchange Offer"), upon the terms and subject to
the conditions set forth in this Prospectus and the accompanying Letter of
Transmittal (the "Letter of Transmittal"), to exchange its outstanding 11 5/8%
Senior Notes Due 2005, Series A (the "Original Notes"), of which an aggregate of
$150 million in principal amount is outstanding as of the date hereof, for an
equal principal amount of newly issued 11 5/8% Senior Notes due 2005, Series B
(the "Exchange Notes"). The form and terms of the Exchange Notes will be the
same as the form and terms of the Original Notes except that (i) the Exchange
Notes will be registered under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the
"Securities Act") and hence will not bear legends restricting the transfer
thereof, and (ii) the holders of Exchange Notes will not be entitled to certain
rights of holders of Original Notes under the Registration Rights Agreement
which rights will terminate upon the consummation of the Exchange Offer. The
Exchange Notes will evidence the same debt as the Original Notes and will be
entitled to the benefits of an indenture dated as of February 25, 1998 by and
between ORBIMAGE and Marine Midland Bank, as trustee (the "Trustee") governing
the Original Notes and the Exchange Notes (the "Indenture"). The Indenture
provides for the issuance of both the Exchange Notes and the Original Notes. The
Exchange Notes and the Original Notes are sometimes referred to herein
collectively as the "Notes." Capitalized terms used in this Prospectus are
defined either within the text, within "Certain Definitions" on page 90 of the
Prospectus or within the Glossary contained in the Prospectus.
 
    The Exchange Notes will bear interest from the most recent date on which
interest has been paid or duly provided for on such Original Notes surrendered
in exchange for such Exchange Notes or if no interest has been paid or duly
provided for on such Original Notes, from February 25, 1998, at the rate of
11 5/8% per annum, payable semi-annually in arrears on March 1 and September 1
of each year, commencing on September 1, 1998. The Exchange Notes will mature on
March 1, 2005. The Company will not be required to make any mandatory redemption
or sinking fund payments with respect to the Exchange Notes prior to maturity.
The Exchange Notes will be redeemable at the option of the Company at any time
after March 1, 2002 at the redemption prices set forth herein, plus accrued and
unpaid interest and Liquidated Damages, if any, thereon to the redemption date.
In addition, the Company will be entitled, at any time on or before March 1,
2001 to redeem the Exchange Notes with the net cash proceeds of one or more
sales of Capital Stock (other than Disqualified Stock) at the redemption price
set forth herein plus accrued and unpaid interest and Liquidated Damages, if
any, to the redemption date; provided, however, that at least 65% of the
aggregate principal amount of Notes remains outstanding after giving effect to
such redemption. See "Description of Exchange Notes--Optional Redemption."
 
    On a Change of Control, the Company will be required to offer to repurchase
all or any part of the Exchange Notes at a purchase price equal to 101% of the
aggregate principal amount thereof, plus accrued and unpaid interest and
Liquidated Damages, if any, thereon to the date of purchase. In the event of a
Change of Control, there can be no assurance that the Company will have or be
able to acquire sufficient funds to repurchase the Exchange Notes. See
Description of Exchange Notes--Repurchase at the Option of the Holders."
 
    The Exchange Notes are being offered hereunder in order to satisfy certain
contractual obligations of the Company. See "The Exchange Offer."
 
    The Original Notes are and the Exchange Notes will be senior obligations of
the Company, will rank pari passu in right of payment with all existing and
future senior Indebtedness of the Company, and will rank senior in right of
payment to any future subordinated Indebtedness of the Company. As of March 31,
1998, the Company had approximately $166 million ($157 million net of debt
discount) of senior Indebtedness outstanding (including current liabilities of
approximately $16 million). As of the date of this Prospectus, the Company had
no senior Indebtedness other than the Notes. The Indenture will permit the
Company to incur additional Indebtedness, subject to certain limitations.
                            ------------------------    (continued on next page)
 
    SEE "RISK FACTORS" BEGINNING ON PAGE 15 FOR A DISCUSSION OF CERTAIN FACTORS
THAT SHOULD BE CONSIDERED IN EVALUATING AN INVESTMENT IN THE EXCHANGE NOTES.
                            ------------------------
 
  THESE SECURITIES HAVE NOT BEEN APPROVED OR DISAPPROVED BY THE SECURITIES AND
 EXCHANGE COMMISSION OR ANY STATE SECURITIES COMMISSION NOR HAS THE SECURITIES
   AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION OR ANY STATE SECURITIES COMMISSION PASSED UPON THE
ACCURACY OR ADEQUACY OF THIS PROSPECTUS. ANY REPRESENTATION TO THE CONTRARY IS A
                               CRIMINAL OFFENSE.
                            ------------------------
 
                 THE DATE OF THIS PROSPECTUS IS JULY   , 1998.
<PAGE>   4
 
(Continued from previous page)
    The Company will accept for exchange all validly tendered Original Notes on
or prior to 5:00 p.m., New York City time, on August   , 1998 (if and as
extended, the "Expiration Date"). Tenders of the Original Notes in the Exchange
Offer is not conditioned upon any minimum principal amount of Original Notes
being tendered for exchange. The Original Notes may be tendered only in integral
multiples of $1,000. In the event the Company terminates the Exchange Offer and
does not accept for exchange any Original Notes, the Company will promptly
return all previously tendered Original Notes to the holders thereof.
 
    Based on no-action letters issued by the staff of the Securities and
Exchange Commission (the "Commission") to third parties, the Company believes
the Exchange Notes issued pursuant to the Exchange Offer may be offered for
resale, resold and otherwise transferred by any holder thereof (other than any
such holder that is an "affiliate" of the Company within the meaning of Rule 405
under the Securities Act) without compliance with the registration and
prospectus delivery provisions of the Securities Act, provided that such
Exchange Notes are acquired in the ordinary course of such holder's business and
such holder has no arrangement or understanding with any person to participate
in the distribution of such Exchange Notes. See "The Exchange Offer--Purpose and
Effect of the Exchange Offer" and "The Exchange Offer--Resale of Exchange
Notes." Each broker-dealer (a "Participating Broker-Dealer") that receives
Exchange Notes for its own account pursuant to the Exchange Offer must
acknowledge that it will deliver a prospectus in connection with any resale of
such Exchange Notes. This Prospectus, as it may be amended or supplemented from
time to time, may be used by a Participating Broker-Dealer as a result of
market-making activities or other trading activities.
 
    Prior to the Exchange Offer, there has been no public market for the
Exchange Notes. There can be no assurance as to the liquidity of any markets
that may develop for the Exchange Notes, the ability of holders to sell the
Exchange Notes or the price at which holders would be able to sell the Exchange
Notes. The Company does not intend to list the Exchange Notes for trading on any
national securities exchange or over-the-counter market system. Future trading
prices of the Exchange Notes will depend on many factors, including among other
things, prevailing interest rates, the Company's operating results and the
market for similar securities. Historically, the market for securities similar
to the Exchange Notes, including non-investment grade debt, has been subject to
disruptions that have caused substantial volatility in the prices of such
securities. There can be no assurance that any market for the Exchange Notes, if
such market develops, will not be subject to similar disruptions. The Initial
Purchasers have advised the Company that it currently intends to make a market
in the Exchange Notes offered hereby. However, the Initial Purchasers are not
obligated to do so and any market making may be discontinued at any time without
notice.
 
    Any Original Notes not tendered and accepted in the Exchange Offer will
remain outstanding and will be entitled to all the rights and will be subject to
the limitations applicable thereto under the Indenture. Following consummation
of the Exchange Offer, the holders of Original Notes will continue to be subject
to the existing restrictions upon transfer thereof and the Company will have no
further obligation to such holders to provide for registration under the
Securities Act of the Original Notes held by them. To the extent that Original
Notes are tendered and accepted in the Exchange Offer, a holder's ability to
sell untendered Original Notes could be adversely affected. See "Risk
Factors--Consequences of Failure to Exchange" and "Exchange Offer--Procedures
for Tendering."
 
    The Exchange Notes will be available initially only in book-entry form. The
Company expects that the Exchange Notes issued pursuant to this Exchange Offer
will be issued in the form of one or more Global Notes which will be deposited
with, or on behalf of, The Depository Trust Company (the "Depositary") and
registered in its name or in the name of Cede & Co., its nominee. Beneficial
interests in a Global Note representing the Exchange Notes will be shown on, and
transfers thereof will be effected through, records maintained by the Depositary
and its participants. After the initial issuance of the Global Notes, Exchange
Notes in certificated form will be issued in exchange for a Global Note only on
the terms set forth in the Indenture. See "Description of Exchange Notes--Book
Entry, Delivery and Form."
 
    THIS PROSPECTUS AND THE RELATED LETTER OF TRANSMITTAL CONTAIN IMPORTANT
INFORMATION. HOLDERS OF ORIGINAL NOTES ARE URGED TO READ THIS PROSPECTUS AND THE
RELATED LETTER OF TRANSMITTAL CAREFULLY BEFORE DECIDING WHETHER TO TENDER THEIR
ORIGINAL NOTES PURSUANT TO THE EXCHANGE OFFER.
 
    This Prospectus, together with the Letter of Transmittal, is being sent to
all registered holders of Original Notes as of July   , 1998.
 
    The Company will not receive any cash proceeds from the issuance of the
Exchange Notes offered hereby. No dealer-manager is being used in connection
with this Exchange Offer. The Company will pay all expenses incurred by it
incident to the Exchange Offer. See "Use of Proceeds" and "Plan of
Distribution."
 
    Until          , 1998, all dealers effecting transactions in the registered
securities, whether or not participating in this distribution, may be required
to deliver a prospectus. This is in addition to the obligation of dealers to
deliver a prospectus when acting as underwriters and with respect to their
unsold allotments or subscriptions.
 
    NO DEALER, SALESPERSON OR OTHER INDIVIDUAL HAS BEEN AUTHORIZED TO GIVE ANY
INFORMATION OR MAKE ANY REPRESENTATION NOT CONTAINED IN THIS PROSPECTUS IN
CONNECTION WITH THE OFFERING COVERED BY THIS PROSPECTUS. IF GIVEN OR MADE, SUCH
INFORMATION OR REPRESENTATIONS MUST NOT BE RELIED UPON AS HAVING BEEN AUTHORIZED
BY THE COMPANY. THIS PROSPECTUS DOES NOT CONSTITUTE AN OFFER, OR A SOLICITATION
IN ANY JURISDICTION WHERE, OR TO ANY PERSON TO WHOM, IT IS UNLAWFUL TO MAKE SUCH
OFFER OR SOLICITATION. NEITHER THE DELIVERY OF THIS PROSPECTUS, NOR ANY
DISTRIBUTION OF SECURITIES MADE HEREUNDER SHALL, UNDER ANY CIRCUMSTANCES, CREATE
ANY IMPLICATION THAT THERE HAS NOT BEEN ANY CHANGE IN THE FACTS SET FORTH IN
THIS PROSPECTUS OR IN THE AFFAIRS OF THE COMPANY SINCE THE DATE HEREOF.
 
                                       ii
<PAGE>   5
 
                               TABLE OF CONTENTS
 
   
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                              PAGE
                                                              ----
<S>                                                           <C>
Prospectus Summary..........................................    1
Risk Factors................................................   15
Use of Proceeds.............................................   27
Capitalization..............................................   28
The Exchange Offer..........................................   29
Selected Historical Financial Data..........................   38
Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition
  and Results of Operations.................................   40
Business....................................................   44
Regulation..................................................   57
Management..................................................   60
Principal Stockholders......................................   63
Certain Relationships and Related Transactions..............   64
Description of Capital Stock................................   69
Relationship with Orbital Sciences Corporation..............   70
Description of Exchange Notes...............................   72
Provisions Applicable to All Securities.....................  104
U.S. Federal Income Tax Consequences........................  106
Plan of Distribution........................................  109
Legal Matters...............................................  110
Experts.....................................................  110
Index to Financial Statements...............................  F-1
Glossary of Terms...........................................  G-1
</TABLE>
    
 
                             AVAILABLE INFORMATION
 
     The Company has filed with the Commission a Registration Statement on Form
S-4 (the "Registration Statement," which term shall include all amendments,
exhibits, annexes and schedules thereto) pursuant to the Securities Act, and the
rules and regulations promulgated thereunder, covering the Exchange Notes being
offered hereby. This Prospectus does not contain all the information set forth
in the Registration Statement, certain parts of which are omitted in accordance
with the rules and regulations of the Commission. Copies of such material can be
obtained from the Company upon request.
 
     The Company has agreed to file with the Commission, to the extent
permitted, and distribute to holders of the Exchange Notes reports, information
and documents specified in Section 13 and 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act
of 1934, as amended (the "Exchange Act"), so long as the Exchange Notes are
outstanding, whether or not the Company is subject to such informational
requirements of the Exchange Act. Periodic reports, proxy statements and other
information filed by the Company with the Commission may be inspected at the
public reference facilities maintained by the Commission at Room 1024, 450 Fifth
Street, N.W., Washington, D.C. 20549, or at its regional offices located at the
Citicorp Center, 500 West Madison Street, Suite 1400, Chicago, Illinois 60661
and 7 World Trade Center, 13th Floor, New York, New York 10007. The Commission
maintains a Web site that contains reports, proxy and information statements and
other information regarding registrants that file electronically with the
Commission. Such Web site is located at http://www.sec.gov. While any Exchange
Notes remain outstanding, the Company will make available, upon request, to any
holder of the Exchange Notes, the information required pursuant to Rule
144A(d)(4) under the Securities Act during any period in which the Company is
not subject to Section 13 or 15(d) of the Exchange Act. Any such request should
be directed to the General Counsel of the Company at 21700 Atlantic Boulevard,
Dulles, Virginia, 20166
 
                                       iii
<PAGE>   6
 
     DISCLOSURE REGARDING FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS:  THE STATEMENTS CONTAINED
IN THIS PROSPECTUS THAT ARE NOT HISTORICAL FACTS ARE "FORWARD-LOOKING
STATEMENTS", WHICH CAN BE IDENTIFIED BY THE USE OF FORWARD-LOOKING TERMINOLOGY
SUCH AS "ESTIMATES," "PROJECTS," "ANTICIPATES," "EXPECTS," "INTENDS," "PLANS,"
"BELIEVES," OR THE NEGATIVE THEREOF OR OTHER VARIATIONS THEREON OR COMPARABLE
TERMINOLOGY, OR BY DISCUSSIONS OF STRATEGY THAT INVOLVE RISKS AND UNCERTAINTIES.
MANAGEMENT WISHES TO CAUTION THE READER THAT THESE FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS,
SUCH AS THE MARKET OPPORTUNITY PRESENTED BY THE COMPANY'S TARGET MARKETS,
STATEMENTS REGARDING DEVELOPMENT OF THE COMPANY'S BUSINESSES, THE ESTIMATE OF
MARKET SIZE AND ADDRESSABLE MARKETS FOR THE COMPANY'S PRODUCTS, CASH PROJECTED
TO BE USED IN OPERATIONS, THE ANTICIPATED CAPITAL EXPENDITURES TO DESIGN,
CONSTRUCT, AND LAUNCH THE HIGH-RESOLUTION ORBVIEW SATELLITES, EXPECTED LAUNCH
DATES, AND OTHER STATEMENTS CONTAINED IN THIS PROSPECTUS REGARDING MATTERS THAT
ARE NOT HISTORICAL FACTS, ARE ONLY ESTIMATES OR PREDICTIONS. NO ASSURANCE CAN BE
GIVEN THAT FUTURE RESULTS WILL BE ACHIEVED; ACTUAL EVENTS OR RESULTS MAY DIFFER
MATERIALLY AS A RESULT OF RISKS FACING THE COMPANY OR ACTUAL RESULTS DIFFERING
FROM THE ASSUMPTIONS UNDERLYING SUCH STATEMENTS. SUCH RISKS AND ASSUMPTIONS
INCLUDE, BUT ARE NOT LIMITED TO, RISKS ASSOCIATED WITH SCHEDULE DELAYS IN THE
CONSTRUCTION AND LAUNCH OF THE HIGH-RESOLUTION ORBVIEW SATELLITES. THE COMPANY'S
ABILITY TO SUCCESSFULLY MARKET ITS IMAGERY PRODUCTS AND SERVICES TO CURRENT AND
NEW CUSTOMERS, GENERATE CUSTOMER DEMAND FOR ITS IMAGERY PRODUCTS AND SERVICES IN
THE PARTICULAR MARKETS WHERE IT PLANS TO MARKET PRODUCTS AND SERVICES ALL IN A
TIMELY MANNER, AT REASONABLE COSTS AND ON SATISFACTORY TERMS AND CONDITIONS, AS
WELL AS REGULATORY, LEGISLATIVE AND JUDICIAL DEVELOPMENTS THAT COULD CAUSE
ACTUAL RESULTS TO VARY MATERIALLY FROM THE FUTURE RESULTS INDICATED, EXPRESSED
OR IMPLIED IN SUCH FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS. ALL WRITTEN AND ORAL
FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS MADE IN CONNECTION WITH THIS OFFERING WHICH ARE
ATTRIBUTABLE TO THE COMPANY OR PERSONS ACTING ON ITS BEHALF ARE EXPRESSLY
QUALIFIED IN THEIR ENTIRETY BY THESE CAUTIONARY STATEMENTS.
 
                                       iv
<PAGE>   7
 
                               PROSPECTUS SUMMARY
 
     The following summary is qualified in its entirety by, and should be read
in conjunction with, the more detailed information and financial statements,
including the notes thereto, appearing elsewhere in this Prospectus. Unless the
context otherwise requires, the terms "ORBIMAGE" or "Company" refer, with
respect to periods prior to May 8, 1997, to the Orbital Imaging Division of
Orbital Sciences Corporation and, with respect to periods after such date, to
Orbital Imaging Corporation. The term "Orbital" refers to Orbital Sciences
Corporation, the Company's majority shareholder, and, unless the context
otherwise requires, its subsidiaries. Certain technical and other capitalized
terms used in this Prospectus are defined either in the text of this Prospectus,
"Certain Definitions" on page 90 or in the Glossary. Holders of Original Notes
should carefully consider the specific matters set forth under "Risk Factors"
beginning on page 15 as well as the other information and data included in this
Prospectus prior to tendering their Original Notes pursuant to the Exchange
Offer.
 
                                  THE COMPANY
 
     ORBIMAGE is a leading provider of global space-based imagery. The Company
operates, and is further developing, a fleet of satellites that collect, process
and distribute digital imagery of the Earth's surface (land and oceans), the
atmosphere and weather conditions. ORBIMAGE currently has two satellites in
operation that provide imagery to a variety of scientific and commercial
customers, including NASA. The Company expects to place two additional
satellites providing high-resolution digital imagery into operation in 1999 and
2000, respectively. The Company's imagery products and services are intended to
provide ORBIMAGE customers with information concerning, among other things,
forestry and crop health, urban growth and development, the locations and
movements of troops or military assets, land and ocean-based natural resources
and weather patterns and wind conditions. ORBIMAGE intends to provide customers
with imagery at a lower price than that provided by existing or planned remote
imagery alternatives.
 
     In April 1995, ORBIMAGE launched its first satellite, OrbView-1, which
provides dedicated weather-related imagery and meteorological products to NASA.
The Company's second satellite, OrbView-2, was launched in August 1997 and
provides images of land and ocean surfaces to commercial customers, as well as
to NASA and other scientific users. The Company believes that OrbView-2 is the
only satellite of its kind providing daily color images of the entire Earth's
surface. ORBIMAGE is in the process of completing the design of two
high-resolution imaging satellites, OrbView-3 and OrbView-4 (the
"high-resolution OrbView satellites"), which are being designed to provide
high-resolution panchromatic (black and white), multispectral (color and
infrared) and, in the case of OrbView-4, hyperspectral (enhanced color and
enhanced infrared) imagery. See "Certain Relationships and Related
Transactions -- Procurement Agreement." OrbView-3 is scheduled to be operational
during the second half of 1999, and OrbView-4 is scheduled to be operational in
mid-2000. The Company believes that OrbView-3 and OrbView-4 will be among the
first commercial satellites with high-resolution imagery capability and that
OrbView-4 will be the world's first satellite with commercially available
hyperspectral capability.
 
     Remote imaging is the process of observing, measuring and recording
features, objects or events from a distance using a variety of sensors mounted
on satellites and aircraft. The current market for global remote imagery and
related products consists of both domestic and international commercial and
government users. It includes both satellite development, construction and
operations costs incurred by users who decide to build and operate their own
satellite systems as well as the cost of purchased imagery and related services
currently addressable by existing imagery suppliers. Historically, in the United
States, the only "commercial" operators of remote imaging satellites were
quasi-governmental programs such as the low-resolution Landsat satellite systems
in operation since the 1970s. The opportunities for commercialization of
space-based imagery expanded significantly in 1994 when the U.S. government
implemented a policy permitting the worldwide, commercial sale of
high-resolution satellite imagery. The U.S. government has estimated that the
worldwide market for remote imagery products and services addressable by
commercial satellite imagery providers (excluding hardware sales) will be
approximately $2 billion by the year 2000. ORBIMAGE believes that this worldwide
commercial imagery market will grow as the availability of low-cost, high
quality satellite imagery
 
                                        1
<PAGE>   8
 
stimulates the demand for such products and services and encourages the
development of new satellite-imaging technologies and applications.
 
   
     Customers have entered into imagery contracts providing for minimum
payments to the Company totaling approximately $100 million, of which the
Company has received approximately $48 million through March 31, 1998, and
expects to receive approximately $12 million through the end of 1998. See "Risk
Factors -- Contracts." These contracts include (i) a contract to provide NASA
with weather-related imagery and meteorological information generated by
OrbView-1, (ii) a contract to provide NASA with color ocean imagery generated by
OrbView-2, (iii) a contract between Orbital and the U.S. Air Force to provide
the U.S. Air Force with hyperspectral imagery from OrbView-4 (such imagery will
be provided by the Company pursuant to the Procurement Agreement (as defined))
and (iv) a distributor agreement with Samsung Aerospace Industries, Ltd.
("Samsung Aerospace"), which grants Samsung Aerospace an exclusive license to
receive, process and sell high-resolution imagery of the Korean peninsula (the
"Samsung Agreement"). In addition, the Company has entered into agreements with
regional distributors for OrbView-2 imagery in Canada and Chile and is in
negotiation with potential regional distributors for high-resolution OrbView
imagery in the Middle East, Europe, Asia, Southern Africa, South America and
Australia. To provide industry-specific imagery applications, ORBIMAGE is
seeking to develop strategic alliances with key value-added resellers ("VARs")
who currently provide imagery products to customers in industries such as oil
and gas exploration, mining, agriculture, forestry, fishing and cartography.
    
 
     In April, 1998, ORBIMAGE acquired substantially all the assets of TRIFID
Corporation, an image processing and product generation company. As a result,
ORBIMAGE has acquired sophisticated image processing software, experienced
technical personnel and broad geographic information database systems.
 
BUSINESS STRATEGY
 
     ORBIMAGE's business strategy is to (i) penetrate existing markets, (ii)
create new markets to sustain long-term growth, (iii) provide imagery at prices
lower than other satellite and aerial-based imagery, (iv) achieve global
distribution, (v) provide worldwide coverage on a timely basis, (vi) establish
an electronic imagery archive with broad and diverse imagery products and (vii)
leverage the expertise of Orbital, including Orbital's existing satellite
imagery technology and product infrastructure, to promote rapid market
acceptance. See "Business -- Business Strategy."
 
     Penetrate Existing Markets.  The Company believes that it should rapidly be
able to gain market share in existing applications because it expects its
imagery to be priced below that of existing aerial imagery and planned satellite
imagery and to be of higher resolution than existing satellite imagery.
 
     Create New Markets.  Through the introduction of affordable,
high-resolution satellite imagery, the Company believes it will stimulate the
development of new markets. For example, ORBIMAGE's marketing efforts to date
indicate that certain market segments, such as the foreign national security
market, do not currently have access to dedicated high-resolution imagery.
Furthermore, the Company believes it can develop new commercial applications for
satellite-based imagery including, among other uses, real estate assessment,
travel planning and entertainment applications.
 
     Provide Low Priced Imagery.  The Company believes that the expected cost to
construct its high-resolution OrbView satellites and related ground systems, the
principal components of which will be furnished by Orbital under a fixed-price
contract, will be less than or competitive with the announced costs of its
competitors' high-resolution satellite systems. The Company believes that this
will afford it pricing flexibility for its imagery products and services,
allowing it to pursue a strategy of pricing aggressively while still realizing
attractive returns.
 
     Achieve Global Distribution.  The Company believes that it can expand its
market share by providing imagery to end users both directly and through third
party distribution channels. The Company intends to focus its direct
distribution efforts on larger customers in the commercial/consumer and
scientific/environmental markets and on the U.S. national security market. The
Company expects VARs will perform application-specific processing and analysis
of the Company's imagery for various commercial applications.
 
                                        2
<PAGE>   9
 
The Company believes that utilizing these distribution channels simultaneously
will enhance the distribution of its products and services.
 
     ORBIMAGE is working to penetrate foreign markets by entering into
relationships with strong regional partners who have existing marketing and
distribution infrastructures and are able to overcome local regulatory barriers.
The Company expects these distributors to purchase or upgrade and operate the
ground imagery receiving and processing stations in their territories and to
obtain the necessary regulatory approval to operate in their territories. With
several such arrangements already in place, the Company is also in negotiations
with potential regional distributors for high-resolution OrbView imagery around
the world.
 
     Provide Worldwide Coverage on a Timely Basis.  All the OrbView satellites
are designed to provide timely product delivery, either through real-time
imagery downlinking to a distributor's or customer's local ground receiving
station, or through delivery of processed imagery from ORBIMAGE's central U.S.
ground station by overnight courier or via the Internet. OrbView-2 provides
global imagery on a daily basis. OrbView-3 is designed to image virtually any
location on Earth with a "revisit" time of three days or less. Upon the launch
of OrbView-4, the effective "revisit" time of the high-resolution OrbView
satellites should be reduced to less than two days.
 
     Establish Electronic Imagery Archive.  The Company is developing the OrbNet
Digital Archive, a database that will collect, store and distribute imagery
derived from the OrbView satellites and aerial sources. ORBIMAGE intends to
expand its imagery catalogue with aerial and existing satellite imagery products
prior to the launch of its OrbView-3 satellite by entering into strategic
alliances with existing imaging satellite operators, aerial photography firms
and imagery VARs. The Company intends to deliver imagery to customers over the
Internet, on CD or on computer tape for a per image fee.
 
     Leverage Expertise of Orbital.  Orbital, the Company's majority
shareholder, is a space technology and satellite services company with extensive
experience in the design and construction of remote imaging satellites and
ground stations. ORBIMAGE has used, and will continue to use, the integrated
space capabilities, infrastructure and experience of Orbital to develop its
business cost effectively, including leveraging certain of Orbital's existing
customer relationships and product lines.
 
TARGET MARKETS
 
     ORBIMAGE is focusing on four primary market segments in which it believes
there currently exist or will develop a significant demand for high-quality,
timely, low-cost remote imagery. See "Business -- Target Markets." These four
market segments are:
 
     Commercial/Consumer.  The Company believes that the near-term
commercial/consumer market segment will include domestic and foreign companies
and local government entities, such as municipalities, that currently use aerial
photographs and medium-resolution satellite imagery products. In the long term,
the Company also expects to market to individual businesses and consumers.
Initial applications are expected to include standardized map-making,
maintaining computer-based geographic information systems, agriculture and
forestry management, fishing, natural resource exploration and extraction and
tax assessment. In addition, as high-resolution satellite imagery becomes
available, the Company expects new consumer markets will emerge involving real
estate assessment, travel planning, education and entertainment applications.
 
     Scientific/Environmental.  The scientific/environmental market is comprised
of government entities that use satellite imagery to monitor environmental,
climate-related and meteorological phenomena, both in real-time and over
extended time periods, as well as other environmental, scientific and commercial
entities that need accurate, timely environmental information over a wide
geographic area. The Company expects that its multispectral and hyperspectral
imagery will have a variety of environmental applications, including assessing
damage from natural disasters and severe storms and the environmental impact of
industrial activities through pollution detection techniques.
 
     U.S. National Security.  Satellite imagery can supplement existing
dedicated U.S. government surveillance satellites to serve tactical
reconnaissance, wide-area mapping and other needs not fully or economically
served by existing satellites. The U.S. government has indicated that it expects
to meet a portion of its future
                                        3
<PAGE>   10
 
national security imagery requirements by outsourcing to U.S. commercial
providers of high-resolution satellite imagery. Additionally, the Company
believes that potential cutbacks in the Department of Defense ("DoD") and
National Reconnaissance Office ("NRO") budgets, together with more
geographically dispersed military assets, could further increase the
government's need for commercially available high-resolution imagery and cause
it to rely on lower-cost commercial providers.
 
     Foreign National Security.  Many countries have a strong national security
interest in obtaining real-time high-resolution imagery to help monitor borders,
gather intelligence on potential adversaries, identify and target enemy troops
and assets, plan missions, deploy resources and assess battle damage. Commercial
high-resolution satellites can provide friendly foreign governments with
real-time, high-resolution imagery for national security enhancement on a
routine, regional "time-share" basis. This type of high-resolution imagery
generally has not been available to governments other than those of the United
States and the former Soviet Union.
 
RISK MITIGATION
 
     ORBIMAGE has adopted a comprehensive strategy to mitigate the financial,
business and technical risks associated with market development and satellite
construction, launch and operations. See "Business -- Risk Mitigation."
 
     Market Development.  ORBIMAGE has reduced, and seeks to continue to reduce,
the financial risks associated with constructing and operating its fleet of
satellites by negotiating pre-launch contracts with customers and/or
distributors. To further facilitate market penetration, the Company is also
seeking to develop strategic alliances with VARs who currently provide imagery
products to customers in industries such as oil and gas exploration, mining,
agriculture, forestry, fishing and cartography.
 
     Construction and Launch.  ORBIMAGE has entered into a fixed-price contract
with Orbital to build and launch the high-resolution OrbView satellites, and to
construct the related ground system (the "Procurement Agreement"). The majority
of imaging technology and the sub-system components to be used in the
high-resolution OrbView satellites have been deployed in U.S. government
surveillance and space programs prior to use by ORBIMAGE. In addition, the
high-resolution OrbView satellites incorporate system redundancies for certain
critical components.
 
     Operations.  The OrbView-3 and OrbView-4 satellites have substantially
similar performance parameters, with OrbView-4 additionally having hyperspectral
imagery capability. The high-resolution OrbView satellites are expected to be
launched within a year of each other to provide a more robust satellite system
and to reduce the business risk from launch and operational failure.
 
RELATIONSHIP WITH ORBITAL
 
     Orbital currently owns approximately 56% of the outstanding capital stock
of the Company on a fully diluted basis assuming conversion of the Company's
outstanding Series A Convertible Preferred Stock (the "Series A Preferred
Stock") and exercise of the Warrants and outstanding options to purchase Common
Stock. To date, Orbital has contributed approximately $88 million in capital to
ORBIMAGE. Pursuant to the Procurement Agreement, the Company has agreed to pay
Orbital a fixed price of approximately $295 million for the design, development
and launch of OrbView-1 and the high-resolution OrbView satellites, the
OrbView-2 License and the U.S. ground segment for all four OrbView satellites.
Orbital has granted the Company the exclusive worldwide license to promote,
market, sell and use OrbView-2 imagery (the "OrbView-2 License") and has
assigned to the Company all revenues received by Orbital pursuant to a contract
between Orbital and NASA. See "Certain Relationships and Related Transactions."
 
     Orbital is a space and information systems company that designs,
manufactures, operates and markets a broad range of space-related products and
services. Orbital is a leading provider of turn-key space systems, with a
heritage of designing and building satellites and providing launch services for
various satellites operating today. All four OrbView satellites, and the related
ground systems, have been or will be designed and constructed by Orbital.
Orbital's Pegasus(R) launch vehicle has successfully launched OrbView-1 and
OrbView-2 and is expected to also launch OrbView-3.
                                        4
<PAGE>   11
 
     The Company's principal executive offices are located at 21700 Atlantic
Boulevard, Dulles, Virginia 20166. The Company's Internet address is
www.orbimage.com, and the Company's telephone number is (703) 406-5000.
 
SERIES A OFFERING
 
     On February 25, 1998, the holders of the Series A Preferred Stock (the
"Series A Holders") exercised an option granted pursuant to a stock purchase
agreement dated May 7, 1997 by and among Orbital, the Company and the Series A
Holders, as amended (the "Stock Purchase Agreement"), to purchase an additional
$22.7 million of Series A Preferred Stock (the "Series A Offering"), which
represents the maximum number of shares of Series A Preferred Stock that Series
A Holders may purchase under the Stock Purchase Agreement. The Series A Offering
was consummated concurrently with the Units Offering. The Series A Offering
generated net proceeds of approximately $21 million.
 
THE UNITS OFFERING
 
     On February 25, 1998, the Company consummated the Units Offering, pursuant
to which it sold 150,000 Units, each consisting of $1,000 principal amount of
Original Notes and one Warrant. Each Warrant, when exercised, will entitle the
holder thereof to purchase 8.75164 shares of Common Stock of the Company at an
exercise price of $.01 per share (the "Exercise Price"). The Exercise Price and
the number of Warrant Shares issuable on exercise of a Warrant are both subject
to anti-dilutive adjustments. The Warrants are exercisable at any time on or
after the earlier to occur of (i) the first anniversary of the date of issuance
and (ii) in the event a Change of Control occurs, the date the Company mails
notice thereof to holders of Notes and Warrants. Unless exercised, the Warrants
will automatically expire on March 1, 2005. The Warrants will entitle the
holders thereof to purchase in the aggregate approximately 3% of the outstanding
Common Stock of the Company on a fully-diluted basis as of the date of issuance
of the Warrants after giving effect to the exercise of certain outstanding
options and rights issued by the Company. The Original Notes and Warrants will
become separable no later than upon the commencement of the Exchange Offer.
 
     The Company used approximately $32.9 million of the net proceeds from the
Units Offering to fund the purchase of the Pledged Securities, which will
provide funds sufficient to pay in full when due the first four scheduled
interest payments on the Notes. The Pledged Securities are pledged as security
for the repayment of principal of and interest on the Notes, Liquidated Damages,
if any, and all other obligations under the Indenture. See "Description of
Exchange Notes--Security." All remaining proceeds, including the net proceeds
from the Series A Offering, will be applied to (i) develop, construct, test,
launch and operate the high-resolution OrbView satellites, (ii) develop, upgrade
and construct the U.S. domestic ground system used in connection with
high-resolution OrbView satellites, (iii) market remote imagery products and
services and (iv) provide working capital.
 
     The Units were sold by the Company on February 25, 1998 to Bear, Stearns &
Co. Inc., Merrill Lynch & Co. and NationsBanc Montgomery Securities LLC (the
"Initial Purchasers") pursuant to a Purchase Agreement dated February 20, 1998
(the "Purchase Agreement"). The Initial Purchasers subsequently resold the Units
to qualified institutional buyers pursuant to Rule 144A under the Securities Act
and pursuant to offers and sales that occurred outside the United States within
the meaning of Regulation S under the Securities Act. Pursuant to the Purchase
Agreement, the Company and the Initial Purchasers entered into the Registration
Rights Agreement dated February 25, 1998 (the "Registration Rights Agreement"),
which grants the holders of the Original Notes certain exchange and registration
rights. The Exchange Offer is intended to satisfy certain obligations of the
Company under the Registration Rights Agreement.
 
                                        5
<PAGE>   12
 
SOURCES AND USES OF FUNDING
 
     The net proceeds to the Company from the Units Offering (after deducting
fees and expenses) were approximately $144.5 million. The Company used
approximately $32.9 million of such proceeds to fund the purchase of the Pledged
Securities. All remaining proceeds, including the net proceeds from the Series A
Offering, will be applied to (i) develop, construct, test, launch and operate
the high-resolution OrbView satellites, (ii) develop, upgrade and construct the
U.S. domestic ground system used in connection with the high-resolution OrbView
satellites, (iii) market remote imagery products and services and (iv) provide
working capital. See "Description of the Exchange Notes--Certain Covenants--Use
of Proceeds."
 
     The table below summarizes the estimated sources and uses of funding for
the period from inception through September 30, 1999, by which date OrbView-3 is
expected to be launched.
 
                          SOURCES AND USES OF FUNDING
                             (DOLLARS IN MILLIONS)
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
SOURCES OF FUNDING (AS OF MARCH 31, 1998):
<S>                                         <C>
Initial equity investments:
  Orbital..............................       $ 88
  Series A Holders, net................         55
Net proceeds of the Units Offering.....        145
Payments from customers (2)............         48
                                              ----
     Sources...........................        336
                                              ----
FUTURE SOURCES:
Advance payments from customers (2)....         22
                                              ----
     Future sources....................         22
                                              ----
          Total sources................       $358
                                              ====
</TABLE>
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
        USES OF FUNDING: (1)
<S>                                    <C>
Satellites...........................    $238
Ground systems.......................      30
Insurance............................      11
Purchase of Pledged Securities(3)....      33
TRIFID Acquisition...................       5
Cash used in and available for
  operations (4).....................      41
                                         ----
          Total uses.................    $358
                                         ====
</TABLE>
 
- ---------------
(1) Approximately $149 million has been expended as of March 31, 1998 for
    satellites, ground systems and insurance. The Company's accumulated deficit
    as of March 31, 1998 was approximately $24 million.
(2) Represents cash payments received pursuant to contracts or expected to be
    received prior to delivery of imagery.
(3) The Pledged Securities will be used to fund interest payments on the Notes
    for the first four interest payment dates.
(4) The Company believes the above sources and cash expected to be generated
    from operations will be sufficient to fund operating expenses through
    September 30, 1999, by which date OrbView-3 is expected to be launched.
    Approximately $9 million has been used in operations through March 31, 1998
    (excluding payments from customers included in the above sources).
 
     ORBIMAGE believes that the net proceeds of the Units Offering and the
Series A Offering, together with expected net cash from advance payments from
customers and operations, will be sufficient to fund the Company's operations
through at least September 30, 1999, by which date OrbView-3 is expected to be
launched. Additional funding may be necessary in the event of an OrbView-3
satellite launch delay, cost overruns or any shortfall in estimated levels of
operating cash flow, or to meet unanticipated expenses. See "Risk
Factors--Potential Additional Capital Requirements."
 
                                        6
<PAGE>   13
 
                               THE EXCHANGE OFFER
 
SECURITIES OFFERED............   $150,000,000 aggregate principal; amount of
                                 Series B 11 5/8% Senior Notes due 2005 (the
                                 "Exchange Notes").
 
THE EXCHANGE OFFER............   The Company is offering to exchange up to $150
                                 million principal amount of the Exchange Notes
                                 for a like principal amount of the Original
                                 Notes. The Exchange Notes may be exchanged only
                                 in multiples of $1,000 principal amount. The
                                 Company will issue the Exchange Notes on or
                                 promptly after the Expiration Date. See "The
                                 Exchange Offer."
 
                                 Based on interpretations by the Staff set forth
                                 in no-action letters issued to third parties,
                                 the Company believes that the Exchange Notes
                                 issued pursuant to the Exchange Offer in
                                 exchange for the Original Notes may be offered
                                 for resale, resold and otherwise transferred by
                                 any holder thereof (other than any such holder
                                 which is (i) an "affiliate" of the Company
                                 within the meaning of Rule 405 under the
                                 Securities Act, (ii) a broker-dealer who
                                 acquired the Original Notes directly from the
                                 Company or (iii) a broker-dealer who acquired
                                 the Original Notes as a result of market making
                                 or other trading activities) without compliance
                                 with the registration and prospectus delivery
                                 provisions of the Securities Act, provided that
                                 such Exchange Notes are acquired in the
                                 ordinary course of such holder's business and
                                 such holder is not engaged in, and does not
                                 intend to engage in, and has no arrangement or
                                 understanding with any person to participate in
                                 the distribution of such Exchange Notes. Each
                                 broker-dealer that receives the Exchange Notes
                                 for its own account pursuant to the Exchange
                                 Offer must acknowledge that it will deliver a
                                 prospectus in connection with any resale of
                                 such Exchange Notes. The Letter of Transmittal
                                 states that by so acknowledging and by
                                 delivering a prospectus, a Participating
                                 Broker-Dealer will not be deemed to admit that
                                 it is an "underwriter" within the meaning of
                                 the Securities Act. This Prospectus, as it may
                                 be amended or supplemented from time to time,
                                 may be used by a Participating Broker-Dealer in
                                 connection with resales of Exchange Notes
                                 received in exchange for Original Notes where
                                 such Original Notes were acquired by such
                                 Participating Broker-Dealer as a result of
                                 market-making activities or other trading
                                 activities (other than a resale of an unsold
                                 allotment from the original sale of Original
                                 Notes). The Company has agreed that, for a
                                 period of 180 days after the Exchange Offer
                                 Registration Statement is declared effective,
                                 it will make this Prospectus available to any
                                 Participating Broker-Dealer for use in
                                 connection with any such resale.
 
                                 Any holder who tenders in the Exchange Offer
                                 with the intention to participate, or for the
                                 purpose of participating, in a distribution of
                                 the Exchange Notes could not rely on the
                                 position of the staff of the Commission
                                 enunciated in no-action letters and, in the
                                 absence of an exemption therefrom, must comply
                                 with the registration and prospectus delivery
                                 requirements of the Securities Act in
                                 connection with any resale transaction. Failure
                                 to comply with such requirements in such
                                 instance may result in such holder incurring
 
                                        7
<PAGE>   14
 
                                 liability under the Securities Act for which
                                 the holder is not indemnified by the Company.
                                 See "Plan of Distribution."
 
                                 To comply with the securities laws of certain
                                 jurisdictions, it may be necessary to qualify
                                 for sale or register the Exchange Notes prior
                                 to offering or selling such Exchanges Notes. If
                                 a holder of Original Notes does not exchange
                                 such Original Notes for the Exchange Notes
                                 pursuant to the Exchange Offer, such Original
                                 Notes will continue to be subject to the
                                 restrictions on transfer contained in the
                                 legend thereon. In general, Original Notes may
                                 not be offered or sold, unless registered under
                                 the Securities Act, except pursuant to an
                                 exception from, or in a transaction not subject
                                 to the Securities Act and applicable state
                                 securities laws. See "The Exchange
                                 Offer--Consequences of Failure to Exchange" and
                                 "Description of Exchange Notes."
 
EXPIRATION DATE...............   The Exchange Offer will expire at 5:00 p.m.,
                                 New York City time, on August   , 1998, unless
                                 extended in which case the term "Expiration
                                 Date" shall mean the latest date and time to
                                 which the Exchange Offer is so extended.
 
ACCRUED INTEREST ON THE
  EXCHANGE NOTES AND THE
  ORIGINAL NOTES..............   Each Exchange Note will bear interest from the
                                 most recent date to which interest has been
                                 paid or duly provided for on the Original Note
                                 surrendered in exchange for such Exchange Note
                                 or, if no interest has been paid or duly
                                 provided for on such Original Note, from
                                 February 25, 1998. Interest on the Exchange
                                 Notes is payable semi-annually on each March 1
                                 and September 1, commencing on September 1,
                                 1998. Holders of Original Notes whose Original
                                 Notes are accepted for exchange will not
                                 receive accrued interest on such Original Notes
                                 for any period from and after the last date to
                                 which interest has been paid or duly provided
                                 for on the Original Notes prior to the original
                                 issue date of the Exchange Notes or, if no such
                                 interest has been paid or duly provided for,
                                 will not receive any accrued interest on such
                                 Original Notes, and will be deemed to have
                                 waived, the right to receive any interest on
                                 such Original Notes accrued from and after
                                 February 25, 1998.
 
CONDITIONS TO THE EXCHANGE
  OFFER.......................   The Exchange Offer is subject to certain
                                 customary conditions, which may be waived by
                                 the Company in whole or in part and from time
                                 to time in its sole discretion. See "The
                                 Exchange Offer--Conditions." The Exchange Offer
                                 is not conditioned upon any minimum aggregate
                                 principal amount of Original Notes being
                                 tendered for exchange.
 
PROCEDURES FOR TENDERING THE
  ORIGINAL NOTES..............   Each holder of Original Notes wishing to accept
                                 the Exchange Offer must complete, sign and date
                                 the Letter of Transmittal, or a facsimile
                                 thereof, in accordance with the instructions
                                 contained herein and therein, and mail or
                                 otherwise deliver such Letter of Transmittal,
                                 or such facsimile, together with such Original
                                 Notes and any other required documentation, to
                                 the Exchange Agent at the address set forth
                                 herein. By executing the Letter of Transmittal,
                                 each holder of the Original Notes (other than
                                 participating broker-dealers) will represent to
                                 the Company that, among other
 
                                        8
<PAGE>   15
 
                                 things, the Exchange Notes acquired pursuant to
                                 the Exchange Offer are being obtained in the
                                 ordinary course of business of the person
                                 receiving such Exchange Notes, whether or not
                                 such person is the holder of the Original
                                 Notes, that neither the holder of the Original
                                 Notes nor any such other person has an
                                 arrangement or understanding with any person to
                                 participate in the distribution of such Notes
                                 and that neither the holder nor any such person
                                 is an "affiliate," as defined in Rule 405 under
                                 the Securities Act of the Company. Any Original
                                 Notes not accepted for exchange for any reason
                                 will be returned without expense to the
                                 tendering holder thereof as promptly as
                                 practicable after the expiration or termination
                                 of the Exchange Offer. See "The Exchange
                                 Offer--Procedures for Tendering."
 
UNTENDERED OLD NOTES..........   Following the consummation of the Exchange
                                 Offer, holders of Original Notes eligible to
                                 participate but who do not tender their
                                 Original Notes will not have any further
                                 exchange rights and such Original Notes will
                                 continue to be subject to certain restrictions
                                 on transfer. Accordingly, the liquidity of the
                                 market for such Original Notes could be
                                 adversely affected.
 
SPECIAL PROCEDURES FOR
  BENEFICIAL HOLDERS..........   Any beneficial holder whose Original Notes are
                                 registered in the name of a broker, dealer,
                                 commercial bank, trust company or other nominee
                                 and who wishes to tender should contact such
                                 registered holder promptly and instruct such
                                 registered holder to tender on its own behalf.
                                 If such beneficial holder wishes to tender on
                                 its owns behalf, such holder must, prior to
                                 completing and executing the Letter of
                                 Transmittal and delivering its Original Notes,
                                 either make appropriate arrangements to
                                 register ownership of the Original Notes in
                                 such holder's name or obtain a properly
                                 completed bond power from the record holder.
                                 The transfer of registered ownership may take
                                 considerable time and may not be able to be
                                 completed prior to the Expiration Date. See
                                 "The Exchange Offer--Procedures for Tendering."
 
SHELF REGISTRATION
  STATEMENT...................   In the event that (i) the Exchange Offer is not
                                 available to any holder or may not be
                                 consummated because, in either case, it would
                                 violate applicable securities laws or because
                                 the applicable interpretations of the staff of
                                 the Commission would not permit the Company to
                                 effect the Exchange Offer, or (ii) in certain
                                 circumstances the holder notifies the Company
                                 that it is unable to participate in the
                                 Exchange Offer or is unable to use this
                                 Prospectus, the Company will cause to be filed
                                 with the Commission, no later than 45 days
                                 after such obligation arises, a shelf
                                 registration statement (the "Shelf Registration
                                 Statement"). The Company will use its best
                                 efforts to cause the Shelf Registration
                                 Statement to be declared effective on or before
                                 the 150th day after such obligation arises. The
                                 Company has agreed to maintain the
                                 effectiveness of the Shelf Registration
                                 Statement, under certain circumstances, for a
                                 maximum of two years following the date of the
                                 completion of the Units Offering.
 
GUARANTEED DELIVERY
  PROCEDURES..................   Holders of the Original Notes who wish to
                                 tender their Original Notes and whose Original
                                 Notes are not immediately available or
                                        9
<PAGE>   16
 
                                 who cannot deliver their Original Notes and the
                                 Letter of Transmittal or any other documents
                                 required by the Letter of Transmittal to the
                                 Exchange Agent prior to the Expiration Date,
                                 must tender their Original Notes according to
                                 the guaranteed delivery procedures set forth in
                                 "The Exchange Offer--Guaranteed Delivery
                                 Procedures."
 
WITHDRAWAL RIGHTS.............   Tenders of Original Notes may be withdrawn at
                                 any time prior to 5:00 p.m., New York City
                                 time, on the Expiration Date. For a withdrawal
                                 to be effective, a written or facsimile notice
                                 of withdrawal must be received by the Exchange
                                 Agent at its address set forth herein. Such
                                 notice must (i) specify the name of the person
                                 having tendered the Original Notes to be
                                 withdrawn; (ii) identify the Original Notes to
                                 be withdrawn (including the serial number or
                                 numbers and principal amount of Original Notes
                                 to be withdrawn); (iii) be signed by the holder
                                 in the same manner as the original signature on
                                 the Letter of Transmittal by which such
                                 Original Notes were tendered; and (iv) specify
                                 the name in which the Original Notes are to be
                                 registered, if different from that of the
                                 withdrawing holder. See "The Exchange
                                 Offer--Withdrawal Rights."
 
ACCEPTANCE OF ORIGINAL NOTES
 AND DELIVERY OF EXCHANGE
 NOTES........................   The Company will accept for exchange any and
                                 all Original Notes which are properly tendered
                                 in the Exchange Offer prior to 5:00 p.m., New
                                 York City time, on the Expiration Date. The
                                 Exchange Notes issued pursuant to the Exchange
                                 Offer will be delivered promptly following the
                                 Expiration Date. See "The Exchange Offer--Terms
                                 of the Exchange Offer."
 
CONSEQUENCES OF FAILURE
 TO EXCHANGE..................   Holders of Original Notes who do not exchange
                                 their Original Notes for the Exchange Notes
                                 pursuant to the Exchange Offer will continue to
                                 be subject to the restrictions on transfer of
                                 such Original Notes as set forth in the legend
                                 thereon. In general, the Original Notes that
                                 are not exchanged pursuant to the Exchange
                                 Offer may not be offered or sold except
                                 pursuant to a registration statement under
                                 Securities Act or an exemption from
                                 registration thereunder and in compliance with
                                 applicable state securities laws. In the event
                                 the Company completes the Exchange Offer, the
                                 interest rate on Original Notes will remain as
                                 stated thereon and holders of Original Notes
                                 will have no further rights under the
                                 Registration Rights Agreement.
 
   
CERTAIN TAX CONSIDERATIONS....   Latham & Watkins, counsel to the Company, has
                                 advised the Company that because the Exchange
                                 Notes will not be considered to differ
                                 materially from the Original Notes, the
                                 exchange of the Original Notes for Exchange
                                 Notes will not result in any material federal
                                 income tax consequences to holders exchanging
                                 the Original Notes for the Exchange Notes. For
                                 a full description of the basis of, and
                                 limitations on, this opinion, see "U.S. Federal
                                 Income Tax Consequences."
    
 
REGISTRATION RIGHTS
 AGREEMENT....................   Pursuant to a registration rights agreement
                                 (the "Registration Rights Agreement") among the
                                 Company and the Initial Purchas-
 
                                       10
<PAGE>   17
 
                                 ers, the Company has agreed (i) to file a
                                 registration statement with respect to an offer
                                 to exchange the Original Notes for a like
                                 principal amount of Exchange Notes and (ii) to
                                 use their reasonable best efforts to cause such
                                 registration statement to become effective
                                 under the Securities Act. This Exchange Offer
                                 is intended to satisfy the rights of holders of
                                 Original Notes under the Registration Rights
                                 Agreement, which rights terminate upon
                                 consummation of the Exchange Offer. The holders
                                 of the Exchange Notes are not entitled to any
                                 exchange or registration rights with respect to
                                 the Exchange Notes.
 
EXCHANGE AGENT................   Marine Midland Bank is the Exchange Agent. The
                                 address and telephone number of the Exchange
                                 Agent are set forth in "The Exchange
                                 Offer--Exchange Agent."
 
USE OF PROCEEDS...............   There will be no cash proceeds to the Company
                                 from the exchange pursuant to the Exchange
                                 Offer.
 
                                       11
<PAGE>   18
 
                               THE EXCHANGE NOTES
 
     The form and terms of the Exchange Notes are the same as the form and terms
of the Original Notes (which they replace) except that (i) the Exchange Notes
bear a Series B designation, (ii) the Exchange Notes have been registered under
the Securities Act and, therefore, will not bear legends restricting the
transfer thereof, and (iii) the holders of Exchange Notes will not be entitled
to certain rights under the Registration Rights Agreement, including the
provisions providing for an increase in the interest rate on the Original Notes
in certain circumstances relating to the timing of the Exchange Offer, which
rights will terminate when the Exchange Offer is consummated. See "The Exchange
Offer--Purpose and Effect of the Exchange Offer." The Exchange Notes will
evidence the same debt as the Original Notes and will be entitled to the
benefits of the Indenture. See "Description of Exchange Notes." The Warrants
issued in connection with the issuance of the Original Notes are not subject to
the Exchange Offer and will continue to be subject to the restrictions on
transfer set forth therein.
 
ISSUER........................   Orbital Imaging Corporation
 
MATURITY......................   March 1, 2005.
 
INTEREST......................   Interest on the Exchange Notes will accrue at
                                 the rate of 11 5/8% per annum, payable
                                 semi-annually in arrears on March 1 and
                                 September 1 of each year, commencing on
                                 September 1, 1998.
 
RANKING.......................   The Exchange Notes will be senior obligations
                                 of the Company, will rank pari passu in right
                                 of payment with all existing and future senior
                                 Indebtedness of the Company and will rank
                                 senior in right of payment to any future
                                 subordinated Indebtedness of the Company. As of
                                 March 31, 1998, the total amount of senior
                                 Indebtedness (including current liabilities) of
                                 the Company is $166 million ($157 million net
                                 of debt discount). As of the date of this
                                 Prospectus, the Company had no senior
                                 Indebtedness other than the Notes. As more
                                 fully described herein, the Indenture permits
                                 the Company under certain circumstances to
                                 incur indebtedness, such as one or more fixed
                                 asset financings, that may be secured by a
                                 first priority lien on certain of the Company's
                                 assets. Upon a grant of a first priority lien
                                 in certain of its assets, the lenders under
                                 such fixed asset financings will have a first
                                 priority claim to such assets senior to that of
                                 the holder of Notes.
 
SECURITY......................   The Company used approximately $32.9 million of
                                 the net proceeds thereof to purchase the
                                 Pledged Securities, representing funds
                                 sufficient to provide for payment in full of
                                 the first four scheduled interest payments on
                                 the Notes. The Pledged Securities are pledged
                                 as security for repayment of the principal of
                                 and interest on the Notes. See "Description of
                                 Exchange Notes--Security." When an interest
                                 payment is due, the Company may either deposit
                                 sufficient funds to pay the interest scheduled
                                 to be paid or direct the Trustee to release
                                 from the Pledge Account funds sufficient to pay
                                 the interest scheduled. In the event the
                                 Company exercises the former option, the Pledge
                                 Agreement provides the Company may direct the
                                 Trustee to release proceeds or the Pledged
                                 Securities from the Pledge Account in a like
                                 amount. If the Company makes the first four
                                 scheduled interest payments on the Notes in a
                                 timely manner and no Default or Event of
                                 Default is then continuing, the remaining
                                 Pledged Securities, if any, will be released
                                 from the Pledge Account and the Notes will
                                 thereafter be
 
                                       12
<PAGE>   19
 
                                 unsecured obligations of the Company. See
                                 "Description of Exchange Notes--Security."
 
OPTIONAL REDEMPTION...........   The Exchange Notes are not redeemable prior to
                                 March 1, 2002. Thereafter, the Exchange Notes
                                 will be redeemable at the option of the
                                 Company, at the redemption prices set forth
                                 herein plus accrued and unpaid interest and
                                 Liquidated Damages, if any, thereon to the
                                 applicable redemption date. See "Description of
                                 Exchange Notes--Optional Redemption."
 
                                 Prior to March 1, 2001, the Company may, on any
                                 one or more occasions, redeem outstanding
                                 Exchange Notes with the net cash proceeds of
                                 one or more sales of Capital Stock (other than
                                 Disqualified Stock) of the Company to one or
                                 more Persons (but only to the extent the
                                 proceeds of such sales of Capital Stock consist
                                 of cash or Cash Equivalents) at a redemption
                                 price equal to 111.625% of the principal amount
                                 thereof, plus accrued and unpaid interest and
                                 Liquidated Damages, if any, thereon to the
                                 redemption date; provided, however, that: (i)
                                 not less than 65% of the aggregate principal
                                 amount of the Notes remains outstanding
                                 immediately after any such redemption and (ii)
                                 such redemption shall occur within 60 days
                                 after the date of closing of such sale of
                                 Capital Stock.
 
MANDATORY REDEMPTION..........   The Company will not be required to make
                                 mandatory redemption or sinking fund payments
                                 with respect to the Exchange Notes.
 
CHANGE OF CONTROL.............   Upon the occurrence of a Change of Control,
                                 each holder of Exchange Notes will have the
                                 right to require the Company to purchase all or
                                 any part of such holder's Exchange Notes at an
                                 offer price in cash equal to 101% of the
                                 aggregate principal amount thereof, plus
                                 accrued and unpaid interest and Liquidated
                                 Damages, if any, thereon to the date of
                                 purchase. See "Description of Exchange
                                 Notes--Repurchase at the Option of Holders."
 
CERTAIN COVENANTS.............   The Indenture contains certain covenants that
                                 limit the ability of the Company and its
                                 Restricted Subsidiaries to incur additional
                                 Indebtedness, pay dividends or make other
                                 distributions, repurchase Equity Interests or
                                 subordinated Indebtedness, make certain other
                                 Restricted Payments, create certain liens,
                                 enter into certain transactions with
                                 affiliates, sell assets, enter into Sale and
                                 Leaseback Transactions, issue or sell Equity
                                 Interests of the Company's Restricted
                                 Subsidiaries, enter into any business not
                                 related to the remote imaging industry or enter
                                 into certain mergers and consolidations. The
                                 Indenture also requires the Company to obtain
                                 launch vehicle and in-orbit insurance under
                                 certain circumstances. See "Description of
                                 Exchange Notes--Certain Covenants."
 
                                  RISK FACTORS
 
     For a discussion of certain risk factors that should be considered by
holders of Original Notes in evaluating a tender of Original Notes for Exchange
Notes pursuant to the Exchange Offer, see "Risk Factors."
 
                                       13
<PAGE>   20
 
                             SUMMARY FINANCIAL DATA
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                                      FOR THE THREE
                                                                                                      MONTHS ENDED
                                                          YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31,                       MARCH 31,
                                            ----------------------------------------------------   -------------------
                                              1993       1994     1995 (1)     1996     1997 (2)     1997       1998
                                            --------   --------   --------   --------   --------   --------   --------
                                                           (DOLLARS IN THOUSANDS)                      (UNAUDITED)
<S>                                         <C>        <C>        <C>        <C>        <C>        <C>        <C>
STATEMENT OF OPERATIONS DATA:
Revenues................................    $    --    $    --    $ 4,567    $ 1,055    $ 2,062    $   108    $ 2,417
Direct costs............................         --        800      7,998      4,320      6,312      1,137      4,189
Selling, general and administrative
  expenses..............................      1,702      3,156      2,371      1,630      2,844        614        987
                                            -------    -------    -------    -------    -------    -------    -------
Loss from operations....................    $(1,702)   $(3,956)   $(5,802)   $(4,895)   $(7,094)   $(1,643)   $(2,759)
                                            =======    =======    =======    =======    =======    =======    =======
OTHER DATA:
Capital expenditures....................    $13,749    $13,832    $18,989    $12,617    $49,029    $ 4,275    $15,737
EBITDA (3)..............................     (1,702)    (3,157)     1,975       (914)    (1,558)      (593)       703
Net cash provided by (used in) operating
  activities............................      7,142      3,111       (192)    (1,008)     6,334       (801)     4,879
Net cash used in investing activities...    (13,749)   (13,832)   (18,989)   (12,617)   (60,366)    (4,275)   (53,734)
Net cash provided by financing
  activities............................      6,607     10,721     19,181     13,625     64,915      5,076    166,584
Ratio of earnings (losses) to fixed
  charges...............................         --         --         --         --         --         --         --
Deficiency of earnings (losses) to fixed
  charges...............................     (1,702)    (3,956)    (5,802)    (4,895)    (7,094)    (1,643)    (3,545)
</TABLE>
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                  MARCH 31, 1998
                                                              ----------------------
                                                              (DOLLARS IN THOUSANDS)
                                                                   (UNAUDITED)
<S>                                                           <C>
BALANCE SHEET DATA:
Cash, cash equivalents and short-term investments...........         $143,433
Pledged Securities..........................................           33,057
Property, equipment and satellites and related rights,
  net.......................................................          129,395
Total assets................................................          311,350
Notes.......................................................          141,074(4)
Series A Preferred Stock (5)................................           54,865
Total stockholders' equity..................................          115,679(4)
</TABLE>
 
- ------------------------------
(1) The OrbView-1 satellite was launched in April 1995.
(2) The OrbView-2 satellite was launched in August 1997.
(3) EBITDA consists of earnings (losses) before interest, income taxes,
    depreciation, amortization and other non-cash charges. EBITDA data is
    presented because such data is used by certain investors to determine the
    Company's ability to incur debt and to meet its debt service requirements.
    The Company considers EBITDA to be an indicative measure of the Company's
    operating performance, because EBITDA can be used to measure the Company
    ability to service debt, fund capital expenditures and expand its business;
    however, such information should not be considered as an alternative to net
    income, operating profit, cash flows from operations or any other operating
    or liquidity performance measure prescribed by generally accepted accounting
    principles. EBITDA does not represent funds available for management's
    discretionary use. EBITDA is not a measure supported by generally accepted
    accounting principles and may be calculated differently by other companies.
    EBITDA as defined herein may not conform to the definition of Consolidated
    Cash Flow as defined in the Indenture. See "Description of Notes--Certain
    Definitions--Consolidated Cash Flow."
(4) The estimated value of the Warrants, approximately $9 million, is reflected
    as both a debt discount and an element of additional paid-in capital.
(5) Represents stated value of $100 per share of Series A Preferred Stock less
    applicable fees and expenses.
 
                                       14
<PAGE>   21
 
                                  RISK FACTORS
 
     Holders of Original Notes should carefully consider the following matters,
in addition to the other information contained in this Prospectus, in evaluating
the Company and its business in connection with the Exchange Offer.
 
LIMITED OPERATING HISTORY; NET LOSSES
 
     Limited Operating and Financial Data.  Holders of Original Notes have
limited operating and financial data about ORBIMAGE on which to base an
evaluation of the Company's performance in connection with tendering Original
Notes for Exchange Notes in this Exchange Offer. ORBIMAGE did not commence
commercial service until 1995 with the launch of OrbView-1. To date, the Company
has generated only limited revenues from the operations of OrbView-1 and
OrbView-2. To execute the Company's business plan, the Company will have to
complete, in a timely manner, the construction and deployment of the high-
resolution OrbView satellites, successfully develop and implement the related
ground infrastructure network, develop a customer base for the Company's
products and services, and establish distribution channels. Results of
operations may vary from quarter to quarter and year to year. Given ORBIMAGE's
limited operating history and in light of the risks, expenses, difficulties and
delays encountered with a high technology, highly regulated business such as
ORBIMAGE's, there can be no assurance that the Company will be able to overcome
these barriers, develop a sufficiently large revenue-generating customer base to
service its indebtedness, or compete successfully in the remote imaging
industry.
 
     Expectation of Continued Losses.  The continued development of ORBIMAGE's
business will require significant capital expenditures, a substantial portion of
which will be incurred prior to the realization of significant revenues.
Together with the Company's operating expenses, these capital expenditures will
result in a negative cash flow until an adequate revenue-generating customer
base is established. ORBIMAGE has incurred cumulative losses of approximately
$23.7 million through March 31, 1998 and it expects such losses to continue for
the foreseeable future. See "Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial
Condition and Results of Operations." The Company does not expect to generate
net positive cash flow from operations until OrbView-3 is operational, currently
expected in the second half of 1999. There can be no assurance that OrbView-3
will become operational on this timetable, or at all, or that the Company will
achieve or sustain any positive cash flow or profitability thereafter. See
"Business."
 
SUBSTANTIAL LEVERAGE; RESTRICTIVE COVENANTS
 
     As of March 31, 1998 the Company's total indebtedness is $166 million ($157
million net of debt discount), and its stockholders' equity totaled
approximately $115.7 million. On a pro forma basis after giving effect to the
Units Offering, the Company's deficiency of earnings before fixed charges to
cover fixed charges for the year ended December 31, 1997 would have been $26.6
million. The Company anticipates earnings will be insufficient to cover fixed
charges through at least September 30, 1999. The Indenture will permit the
Company to incur additional indebtedness under certain limited conditions, and
the Company expects that it may incur indebtedness, in addition to the Notes,
such as one or more fixed asset financings, to the extent it is permitted to do
so under the Indenture. Such fixed asset financing, if pursued, will be secured
by first priority security interests in certain of the Company's assets.
Accordingly, the lenders of such fixed asset financing, if pursued, will have a
claim on these assets prior to the claims of the holders of the Exchange Notes.
 
     The successful implementation of the Company's strategy, among other
things, is necessary for the Company to be able to meet its debt service. The
Company currently has limited sources of revenue. In addition, the Company's
ability to satisfy its obligations after the OrbView-3 satellite is operational
will depend on the Company's future performance, which is subject to a number of
factors, many of which are beyond the Company's control. There can be no
assurance that OrbView-1 and OrbView-2 will continue to operate for their design
lives, or that both of the high-resolution OrbView satellites will be
successfully deployed and become fully operational or that, once the
high-resolution OrbView satellites are operational, ORBIMAGE will generate
sufficient cash flow from operating activities to meet its debt service and
working capital requirements. In the absence of such operating results, the
Company could face substantial constraints
 
                                       15
<PAGE>   22
 
on its liquidity and may be required to seek additional financing through the
issuance of debt or equity securities. There can be no assurance the Company
would be successful in completing such financing. See "Management's Discussion
and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operation--Liquidity and
Capital Resources." Any failure of the OrbView-2 satellite, or any failure or
delay in deployment of the high-resolution OrbView satellites could have a
material adverse effect upon the Company's business, results of operations and
financial condition, including failure to meet its debt service requirements.
 
     The Company's degree of leverage could have adverse consequences to the
holders of the Exchange Notes, including: (i) a substantial portion of the
Company's net cash provided by operations will be committed to the payment of
the Company's debt service requirements and will not be available to the Company
for its operations, capital expenditures, or other purposes; (ii) the Company's
ability to obtain additional financing in the future for working capital,
capital expenditures, acquisitions or general corporate purposes may be limited;
and (iii) the Company may be placed at a competitive disadvantage and its
flexibility in reacting to changes in its business may be limited. See
"Description of Exchange Notes."
 
     The Indenture contains, and any additional financing agreements may
contain, certain restrictive covenants. The restrictions in the Indenture will
affect, and in some cases will significantly limit or prohibit, among other
things, the ability of the Company to incur indebtedness, make prepayments of
certain indebtedness, pay cash dividends, make investments, engage in
transactions with affiliates, issue capital stock of subsidiaries, create liens,
sell assets and engage in mergers and consolidations. If the Company fails to
comply with the restrictive covenants in the Indenture, the Company's obligation
to perform its obligations under the Indenture may be accelerated.
 
POTENTIAL ADDITIONAL CAPITAL REQUIREMENTS
 
     The Company currently expects to require approximately $290 million for
capital expenditures, development and initial operating costs of ORBIMAGE's
satellite system through September 30, 1999, by which date OrbView-3 is expected
to be launched. Through March 31, 1998, ORBIMAGE has expended approximately $149
million for the design, construction, deployment and/or procurement of the
OrbView satellites, and portions of the U.S. ground system. To finance such
expenditures, the Company has obtained approximately $143 million in net equity
contributions from Orbital and third party investors and approximately $48
million in imagery contract payments. See "Certain Relationships and Related
Transactions--Stock Purchase Agreement," and "Use of Proceeds." The Company
believes that the net proceeds of the Units Offering and the Series A Offering,
together with expected cash from operations, will be sufficient to fund the
Company's operations through September 30, 1999, by which date OrbView-3 is
expected to be launched. There can be no assurance that the Company will
generate sufficient cash from operations, or that expenses will not exceed the
Company's estimates. In such event, the Company will require additional capital.
 
     A significant portion of the Company's expenses will be incurred pursuant
to the Procurement Agreement covering development, construction and launch of
the OrbView satellites and construction and activation of its U.S. ground
system. While most of ORBIMAGE's costs under the Procurement Agreement will be
fixed, certain items and services, such as launch and in-orbit insurance, launch
service costs for OrbView-4 in excess of approximately $23 million, OrbView-4's
hyperspectral sensor and related work, and ORBIMAGE-directed technological
assistance and regulatory support will be furnished by Orbital to ORBIMAGE on a
cost-plus or cost-reimbursable basis. Many factors outside the control of
ORBIMAGE may influence the costs of such items and services and the Company may
be required to raise additional capital if any material increase in costs should
occur.
 
     Furthermore, additional capital may be required if, for example: (i) there
are significant delays in the deployment of the high-resolution OrbView
satellites, as a result of technical difficulties, launch or satellite failure
or otherwise; (ii) the Company does not enter into agreements with customers,
VARs or distributors for high-resolution imagery at the times or on the terms
anticipated by ORBIMAGE, if at all; (iii) there is an increase in the Company's
estimated net operating deficit as a result of the Company incurring significant
unanticipated expenses, such as costs related to resolving satellite operational
difficulties; or (iv) the Company incurs additional costs as a result of
modifications to all or a portion of the high-resolution OrbView satellites
 
                                       16
<PAGE>   23
 
or ground segment designs to meet changed or unanticipated market, regulatory or
technical requirements. In the event that these or other events occur, there can
be no assurance that additional capital would be available from public or
private markets on favorable terms, on a timely basis, or at all. A substantial
shortfall in funding would delay or prevent construction and launch of the
high-resolution OrbView satellites.
 
   
CERTAIN TAX CONSIDERATIONS
    
 
   
     The Original Notes were issued with original issue discount ("OID") for
U.S. federal income tax purposes. This OID will carry over to, and be treated as
OID on, the Exchange Notes received in exchange for the Original Notes, and each
U.S. holder of an Exchange Note will be required to include in taxable income
for any particular taxable year a portion of such OID in advance of the receipt
of the cash to which such OID is attributable. For additional information
regarding the OID associated with the Notes, as well as certain other federal
income tax considerations relevant to the exchange of Original Notes for
Exchange Notes and the ownership and disposition of Exchange Notes, see "U.S.
Federal Income Tax Consequences."
    
 
   
COLLECTIBILITY OF UNEARNED INTEREST
    
 
   
     Upon acceleration of the Notes, at any time prior to maturity there will be
a portion of unamortized OID, which may be characterized as unearned or
unmatured interest, associated with the Notes. Under certain circumstances under
state law a holder of Notes may not be entitled to recover interest that was not
accrued or earned at the time of acceleration.
    
 
   
     If a bankruptcy case is commenced by or against the Company under Title 11
of the United States Code, as amended (the "Bankruptcy Code"), the claim of a
holder of the Notes with respect to the principal amount thereof may be limited
to an amount equal to the sum of (i) the initial public offering price of the
Notes and (ii) that portion of the original issue discount that is not deemed to
constitute "unmatured interest" for purposes of the Bankruptcy Code. Any
original issue discount that was not accrued as of such bankruptcy filing may be
deemed to constitute "unmatured interest." Thus, under certain circumstances, a
holder of a Note may not have a claim with respect to that portion of the issue
price of a Unit allocated to the Warrant which is deemed to constitute
"unmatured interest" on the Note.
    
 
SCHEDULE DELAYS
 
     Delay in the timely construction, deployment and commercial operation of
either of the high-resolution OrbView satellites could result from a variety of
causes, including delays in the design, construction, integration and testing of
any of the satellites and related ground systems, a delayed or unsuccessful
launch, subcontractor or manufacturer delays, delays caused by technical reviews
and redesign and testing activities in the event of failures during testing or a
loss of a satellite, delays in the receipt of licenses necessary to operate the
satellite system, or other events beyond the control of ORBIMAGE. The sensors
for the high-resolution OrbView satellites, which are key components of the
satellites, are being designed and constructed by a subcontractor. Significant
delays in the launch of either of the high-resolution OrbView satellites could
increase the amount of pre-launch operating costs, delay the generation of
revenue and have a material adverse effect on the Company's results of
operations. There can be no assurance that either of the high-resolution OrbView
satellites will be launched and placed into operation on a timely basis.
 
     Competitive posture in the satellite-based imaging industry may be affected
by perceived and actual timing of satellite launches. Significant delays, or the
perception of anticipated or potential delays, in the deployment of either of
the high-resolution OrbView satellites could increase the costs of such
satellites, delay the generation of revenue or have a material adverse effect on
the Company's business, financial condition and results of operations and its
ability to meet its debt service requirements.
 
LAUNCH RISKS
 
     Satellite launches are subject to significant risks, including partial or
complete failure of the launch vehicle, which may result in disabling damage to
or loss of a satellite or failure of the launch vehicle to deliver the satellite
to its proper orbit. The Company has contracted with Orbital to launch the
high-resolution
                                       17
<PAGE>   24
 
OrbView satellites. Orbital intends to launch OrbView-3 on a Pegasus(R) launch
vehicle. Orbital's Pegasus launch vehicle has experienced launch failures from
time to time, and has an approximately 90% launch success rate. There are a
number of additional Pegasus launches currently planned prior to the launch of
OrbView-3, and the failure of any one of these launch vehicles could result in a
delay in the deployment of OrbView-3. Orbital's Pegasus launch vehicle is
launched from beneath a modified Lockheed L-1011 aircraft owned by Orbital. In
the event the Orbital aircraft is unavailable for any reason, the Company could
experience significant delays as a result of Orbital having to acquire and
modify a new carrier aircraft or the Company having to arrange for deployment of
OrbView-3 using an alternative launch vehicle. There can be no assurance that
another aircraft could be obtained and properly modified or that alternate
launch services could be obtained on a timely basis, if at all.
 
     Orbital is currently reviewing launch vehicle alternatives for OrbView-4.
Possible launch vehicles for OrbView-4 include Orbital's Taurus(R) launch
vehicle (which has had two missions, both of which were successful), other
similar class launch vehicles, or on larger launch vehicles such as the Delta or
Ariane rocket, on which OrbView-4 would be a secondary payload. There can be no
assurance that the high-resolution OrbView satellites will be successfully
deployed in a timely manner or that a launch failure will not occur. Any such
delay or occurrence of a launch failure could have a material adverse effect on
the Company's business, financial condition and results of operations and its
ability to meet its debt service requirements.
 
MARKET ACCEPTANCE; ESTIMATES
 
     The success of the OrbView satellites and the Company's ability to meet its
debt service requirements on the Notes will depend on acceptance of its imagery
products and services in existing markets as well as the development of new
markets. Market acceptance in turn depends upon a number of factors, including
the spatial and spectral quality, scope, timeliness, sophistication and price of
the Company's imagery products and services and of alternative products and
services. There can be no assurance that the products and services to be offered
by ORBIMAGE will achieve market acceptance, or that the market will demand such
products and services from ORBIMAGE at prices and on terms acceptable to
ORBIMAGE.
 
     The Company's strategy to target certain markets for its satellite imagery
products is based on a number of assumptions, some or all of which may be
incorrect, and unanticipated events may occur that could adversely affect the
Company's market results. The Company's description of potential markets for its
products and services and estimates of the Company's addressable markets that
are discussed in this Prospectus represent the Company's estimates as of the
date hereof with respect to such markets. In particular, the Company is
anticipating significant revenues from sales of imagery generated by the
OrbView-2 and the high-resolution OrbView satellites. Satellite imagery with
spatial and spectral characteristics generated by the OrbView-2 satellite, and
to be generated by the high-resolution OrbView satellites, is not now
commercially available. Consequently, it is difficult to predict accurately the
ultimate size of the market and the demand for these services and products, and
actual markets should be expected to vary from the addressable markets discussed
herein, and these variations may be material. Lack of significant market
acceptance, delays in such acceptance, or failure of certain markets to develop
could also have a material adverse effect on the Company's business, financial
condition and results of operations and its ability to meet its debt service
requirements.
 
TECHNOLOGICAL, DEVELOPMENT AND IMPLEMENTATION RISKS
 
     ORBIMAGE is in the process of completing the design of the high-resolution
OrbView satellites; however, there can be no assurance that the design of the
satellites will not require modifications to achieve desired performance
criteria. For example, there were significant delays in the design, production
and testing of the OrbView-2 satellite that was launched in August 1997,
approximately two years behind schedule. The high-resolution OrbView satellites
will employ advanced technologies and sensors that will be subjected to severe
environmental stresses during launch or in space that could affect the
satellite's performance. Sometimes, human operators may also execute an improper
command that may negatively impact a satellite's performance. Employing these
technologies is further complicated by the fact that the OrbView satellites will
be in space. Correcting problems related to hardware components in space may
require premature satellite
                                       18
<PAGE>   25
 
replacement, with attendant costs and revenue losses. EarthWatch Incorporated's
("EarthWatch") three-meter remote imagery satellite bus (not including the
sensor or systems-level assembly, integration and test) was designed and
constructed by CTA Incorporated ("CTA") pursuant to a contract awarded to CTA in
1995. Orbital acquired CTA's satellite manufacturing business in August 1997.
The EarthWatch satellite was launched in December 1997 but was declared to have
experienced an on-orbit failure several months later.
 
     There can be no assurance that the high-resolution OrbView satellites will
be successfully launched or operated, or that each of the OrbView satellites
will perform or remain in operation for the duration of its expected "design
life." Furthermore, even if the high-resolution OrbView satellites are
successfully launched, minor flaws in the satellites' sensors could
significantly degrade the satellites' performance and affect ORBIMAGE's ability
to successfully market its products.
 
     The Company has not procured a spare satellite for OrbView-2, nor does it
maintain an inventory of long lead-time parts for a replacement OrbView-2
satellite. In the event of an OrbView-2 satellite failure, if the Company were
to decide to construct and launch a replacement, ORBIMAGE would likely
experience a delay of at least 24 months or more before it would be able to
launch the replacement satellite.
 
     The Company also has not procured a spare high-resolution OrbView
satellite, nor does it currently maintain an inventory of long lead-time parts
for the high-resolution OrbView satellites. If there is a failure in an
OrbView-3 satellite subsystem that is common to the OrbView-4 satellite (e.g.,
the sensor), such failure may result in a delay of the OrbView-4 launch.
 
LIMITED LIFE OF SATELLITES
 
     The OrbView satellites, which constitute a substantial portion of the
Company's total assets, will have a limited useful life. A number of factors
will affect the useful lives of the OrbView satellites, including the quality of
construction, the expected gradual environmental degradation of solar panels,
the durability of various satellite components and the orbit in which the
satellite is placed. Random failure of satellite components could result in
damage to or loss of a satellite. In rare cases, satellites could also be
damaged or destroyed by electrostatic storms or collisions with other objects.
 
     The high-resolution OrbView satellites each have an expected "design life"
of five years, OrbView-1 had an expected "design life" of three years (but is
now expected to be operational for five years), and OrbView-2 has an expected
"design life" of seven and one-half years. At the end of its "design life", the
performance of each OrbView satellite is expected to gradually decline. The
"design life" of a satellite results from a complex calculation involving among
other factors, estimated probabilities of failure of the constituent components
of the satellite from design or manufacture defects, environmental stresses or
other causes. There can be no assurance of the longevity of any of the OrbView
satellites. A useful life of the OrbView satellites that is significantly
shorter than the design life of the satellites would have a material adverse
effect on the Company's business, financial condition, and results of operations
and its ability to meet its debt service requirements.
 
     The Company anticipates using funds generated from operations to develop
follow-on high-resolution satellites. If sufficient funds from operations are
not available and ORBIMAGE is unable to obtain financing for additional
satellites, ORBIMAGE will not be able to deploy follow-on satellites to replace
OrbView-3 and OrbView-4 at the end of their useful lives. There can be no
assurance that additional capital will be available to develop follow-on
high-resolution OrbView satellites on favorable terms or on a timely basis, if
at all. Additionally, there can be no assurance that ORBIMAGE will be able to
contract with Orbital or any other company to design, construct or launch a
follow-on high-resolution satellite.
 
COMPETITION
 
     The Company's products and services will compete with satellite and
aircraft-based imagery and other related products and services offered by a
range of private and government providers that have the technical and financial
ability to compete in these markets and applications. Certain of these entities
have greater financial, personnel and other resources than the Company.
Potential competitors include at least two
 
                                       19
<PAGE>   26
 
companies, Space Imaging EOSAT ("Space Imaging EOSAT") and EarthWatch, each of
which intends to offer satellite imagery comparable to the imagery that the
high-resolution OrbView satellites are designed to provide. Space Imaging EOSAT
has announced that it expects to launch its first one-meter satellite in late
1998 and EarthWatch has announced that the launch of its one-meter satellite is
targeted for late 1999. In addition, the U.S. government and foreign governments
may fund the development, construction, launch and operation of remote imaging
satellites that may compete with OrbView-2 as well as the high-resolution
OrbView satellites. The U.S. government's Earth Science Program includes the
launch of a satellite next year that will provide imagery similar to imagery
provided by OrbView-2 that could be competitive with some of the Company's
imagery products and services. In addition, the U.S. government will probably
continue to rely on government-owned and operated systems for certain highly
classified satellite-based high-resolution imagery. While the Company believes
that it generally will have a competitive advantage because it expects to have
sufficient pricing flexibility to be a low-cost commercial provider within its
targeted markets and applications, the low marginal cost of producing satellite
imagery once a satellite is operating could result in adverse pricing pressure,
reductions in anticipated profits or even losses. The Company's competitors or
potential competitors who may have greater resources than the Company could in
the future offer satellite-based imagery, or other products, having technical
characteristics or other features that could be more attractive than those of
the Company's products. Such new technologies, even if not ultimately
successful, could have a material adverse effect on OrbView's marketing efforts,
and its business could be adversely affected if competitors develop and launch
satellites with advanced capabilities and technologies compared to the OrbView
high-resolution satellites. See "Risk Factors--Potential Conflict of Interest"
and "Business--Competition."
 
LIMITED INSURANCE; AVAILABILITY
 
     The Company will generally be required under the Indenture to obtain
launch, in-orbit checkout and in-orbit operations insurance for risks related to
the launch and operations of the high-resolution OrbView satellites. The Company
has included estimates that it believes to be reasonable for certain of the
premiums for insurance for the high-resolution OrbView satellites in its
projected capital requirements. However, the Company has not yet determined the
amounts and types of coverage that it will obtain. Insurance market conditions
or other factors outside the Company's control at the time the Company seeks to
procure such insurance, such as failure of a satellite using similar components
or a similar launch vehicle, could cause premiums to be significantly higher
than current estimates, could cause other terms to be significantly less
favorable than those currently available, may result in limits on amounts of
coverage that are obtainable or may result in such insurance not being available
at all. In addition, certain risks, such as partial degradation of functionality
of the satellite, may be difficult to insure. The OrbView-1 satellite is not
insured. The Company has procured in-orbit insurance for OrbView-2 to cover
losses up to $12 million for its first year of operations, and which policy is
renewable in the second and third year of operations to cover losses of $10
million and $8 million, respectively. There can be no assurance that launch or
satellite failures will not occur and that insurance will be available to the
Company in the future or, if available, at a cost or on terms acceptable to the
Company. There can be no assurance that proceeds from insurance will be
sufficient to provide for a new satellite due to cost increases and other
factors beyond the Company's control.
 
DEPENDENCE ON ORBITAL; LIMITED RECOURSE
 
     The Company depends on Orbital to design, develop and launch the
high-resolution OrbView satellites and to construct the U.S. ground segment for
the high-resolution OrbView satellites, and does not intend to acquire, except
by contracting with other parties, the ability to design, construct or launch
the OrbView satellites or to modify its existing ground segment to accommodate
these imagery satellites. The Company also relies upon the OrbView-2 License
from Orbital to market the OrbView-2 imagery. Under the Procurement Agreement
the Company has contracted with Orbital, and Orbital has contracted with certain
subcontractors, to provide these services. In the event that Orbital fails to
perform adequately its obligations under the Procurement Agreement, the
deployment of the high-resolution OrbView satellites would be delayed until the
Company located an alternative provider of necessary services to replace
Orbital. Orbital's liability to ORBIMAGE for claims arising under the
Procurement Agreement, such as breach of contract or patent indemnification, is
limited to $10 million. Under the terms of the Procurement Agreement, Orbital
will
                                       20
<PAGE>   27
 
not be liable to ORBIMAGE for any costs with respect to schedule delays.
Pursuant to the Services Agreement, Orbital has agreed to provide various
administrative and operational functions on a cost reimbursable or cost-plus fee
basis. These functions include on-orbit mission operations and anomaly
resolution for the four OrbView satellites. In the event Orbital fails to
perform certain of its obligations under the Services Agreement, the operation
of the OrbView satellites may be adversely affected. The Services Agreement
terminates for each OrbView satellite three years after the respective launch of
each such satellite. There can be no assurance that the Services Agreement will
be renewed on terms favorable to ORBIMAGE if at all. In addition, a material
adverse change in Orbital or its financial condition or that of one of its
subcontractors could adversely affect Orbital's ability to perform under the
Procurement Agreement or the Services Agreement. The Company has not identified
any alternate providers, and there can be no assurance that such alternate
provider would be available or, if available, would be available at a cost or on
terms favorable to the Company or Orbital.
 
REGULATION; SIGNIFICANT REMAINING REGULATORY APPROVALS
 
     Domestic.  ORBIMAGE's business requires licenses from the DoC and from the
FCC. The Company currently has a license from the DoC to operate two
high-resolution satellites (the "DoC License"), and Orbital holds a license from
the DoC to operate OrbView-2. Each of these DoC licenses expires in 2004; there
can be no assurance that such licenses will be renewed. In March 1998, Orbital
filed an application with the DoC to transfer the OrbView-2 DoC license to
ORBIMAGE. Under the provisions of the DoC licenses, the U.S. government reserves
the right to interrupt service during periods of national emergency when U.S.
national security interests are affected. The threat or implementation of such
interruptions of service could adversely affect ORBIMAGE's ability to market its
products to certain foreign distributors or end-user customers. In addition, the
DoC has the right to review and approve the terms of agreements with ORBIMAGE's
international customers and any such review might result in a delay in or the
prohibition of the execution of such agreements. ORBIMAGE could in the future be
subjected to new laws, policies or regulations, or changes in the interpretation
or application of existing laws, policies and regulations, that modify the
present regulatory environment in the United States. In November 1997, the DoC
issued a notice of proposed rulemaking regarding regulations governing the
licensing and operation of remote imaging satellite systems clarifying among
other things, DoC oversight regarding foreign imagery sales agreements and
certain limitations on company financings. There can be no assurances that
limitations applicable to other countries will not be imposed by U.S.
regulators, and any such limitations could adversely affect the Company's
operations. See "Regulation."
 
     ORBIMAGE has filed an application with the DoC to amend the DoC License to
permit it to distribute OrbView-4 hyperspectral imagery on a commercial basis.
There can be no assurances that such application will be approved. While a final
decision has not been rendered, the DoC has indicated that the approval may be
subject to certain limitations on ORBIMAGE's ability to deliver hyperspectral
imagery to commercial customers, such as delaying release of imagery or
degrading spatial resolution of such imagery. Failure to gain approval of such
amendment on the terms requested or loss of the DoC License could have a
material adverse effect on the Company's ability to market hyperspectral imagery
to non-U.S. government customers.
 
     A FCC license is required to operate each of the OrbView satellites (other
than OrbView-1). The Company currently operates OrbView-2 under an experimental
FCC license held by Orbital. This license expires in 1999 and the Company
expects that Orbital will file an application with the FCC to renew this license
prior to that date. There can be no assurances, however, that the FCC will grant
a renewal to this license. The failure to obtain a renewal to this license, or a
revocation of this license, would have a material adverse effect on the
Company's ability to operate the OrbView-2 satellite in the United States.
ORBIMAGE has filed an application with the FCC to receive a license to launch
and operate the high-resolution OrbView satellites (the "FCC License"). The
Company cannot operate or launch the high-resolution OrbView satellites without
the FCC License. Although historically the FCC has granted licenses to systems
that conform to the technical, legal and financial requirements for such systems
as set forth by the FCC, there can be no assurance that the FCC will grant to
ORBIMAGE a license to operate either of or both the high-resolution OrbView
satellites. Certain U.S. competitors of the Company, EarthWatch and Space
Imaging EOSAT, each have obtained the required DoC and FCC licenses. See
"Regulation."
 
                                       21
<PAGE>   28
 
     International.  All satellite systems operating internationally are subject
to general international regulations and the specific laws of the countries in
which satellite imagery is downlinked. Applicable regulations include (i)
International Telecommunications Union ("ITU") regulations, which define, for
each service, the technical operating parameters (including maximum transmitter
power, maximum interference to other services and users, and the minimum
interference the user must operate under for that service), (ii) the Intelsat
and Inmarsat agreements which provide that in order to conform with
international treaties and obligations the operators of international satellite
systems must demonstrate that they will not cause economic or technical harm to
Intelsat and Inmarsat, and (iii) regulations of foreign countries that require
that satellite operators secure appropriate licenses and operational authority
for utilization of the required spectrum in each country. Obtaining local
regulatory approval for operation of the OrbView-2 and high-resolution OrbView
satellites will be the responsibility of the Company's customers or
distributors. While regional foreign distributors will be selected, in part,
based on their perceived qualifications to obtain the requisite local approvals,
there can be no assurance that they will be successful in doing so, and if they
are not successful, remote imagery service will not be made available for real
time distribution in such territories. ORBIMAGE's inability to offer service in
a significant number of foreign countries could have a material adverse effect
on ORBIMAGE's business. Regulatory provisions in countries in which the Company
or its foreign regional distributors are seeking to operate may impose
restrictions on the Company's or its foreign regional distributors' operations
and there can be no assurance that such restrictions would not be unduly
burdensome. The Company's business may also be adversely affected by regulatory
changes resulting from adoption of treaties, legislation or regulation by the
national authorities where ORBIMAGE plans to operate.
 
     Although the Company believes that it will be able to obtain all
international licenses and authorizations necessary to operate effectively,
there can be no assurance that it will be successful in doing so. The failure of
the Company to obtain some or all necessary licenses or approvals could have a
material adverse effect on the Company's business.
 
     Launch License.  Commercial U.S. space launches require licenses from the
U.S. Department of Transportation ("DoT"). Under the Procurement Agreement,
Orbital is responsible for ensuring that the appropriate DoT commercial launch
license is in place for the high-resolution OrbView satellite launches. There
can be no assurance that Orbital will continue to be successful in its efforts
to obtain necessary licenses or regulatory approvals. The inability of Orbital
to secure any necessary licenses or approvals for the launch of high-resolution
OrbView satellites could delay such launches, which could have a material
adverse effect on the Company's business, financial condition and results of
operation and its ability to meet its debt service requirements.
 
MANAGEMENT OF GROWTH
 
     The Company may experience periods of rapid growth. Such growth could place
a significant strain on the Company's management, operating, financial and other
resources. The Company's future performance will depend, in part, upon its
ability to manage its growth effectively, which will require it to develop its
management information systems capabilities, improve its operating, financial
and accounting systems and to expand, train and manage its employee base. The
Company's inability to manage its growth effectively could have a material
adverse effect on the Company's results of operations, and its ability to meet
its obligations as they become due.
 
RELIANCE ON FOREIGN DISTRIBUTORS AND VALUE ADDED RESELLERS
 
     ORBIMAGE will rely on foreign regional distributors to market and
distribute internationally a significant portion of the Company's imagery from
its OrbView-2 and its high-resolution OrbView satellites. The existing and
potential foreign regional distributors generally are expected to be acting on
behalf of, or contracting directly with, foreign governments for the sale of
imagery for national security and related purposes, and these regional
distributors may not possess the skill or experience to develop regional
commercial markets for the Company's products and services. The failure of the
Company to enter into such agreements on a timely basis or the failure of the
Company's foreign regional distributors to successfully
 
                                       22
<PAGE>   29
 
market the Company's imagery products and services would have a material adverse
effect on the Company's business, financial condition and results of operations
and its ability to meet its debt service requirements.
 
     The Company intends to rely on VARs to develop and market products and
services based on ORBIMAGE's imagery to address certain of the Company's
targeted markets. The failure of the Company's VARs to successfully develop and
market OrbView products and services would adversely affect the Company's
results of operations.
 
INTERNATIONAL OPERATIONS
 
     The Company expects to derive substantial revenues from international sales
of products and services. Such operations are subject to certain risks, such as
changes in domestic and foreign governmental regulations and telecommunications
standards, maintenance of friendly foreign status with the United States,
licensing requirements, tariffs or taxes and other trade barriers, export
controls, exchange controls and political and economic stability, including
fluctuations in the value of foreign currencies which may make payment in U.S.
dollars more expensive for foreign customers.
 
POTENTIAL CONFLICT OF INTEREST
 
     Orbital owns approximately 56% of the outstanding capital stock of the
Company on a fully diluted basis assuming (i) conversion of the Company's
outstanding Series A Preferred Stock and (ii) exercise of the Warrants and
outstanding options to purchase Common Stock. Certain of the Company's executive
officers and directors are also employees and/or directors of Orbital. Such
ongoing relationships may result in conflicts of interest with respect to
matters involving both the Company and Orbital. Although the Company has adopted
policies which it believes will preclude or prevent such conflicts from arising,
there can be no assurance that conflicts will not arise that could adversely
affect the Company. See, "Relationship with Orbital Services
Corporation -- Policies and Procedures for Addressing Conflicts." The Company
and Orbital are parties to the Procurement Agreement, the OrbView-2 License, the
Services Agreement and the Non-Compete Agreement, each of which is material to
the Company's business. Orbital's interests as an equity holder may at times
conflict with its interests under these agreements. Under the Procurement
Agreement, Orbital (or in certain cases its subcontractors) retains ownership of
the technology in all four OrbView satellites and their common ground system. To
the extent the Company has obligations to deliver OrbView-compatible ground
stations to its customers, the Company has contracted to procure such ground
stations from MacDonald, Dettwiler and Associates Ltd. ("MDA"), a wholly owned
subsidiary of Orbital, provided that the terms are commercially competitive.
 
     Under a Non-Competition and Teaming Agreement between Orbital and ORBIMAGE
dated May 8, 1997 (the "Non-Compete Agreement"), Orbital is prohibited from
selling turn-key satellite imaging systems (i.e., satellite, sensors, launch
vehicles and ground system), but is generally permitted to sell components of
such systems, including launch services and satellites, to current or future
customers or competitors of ORBIMAGE. The Non-Compete Agreement will terminate
on the earlier of June 30, 2003 or the occurrence of certain events. As a result
of Orbital's acquisition of the space business of CTA in August 1997, Orbital
became the supplier of the satellite bus (not including the sensor, system-level
assembly, integration and test) for the EarthWatch three-meter resolution
satellite that was launched in December 1997. As a result of an earlier
acquisition, Orbital is also building the ground system network for EarthWatch.
The Company expects EarthWatch to be a direct competitor of the Company. In
March 1998, MDA was selected by the Canadian government to develop, construct
and manage the RADARSAT-II three-meter radar satellite program. Under this
program, Orbital will provide the satellite platform and MDA will provide the
ground station. MDA will own and operate the Radarsat-2 satellite. In addition,
as a result of certain acquisitions, Orbital holds approximately a 4% equity
interest in EarthWatch, and an approximate 26% equity interest in Radarsat
International Inc. ("Radarsat"), a low-spatial resolution satellite radar
imagery provider.
 
                                       23
<PAGE>   30
 
CONTRACTS
 
     At March 31, 1998, approximately 85% of the Company's total firm contract
backlog was derived from contracts with the U.S. government and its agencies.
Changes in government policies, priorities or funding levels through agency or
program budget reductions by the U.S. Congress or executive agencies or the
imposition of budgetary constraints could have a material adverse effect on the
Company's business, financial condition and results of operations and its
ability to meet its debt service requirements. Furthermore, contracts with the
U.S. government may be terminated or suspended by the U.S. government at any
time, with or without cause. There can be no assurance that these contracts will
not be terminated or suspended in the future. The U.S. Air Force has contracted
with Orbital to fund the cost of the design and construction of the
hyperspectral sensor that will be integrated on the OrbView-4 satellite. If the
Air Force terminates or suspends the contract and ORBIMAGE desires to proceed
with its hyperspectral program, ORBIMAGE would be required to incur the
remaining cost of upgrading OrbView-4 with hyperspectral capability. The Samsung
Agreement is cancelable by Samsung Aerospace for any reason (with liquidated
damages payable under certain circumstances). The Samsung Agreement provides
that Samsung may terminate the agreement, without liability of ORBIMAGE, if the
OrbView-3 satellite is not launched by May 1999 (the "target launch date"). The
Company does not expect OrbView-3 to be launched until later in 1999. The
Company and Samsung are presently negotiating an amendment to the Samsung
Agreement to extend the "target launch date" to December 31, 1999. There can be
no assurance that this amendment will be consummated. The termination of the
Samsung Agreement would result in lost potential revenues and could have a
material adverse effect on the Company's business, financial condition and
results of operations and its ability to meet its debt service requirements. As
of March 31, 1998, imagery contracts with remaining value of approximately $43
million could be terminated for convenience.
 
CONTROL OF THE COMPANY
 
     The holders of the Series A Preferred Stock (which represents approximately
34% of the Company's outstanding Common Stock, on a fully diluted basis assuming
conversion of the Series A Preferred Stock and the Company are parties to the
Stock Purchase Agreement and a Stockholders' Agreement dated as of May 8, 1997,
as amended and restated (the "Stockholders' Agreement"). The Stockholders'
Agreement and the Company's Second Amended and Restated Certificate of
Incorporation (the "Charter") contain provisions relating to, among other
things, the election of members of the Company's Board of Directors. In
particular, the Stockholders' Agreement provides that the Board of Directors may
consist of up to five directors consisting of (i) two directors designated by
Orbital (the "Common Directors"), (ii) two directors designated by the Series A
Holders (the "Series A Directors") and (iii) a single independent director
designated by both Orbital and the Series A Holders.
 
     Under the Charter, the Series A Holders will be entitled to designate two
additional members to the Board of Directors (i) in the event of the failure by
the Company to pay timely dividends, or to repurchase the Series A Preferred
Stock in certain circumstances or (ii) in the event of the failure by Orbital to
conduct a favorable critical design review of the OrbView-3 spacecraft by
October 31, 1998 or the failure by Orbital to have commenced by March 15, 1999
the integration and testing of the OrbView-3 spacecraft or to have commenced by
November 15, 1999 the integration and testing of the OrbView-4 spacecraft (such
dates may be extended by 30 days in the discretion of ORBIMAGE under certain
circumstances). Such additional directors shall serve until the event giving
rise to such right has been resolved. Under these circumstances, the Series A
Directors would have the ability to control the management and policies of the
Company. In addition, under the Stockholders' Agreement, certain major actions
taken by the Company require the approval of one of the Series A Directors.
 
BROAD DISCRETION OVER USE OF PROCEEDS
 
     The Company's management has broad discretion in determining the specific
uses for the net proceeds of the Units Offering and the timing of the related
expenditures. Furthermore, depending on future developments in the Company's
business and other factors, it is possible that the actual use of the proceeds
may vary to some extent from the specific intended uses described herein.
Pending application of the proceeds from the sale of
                                       24
<PAGE>   31
 
the Units, the Company has invested such proceeds (other than the portion used
to purchase the Pledged Securities) in short-term investment grade securities,
and the Company expects that the interest payable on such securities will be
substantially less than the interest payable on the Exchange Notes. See "Use of
Proceeds."
 
REPURCHASE OF NOTES AND SERIES A PREFERRED STOCK UPON CHANGE OF CONTROL
 
     Upon the occurrence of a Change of Control, the Company will be required to
offer to repurchase all of the outstanding Exchange Notes at a price equal to
101% of the principal amount thereof, plus accrued and unpaid interest and
Liquidated Damages, if any, to the repurchase date. Additionally, upon a Change
of Control, subject to the senior rights of the holders of Exchange Notes, the
Company will be required to offer to repurchase all of the outstanding Series A
Preferred Stock at the Liquidation Amount (as defined in the Stock Purchase
Agreement). There can be no assurance that the Company would have sufficient
resources to repurchase the Exchange Notes or the Series A Preferred Stock upon
the occurrence of a Change of Control. The failure to repurchase all of the
Exchange Notes tendered to the Company would constitute an Event of Default
under the Indenture. Furthermore, the repurchase of the Exchange Notes by the
Company upon a Change of Control might result in a default on the part of the
Company in respect of other future indebtedness of the Company, as a result of
the financial effect of such repurchase on the Company or otherwise. The Change
of Control repurchase feature of the Exchange Notes may have anti-takeover
effects and may delay, defer or prevent a merger, tender offer or other takeover
attempt. See "Description of Exchange Notes--Repurchase at Option of Holders,"
and "--Definitions--Change of Control."
 
RESTRICTION ON RESALE
 
     The Units, Original Notes and Warrants have not been registered under the
Securities Act or any state securities laws and, unless so registered, may not
be offered or sold except pursuant to an exemption from, or in a transaction not
subject to, the registration requirements of the Securities Act and applicable
state securities laws.
 
SHARES ELIGIBLE FOR FUTURE SALE
 
   
     Future sales of shares of Common Stock by existing stockholders under Rule
144 of the Securities Act, or through the exercise of registration rights or the
issuance of shares of Common Stock upon the exercise of options or warrants,
could have a material adverse effect on the market price of shares of Common
Stock and could materially impair the Company's future ability to raise capital
through an offering of equity securities. No predictions can be made as to the
effect, if any, market sales of such shares or the availability of such shares
for future sale will have on the market price of shares of Common Stock
prevailing from time to time.
    
 
LACK OF PUBLIC MARKET
 
     Prior to the Exchange Offer, there has not been any public market for the
Original Notes. The Original Notes have not been registered under the Securities
Act and will be subject to restrictions on transferability to the extent that
they are not exchanged for Exchange Notes by holders who are entitled to
participate in the Exchange Offer. The holders of Original Notes (other than any
such holder that is an "affiliate" of the Company within the meaning of Rule 405
under the Securities Act) who are not eligible to participate in the Exchange
Offer are entitled to certain registration rights, and the Company is required
to file a Shelf Registration Statement with respect to such Original Notes. The
Exchange Notes will constitute a new issue of securities with no established
trading market. The Exchange Notes will not be listed on any securities exchange
and the Company will not seek the admission thereof to trading in the National
Association of Securities Dealers Automated Quotation System. The Company has
been advised by the Initial Purchasers that they intend to make a market in the
Exchange Notes; however, the Initial Purchasers are not obligated to do so, and
any such market making activities may be discontinued at any time without
notice. In addition, such market making activity may be subject to the limits
imposed by the Securities Act and the Exchange Act and may be limited during the
Exchange Offer and the pendency of the Shelf Registration Statement.
 
                                       25
<PAGE>   32
 
Therefore, there can be no assurance that an active market for the Exchange
Notes will develop or as to liquidity of a trading market for the Exchange
Notes.
 
     Depending on prevailing interest rates, the market for similar securities
and other factors, including the financial condition of the Company, the
Exchange Notes may trade at a discount from their principal amount.
 
CONSEQUENCES OF FAILURE TO EXCHANGE
 
     Holders of Original Notes who do not exchange their Original Notes for
Exchange Notes pursuant to the Exchange Offer will continue to be subject to the
restrictions on transfer of such original Notes as set forth in the legend
thereon as a consequence of the issuance of the Original Notes pursuant to
exemptions from, or in transactions not subject to, the registration
requirements of the Securities Act and applicable state securities laws. In
general, the Original Notes may not be offered or sold, unless registered under
the Securities Act and applicable state securities laws, or pursuant to an
exemption therefrom. The Company does not intend to register the Original Notes
under the Securities Act. In addition, any holder of Original Notes who tenders
in the Exchange Offer for the purpose of participating in a distribution of the
Exchange Notes may be deemed to have received restricted securities and, if so,
will be required to comply with the registration and prospectus delivery
requirements of the Securities Act in connection with any resale transaction. To
the extent Original Notes are tendered and accepted in the Exchange Offer, the
trading market, if any, for the Original Notes not tendered could be adversely
affected. See "The Exchange Offer."
 
CONSEQUENCES OF FAILURE TO PROPERLY TENDER THE ORIGINAL NOTES IN THE EXCHANGE
 
     Issuance of the Exchange Notes in exchange for the Original Notes pursuant
to the Exchange Offer will be made only after timely receipt by the Exchange
Agent of such Original Notes, a properly completed and duly executed Letter of
Transmittal and all other required documents. Therefore, holders of the Original
Notes desiring to tender such Original Notes in exchange for Exchange Notes
should allow sufficient time to ensure timely delivery. The Company is under no
duty to give notification of defects or irregularities with respect to tenders
of Original Notes for exchange. Original Notes that are not tendered or that are
tendered but not accepted by the Company for exchange, will, following
consummation of the Exchange Offer, continue to be subject to the existing
restrictions upon transfer thereof under the Securities Act and, upon
consummation of the Exchange Offer, certain registration rights under the
Registration Rights Agreement will terminate.
 
                                       26
<PAGE>   33
 
                                USE OF PROCEEDS
 
     The Company will not receive any cash proceeds from the issuance of the
Exchange Notes offered hereby. The Exchange Offer is intended to satisfy certain
of the Company's obligations under the Registration Rights Agreement.
 
     The net proceeds to the Company from the Units Offering (after deducting
discounts, and commissions to the Initial Purchasers and estimated offering
expenses) were approximately $144.5 million. The Company used approximately
$32.9 million of such proceeds to fund the purchase of the Pledged Securities.
All remaining proceeds, including the net proceeds from the Series A Offering,
will be applied to (i) develop, construct, test, launch and operate the
high-resolution OrbView satellites, (ii) develop, upgrade and construct the U.S.
domestic ground system used in connection with high-resolution OrbView
satellites, (iii) market remote imagery products and services and (iv) provide
working capital. See "Description of the Notes--Certain Covenants--Use of
Proceeds."
 
     The net proceeds to the Company from the Series A Offering, which was
consummated simultaneously with the Units Offering, was approximately $21
million.
 
     Prior to the application of the net proceeds of the Units Offering, as
described above, such funds (other than amounts used to purchase the Pledged
Securities) are invested in short-term investment-grade securities.
 
                                       27
<PAGE>   34
 
                                 CAPITALIZATION
 
     The following table sets forth the cash, cash equivalents, short-term
investments and Pledged Securities and capitalization of the Company as of March
31, 1998. This table should be read in conjunction with "Management's Discussion
and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations" and the financial
statements, including the notes thereto, included elsewhere in this Prospectus.
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                  MARCH 31, 1998
                                                                  --------------
                                                              (DOLLARS IN THOUSANDS)
<S>                                                           <C>
Cash, cash equivalents and short-term investments...........         $143,433
Pledged Securities..........................................           33,057(1)
                                                                     --------
     Total cash, cash equivalents and short-term investments
      and Pledged Securities................................         $176,490
                                                                     ========
Long-term debt:
  Notes (2).................................................         $141,074
                                                                     --------
          Total long-term debt..............................          141,074
Stockholders' equity:
     Series A Cumulative Convertible 12% Preferred Stock,
      par value $.01 2,000,000 shares authorized, 620,182
      shares outstanding (liquidation value
      $64,248,518)(3).......................................                6
     Common Stock, par value $.01 per share, 75,000,000
      shares authorized, and 25,214,000 shares outstanding
      (4)...................................................              252
     Additional paid-in capital (2).........................          139,144
     Accumulated deficit....................................          (23,723)
                                                                     --------
     Total stockholders' equity.............................          115,679
                                                                     --------
          Total capitalization..............................         $256,753
                                                                     ========
</TABLE>
 
- ------------------------------
(1) Represents the aggregate principal amount, of the Pledged Securities plus
    accrued interest. See "Description of the Exchange Notes--Security."
(2) The estimated value of the Warrants, approximately $9 million, is reflected
    as both a debt discount and an element of additional paid-in capital.
(3) Dividends are payable semi-annually on May 1 and November 1 in cash or
    in-kind, subject to restrictions contained in the Indenture.
(4) Excludes 4,800,000 shares of Common Stock reserved for issuance under the
    Company's 1996 Stock Option Plan (the "Stock Option Plan"), of which options
    to purchase 2,424,000 shares of Common Stock were outstanding at March 31,
    1998 and options to purchase 700,000 shares of Common Stock were exercisable
    at March 31, 1998. See "Management--Stock Option Plan."
 
                                       28
<PAGE>   35
 
                               THE EXCHANGE OFFER
 
PURPOSE AND EFFECT OF THE EXCHANGE OFFER
 
     The Original Notes were originally sold by the Company on February 25, 1998
to the Initial Purchasers pursuant to the Purchase Agreement. The Initial
Purchasers subsequently resold the Original Notes to qualified institutional
buyers in reliance on Rule 144A under the Securities Act and pursuant to offers
and sales that occurred outside the United States within the meaning of
Regulation S under the Securities Act. As a condition to the completion of the
Units Offering, the Company entered into the Registration Rights Agreement with
the Initial Purchasers pursuant to which the Company agreed to file with the
Commission the Exchange Offer Registration Statement on the appropriate form
under the Securities Act with respect to an offer to exchange the Original Notes
for Exchange Notes. The Exchange Notes will be substantially identical to the
Original Notes, except that the Exchange Notes will bear a Series B designation
and will have been registered under the Securities Act and, therefore will not
contain terms with respect to transfer restrictions (other than those that might
be imposed by state securities laws). If (i) the Company is not required to file
the Exchange Offer Registration Statement or permitted to commence or accept
tenders pursuant to the Exchange Offer because the Exchange Offer is not
permitted by applicable law or Commission policy, (ii) any Holder of Transfer
Restricted Securities notifies the Company within 20 business days after the
consummation of the Exchange Offer that (a) such holder was prohibited by
applicable law or Commission policy from participating in the Exchange Offer or
(b) such holder may not resell the Exchange Notes acquired by it in the Exchange
Offer to the public without delivering a prospectus and the prospectus contained
in the Exchange Offer Registration Statement is not appropriate or available for
such resales or (c) such holder is a broker-dealer and owns Original Notes
acquired directly from the Company or an affiliate of the Company or (iii) the
Exchange Offer is for any other reason not consummated within 180 days of the
issuance date of the Original Notes, the Company will file with the Commission
the Shelf Registration Statement. For purposes of the Exchange Offer, "Transfer
Restricted Securities" means each Note, until the earliest to occur of (a) the
date on which such Original Note is exchanged in the Exchange Offer and entitled
to be resold to the public by the holder thereof without complying with the
prospectus delivery requirements of the Securities Act, (b) the date on which
such Original Note has been sold pursuant to a Shelf Registration Statement, (c)
the date on which such Exchange Note is disposed of by a broker-dealer pursuant
to the "Plan of Distribution" contemplated by the Exchange Offer Registration
Statement (including delivery of the prospectus contained therein) or (d) the
date on which such Note is distributed to the public pursuant to Rule 144 under
the Securities Act.
 
     Under existing interpretations of the staff of the Commission, the Exchange
Notes would, in general, be freely transferable after the Exchange Offer without
further registration under the Securities Act. However, any purchaser of
Original Notes who is an "affiliate" of the Company or intends to participate in
the Exchange Offer for the purpose of distributing the Exchange Notes (i) will
not be able to rely on the interpretations of the staff of the Commission, (ii)
will not be able to tender its Original Notes in the Exchange Offer and (iii)
must comply with the registration and prospectus delivery requirements of the
Securities Act in connection with any sale or transfer of the Original Notes,
unless such sale or transfer is made pursuant to an exemption from such
requirements.
 
     Each holder who wishes to exchange such Original Notes for Exchange Notes
in the Exchange Offer will be required to make certain representations,
including representations that (i) it is not an affiliate of the Company, (ii)
it is not engaged in, and does not intend to engage in, and has no arrangement
or understanding with any person to participate in, a distribution of the
Exchange Notes and (iii) it is acquiring the Exchange Notes in its ordinary
course of business. In addition, broker-dealers receiving Exchange Notes in the
Exchange Offer will have a prospectus delivery requirement with respect to
resales of Exchange Notes. The Commission has taken the position that such
broker-dealers may fulfill their prospectus delivery requirements with respect
to the Exchange Notes (other than a resale of an unsold allotment from the
original sale of Original Notes) with the prospectus contained in the Exchange
Offer Registration Statement. Under the Registration Rights Agreement, the
Company is required to allow such broker-dealers to use the prospectus contained
in the Exchange Offer Registration Statement in connection with the resale of
such Exchange Notes for a period of 180 days after the Exchange Offer is
consummated.
                                       29
<PAGE>   36
 
     The summary herein of certain provisions of the Registration Rights
Agreement does not purport to be complete and is subject to, and is qualified in
its entirety by, all the provisions of the Registration Rights Agreement, a copy
of which is filed as an exhibit to the Exchange Offer Registration Statement of
which this Prospectus is a part. See "Description of the Exchange
Notes--Registration Rights; Liquidated Damages."
 
     Following the consummation of the Exchange Offer, holders of the Original
Notes who were eligible to participate in the Exchange Offer but who did not
tender their Original Notes will not have any further registration rights and
such Original Notes will continue to be subject to certain restrictions on
transfer. Accordingly, the liquidity of the market for such Original Notes could
be adversely affected.
 
TERMS OF THE EXCHANGE OFFER
 
     Upon the terms and subject to the conditions set forth in this Prospectus
and in the Letter of Transmittal, the Company will accept any and all Original
Notes validly tendered and not withdrawn prior to 5:00 p.m., New York time, on
the Expiration Date. The Company will issue $1,000 principal amount of Exchange
Notes in exchange for each $1,000 principal amount of outstanding Original Notes
accepted in the Exchange Offer. Holders may tender some or all of their Original
Notes pursuant to the Exchange Offer. However, Original Notes may be tendered
only in integral multiples of $1,000.
 
     The form and terms of the Exchange Notes are the same as the form and terms
of the Original Notes except that (i) the Exchange Notes bear a Series B
designation and a different CUSIP Number from the Original Notes, (ii) the
Exchange Notes have been registered under the Securities Act and hence will not
bear legends restricting the transfer thereof and (iii) the holders of the
Exchange Notes will not be entitled to certain rights under the Registration
Rights Agreement, including the provisions providing for an increase in the
interest rate on the Original Notes in certain circumstances relating to the
timing of the Exchange Offer, all of which rights generally will terminate when
the Exchange Offer is terminated. The Exchange Notes will evidence the same debt
as the Original Notes and will be entitled to the benefits of the Indenture.
 
     The Exchange Offer is not conditioned upon any minimum number of Original
Notes being tendered. As of the date of this Prospectus, $150 million aggregate
principal amount of Original Notes were outstanding.
 
     Holders of Original Notes do not have any appraisal or dissenters rights
under the General Corporation Law of Delaware or the Indenture in connection
with the Exchange Offer. The Company intends to conduct the Exchange Offer in
accordance with the applicable requirements of the Exchange Act and the rules
and regulations of the Commission thereunder.
 
     The Company shall be deemed to have accepted validly tendered Original
Notes when, as and if the Company has given oral or written notice thereof to
the Exchange Agent. The Exchange Agent will act as agent for the tendering
holders for the purpose of receiving the Exchange Notes from the Company.
 
     If any tendered Original Notes are not accepted for exchange because of an
invalid tender, the occurrence of certain other events set forth herein or
otherwise, the certificates for any such unaccepted Original Notes will be
returned, without expense, to the tendering holder thereof as promptly as
practicable after the Expiration Date. See "-- Procedures for Tendering,"
"-- Book-Entry Transfer," "-- Guaranteed Delivery Procedures" and
"-- Conditions."
 
     Holders whose Original Notes are not tendered or are tendered but not
accepted in the Exchange Offer will continue to hold such Original Notes and
will be entitled to all the rights and preferences and subject to the
limitations applicable thereto under the Indenture. Following consummation of
the Exchange Offer, the holders will continue to be subject to the existing
restrictions upon transfer thereon and the Company will have no further
obligation to such holders to provide for the registration under the Securities
Act of the Original Notes held by them. To the extent that Original Notes are
tendered and accepted in the Exchange Offer, the trading market for untendered
and tendered but unaccepted Original Notes could be adversely affected.
 
     Holders who tender Original Notes in the Exchange Offer will not be
required to pay brokerage commissions or fees or, subject to the instructions in
the Letter of Transmittal, transfer taxes with respect to the exchange of
Original Notes pursuant to the Exchange Offer. The Company will pay all charges
and
 
                                       30
<PAGE>   37
 
expenses, other than transfer taxes in certain circumstances, in connection with
the Exchange Offer. See "--Fees and Expenses."
 
EXPIRATION DATE; EXTENSION; AMENDMENTS
 
   
     The term "Expiration Date" shall mean 5:00 p.m., New York time, on August
  , 1998, unless the Company, in its sole discretion, extends the Exchange
Offer, in which case the term "Expiration Date" shall mean the latest date and
time to which the Exchange Offer is extended.
    
 
     In order to extend the Exchange Offer, the Company will notify the Exchange
Agent of any extension by oral or written notice prior to 9:00 a.m., New York
time, on the next business day after the previously scheduled expiration date.
Any such extension will be followed as promptly as practicable by notice thereof
by press release or other public announcement (or by written notice to the
holders of the Notes).
 
     The Company reserves the right, in its sole discretion, (i) to delay
accepting any Original Notes, to extend the Exchange Offer or to terminate the
Exchange Offer if any of the conditions set forth below under "--Conditions"
shall not have been satisfied, by giving oral or written notice of such delay,
extension or termination to the Exchange Agent or (ii) to amend the terms of the
Exchange Offer in any manner.
 
INTEREST ON THE EXCHANGE NOTES
 
     Interest on the Exchange Notes will accrue at the rate of 11 5/8% per annum
from the most recent date to which interest has been paid or duly provided for
on the Original Notes surrendered in exchange for such Exchange Notes or, if no
interest has been paid or duly provided for on such Original Notes, from
February 25, 1998.
 
     Holders of Original Notes whose Original Notes are accepted for exchange
will not receive accrued interest on such Original Notes for any period from and
after the last date to which interest has been paid or duly provided for on the
Original Notes prior to the original issue date of the Exchange Notes or, if no
such interest has been paid or duly provided for, will not receive any accrued
interest on such Original Notes, and will be deemed to have waived the right to
receive any interest on such Original Notes, accrued from and after February 25,
1998.
 
PROCEDURES FOR TENDERING
 
     For a holder of Original Notes to tender Original Notes validly pursuant to
the Exchange Offer, a properly completed and duly executed Letter of Transmittal
(or facsimile thereof), with any required signature guarantee, or (in the case
of a book-entry transfer), an Agent's Message in lieu of the Letter of
Transmittal, and any other required documents, must be received by the Exchange
Agent at the address set forth in the Letter of Transmittal prior to 5:00 p.m.,
New York time, on the Expiration Date. In addition, prior to 5:00 p.m., New York
time, on the Expiration Date, either (a) certificates for tendered Original
Notes must be received by the Exchange Agent at such address or (b) such
Original Notes must be transferred pursuant to the procedures for book-entry
transfer described below (and a confirmation of such tender received by the
Exchange Agent, including an Agent's Message if the tendering holder has not
delivered a Letter of Transmittal).
 
     The term "Agent's Message" means a message transmitted by the Depository,
received by the Exchange Agent and forming part of the confirmation of a
book-entry transfer, which states that the Depository has received an express
acknowledgment from the participant in the Depository tendering Original Notes
which are the subject of such book-entry confirmation that such participant has
received and agrees to be bound by the terms of the Letter of Transmittal and
that the Company may enforce such agreement against such participant. In the
case of an Agent's Message relating to guaranteed delivery, the term means a
message transmitted by the Depository and received by the Exchange Agent, which
states that the Depository has received an express acknowledgment from the
participant in the Depository tendering Original Notes that such participant has
received and agrees to be bound by the Notice of Guaranteed Delivery.
 
                                       31
<PAGE>   38
 
     By tendering Original Notes pursuant to the procedures set forth above,
each holder will make to the Company the representations set forth above in the
third paragraph under the heading "--Purpose and Effect of the Exchange Offer."
 
     The tender by a holder and the acceptance thereof by the Company will
constitute agreement between such holder and the Company in accordance with the
terms and subject to the conditions set forth herein and in the Letter of
Transmittal. THE METHOD OF DELIVERY OF ORIGINAL NOTES AND THE LETTER OF
TRANSMITTAL AND ALL OTHER REQUIRED DOCUMENTS TO THE EXCHANGE AGENT IS AT THE
ELECTION AND SOLE RISK OF THE HOLDER. AS AN ALTERNATIVE TO DELIVERY BY MAIL,
HOLDERS MAY WISH TO CONSIDER OVERNIGHT OR HAND DELIVERY SERVICE. IN ALL CASES,
SUFFICIENT TIME SHOULD BE ALLOWED TO ASSURE DELIVERY TO THE EXCHANGE AGENT
BEFORE THE EXPIRATION DATE. NO LETTER OF TRANSMITTAL OR ORIGINAL NOTES SHOULD BE
SENT TO THE COMPANY. HOLDERS MAY REQUEST THEIR RESPECTIVE BROKERS, DEALERS,
COMMERCIAL BANKS, TRUST COMPANIES OR NOMINEES TO EFFECT THE ABOVE TRANSACTIONS
FOR SUCH HOLDERS.
 
     Any beneficial owner whose Original Notes are registered in the name of a
broker, dealer, commercial bank, trust company or other nominee and who wishes
to tender should contact the registered holder promptly and instruct such
registered holder to tender on such beneficial owner's behalf. If such
beneficial owner wishes to tender such Original Notes, such beneficial owner
must, prior to completing and executing the Letter of Transmittal and delivering
such Original Notes in such beneficial owner's name, either make appropriate
arrangements to register ownership of the Original Notes in such beneficial
owner's name or obtain a properly completed bond power from the registered
holder of the Original Notes. The transfer of registered ownership may take
considerable time and may not be able to be completed prior to the Expiration
Date.
 
     Signatures on a Letter of Transmittal or a notice of withdrawal, as the
case may be, must be guaranteed by an Eligible Institution (as defined below)
unless the Original Notes tendered pursuant thereto are tendered (i) by a
registered holder who has not completed the box entitled "Special Issuance
Instructions" or "Special Delivery Instructions" on the Letter of Transmittal or
(ii) for the account of an Eligible Institution. In the event that signatures on
a Letter of Transmittal or a notice of withdrawal, as the case may be, are
required to be guaranteed, such guarantee must be by a member firm of a
recognized signature guarantee medallion program within the meaning of Rule
17Ad-15 of the Exchange Act (an "Eligible Institution").
 
     If the Letter of Transmittal is signed by a person other than the
registered holder of any Original Notes listed therein, such Original Notes must
be endorsed or accompanied by a properly completed bond power, signed by such
registered holder as such registered holder's name appears on such Original
Notes with the signature thereon guaranteed by an Eligible Institution.
 
     If the Letter of Transmittal or any Original Notes or bond powers are
signed by trustees, executors, administrators, guardians, attorneys-in-fact,
offices of corporations or others acting in a fiduciary or representative
capacity, such persons should so indicate when signing, and evidence
satisfactory to the Company of their authority to so act must be submitted with
the Letter of Transmittal.
 
     The Exchange Agent and DTC have confirmed that the Exchange Offer is
eligible for the DTC Automated Tender Offer Program ("ATOP"). Accordingly, DTC
participants may electronically transmit their acceptance of the Exchange Offer
by causing DTC to transfer Original Notes to the Exchange Agent in accordance
with DTC's ATOP procedures for transfer. DTC will then send an Agent's Message
to the Exchange Agent.
 
     All questions as to the validity, form, eligibility (including time of
receipt), acceptance of tendered Original Notes and withdrawal of tendered
Original Notes will be determined by the Company in its sole discretion, which
determination will be final and binding. The Company reserves the absolute right
to reject any and all Original Notes not properly tendered or any Original Notes
the Company's acceptance of which would, in the opinion of counsel for the
Company, be unlawful. The Company also reserves the right in its sole discretion
to waive any defects, irregularities or conditions of tender as to particular
Original Notes. The
 
                                       32
<PAGE>   39
 
Company's interpretation of the terms and conditions of the Exchange Offer
(including the instructions in the Letter of Transmittal) will be final and
binding on all parties. Unless waived, any defects or irregularities in
connection with tenders of Original Notes must be cured within such time as the
Company shall determine. Although the Company intends, to notify holders of
defects or irregularities with respect to tenders of Original Notes, neither the
Company, the Exchange Agent nor any other person shall incur any liability for
failure to give such notification. Tenders of Original Notes will not be deemed
to have been made until such defects or irregularities have been cured or
waived. Any Original Notes received by the Exchange Agent that are not properly
tendered and as to which the defects or irregularities have not been cured or
waived will be returned by the Exchange Agent to the tendering holders, unless
otherwise provided in the Letter of Transmittal, as soon as practicable
following the Expiration Date.
 
BOOK-ENTRY TRANSFER
 
     The Company understands that the Exchange Agent will make a request
promptly after the date of this Prospectus to establish accounts with respect to
the Original Notes at the bookentry transfer facility, The Depository Trust
Company ("DTC" or the "Book-Entry Transfer Facility"), for the purpose of
facilitating the Exchange Offer, and subject to the establishment thereof, any
financial institution that is a participant in the Book-Entry Transfer
Facility's system may make book-entry delivery of Original Notes by causing such
Book-Entry Transfer Facility to transfer such Original Notes into the Exchange
Agent's account with respect to the Original Notes in accordance with the
Book-Entry Transfer Facility's procedures for such transfer. Although delivery
of the Original Notes may be effected through book-entry transfer into the
Exchange Agent's account at the Book-Entry Transfer Facility, an appropriate
Letter of Transmittal properly completed and duly executed with any required
signature guarantee, or, in the case of a book-entry transfer, an Agent's
Message in lieu of the Letter of Transmittal and all other required documents
must in each case be transmitted to and received or confirmed by the Exchange
Agent at its address set forth in the Letter of Transmittal on or prior to the
Expiration Date, or, if the guaranteed delivery procedures described below are
complied with, within the time period provided under such procedures. Delivery
of documents to the Book-Entry Transfer Facility does not constitute delivery to
the Exchange Agent.
 
     Unless an exemption applies under the applicable law and regulations
concerning "backup withholding" of federal income tax, the Exchange Agent will
be required to withhold, and will withhold, 31% of the gross proceeds otherwise
payable to a holder pursuant to the Exchange Offer if the holder does not
provide its taxpayer identification number (social security number or employer
identification number) and certify that such number is correct. Each tendering
holder should complete and sign the main signature form and the Substitute Form
W-9 included as part of the Letter of Transmittal, so as to provide the
information and certification necessary to avoid backup withholding, unless an
applicable exemption exists and is proved in a manner satisfactory to the
Company and the Exchange Agent.
 
GUARANTEED DELIVERY PROCEDURES
 
     Holders who wish to tender their Original Notes and (i) whose Original
Notes are not immediately available, (ii) who cannot deliver their Original
Notes, the Letter of Transmittal or any other required documents to the Exchange
Agent or (iii) who cannot complete the procedures for book-entry transfer, prior
to the Expiration Date, may effect a tender if: (a) the tender is made through
an Eligible Institution; (b) prior to the Expiration Date, the Exchange Agent
receives from such Eligible Institution a properly completed and duly executed
Notice of Guaranteed Delivery (by facsimile transmission, mail or hand delivery)
setting forth the name and address of the holder, the certificate number(s) of
such Original Notes and the principal amount of Original Notes tendered, stating
that the tender is being made thereby and guaranteeing that, within five New
York Stock Exchange trading days after the Expiration Date, the Letter of
Transmittal (or facsimile thereof) together with the certificate(s) representing
the Original Notes (or a confirmation of book-entry transfer of such Original
Notes into the Exchange Agent's account at the Book-Entry Transfer Facility),
and any other documents required by the Letter of Transmittal will be deposited
by the Eligible Institution with the Exchange Agent; and (c) such properly
completed and executed Letter of Transmittal (or facsimile thereof), as well as
the certificates representing all tendered Original Notes in proper form for
transfer (or a
 
                                       33
<PAGE>   40
 
confirmation of book-entry transfer of such Original Notes into the Exchange
Agent's account at the Book-Entry Transfer Facility), and all other documents
required by the Letter of Transmittal are received by the Exchange Agent upon
five New York Stock Exchange trading days after the Expiration Date.
 
     Upon request to the Exchange Agent, a Notice of Guaranteed Delivery will be
sent to holders who wish to tender their Original Notes according to the
guaranteed delivery procedures set forth above.
 
WITHDRAWAL OF TENDERS
 
     Except as otherwise provided herein, tenders of Original Notes may be
withdrawn at any time prior to 5:00 p.m., New York time, on the Expiration Date.
 
     To withdraw a tender of Original Notes in the Exchange Offer, a telegram,
telex, letter or facsimile transmission notice of withdrawal must be received by
the Exchange Agent at its address set forth in the Letter of Transmittal prior
to 5:00 p.m., New York time, on the Expiration Date. Any such notice of
withdrawal must (i) specify the name of the person having deposited the Original
Notes to be withdrawn (the "Depositor"), (ii) identify the Original Notes to be
withdrawn (including the certificate number(s) and principal amount of such
Original Notes, or, in the case of Original Notes transferred by book-entry
transfer, the name and number of the account at the Book-Entry Transfer Facility
to be credited), (iii) be signed by the holder in the same manner as the
original signature on the Letter of Transmittal by which such Original Notes
were tendered (including any required signature guarantees) or be accompanied by
documents of transfer sufficient to have the Trustee with respect to the
Original Notes register the transfer of such Original Notes into the name of the
person withdrawing the tender and (iv) specify the name in which any such
Original Notes are to be registered, if different from that of the Depositor.
All questions as to the validity, form and eligibility (including time of
receipt) of such notices will be determined by the Company, whose determination
shall be final and binding on all parties. Any Original Notes so withdrawn will
be deemed not to have been validly tendered for purposes of the Exchange Offer
and no Exchange Notes will be issued with respect thereto unless the Original
Notes so withdrawn are validly retendered. Any Original Notes which have been
tendered but which are not accepted for exchange will be returned to the holder
thereof without cost to such holder as soon as practicable after withdrawal,
rejection of tender or termination of the Exchange Offer. Properly withdrawn
Original Notes may be retendered by following one of the procedures described
above under "--Procedures for Tendering" at any time prior to the Expiration
Date.
 
CONDITIONS
 
     Notwithstanding any other term of the Exchange Offer, the Company shall not
be required to accept for exchange, or exchange Exchange Notes for, any Original
Notes, and may terminate or amend the Exchange Offer as provided herein before
the acceptance of such Original Notes, if:
 
          (a) any action or proceeding is instituted or threatened in any court
     or by or before any governmental agency with respect to the Exchange Offer
     which, in the Company's reasonable discretion, might materially impair the
     ability of the Company to proceed with the Exchange Offer or any material
     adverse development has occurred in any existing action or proceeding with
     respect to the Company or any of its subsidiaries; or
 
          (b) any law, statute, rule, regulation or interpretation by the staff
     of the Commission is proposed, adopted or enacted, which, in the Company's
     reasonable discretion, might materially impair the ability of the Company
     to proceed with the Exchange offer or materially impair the contemplated
     benefits of the Exchange offer to the Company; or
 
          (c) any governmental approval has not been obtained, which approval
     the Company shall, in the Company's reasonable discretion, deem necessary
     for the consummation of the Exchange Offer as contemplated hereby.
 
     If the Company determines in its reasonable discretion that any of the
conditions are not satisfied, the Company may (i) refuse to accept any Original
Notes and return all tendered Original Notes to the tendering holders, (ii)
extend the Exchange Offer and retain all Original Notes tendered prior to the
expiration of the
                                       34
<PAGE>   41
 
Exchange Offer, subject, however, to the rights of holders to withdraw such
Original Notes (see "--Withdrawal of Tenders"), or (iii) waive such unsatisfied
conditions with respect to the Exchange Offer and accept all properly tendered
Original Notes which have not been withdrawn.
 
     The foregoing conditions are solely for the benefit of the Company and may
be asserted by the Company in good faith regardless of the circumstances giving
rise to such conditions or may be waived by the Company in whole or in part at
any time and from time to time in its discretion. The failure by the Company at
any time to exercise the foregoing rights shall not be deemed a waiver of any
such right and each such right shall be deemed an ongoing right which may be
asserted at any time and from time to time. In addition, the Company has
reserved the right, notwithstanding the satisfaction of each of the foregoing,
to terminate or amend the Exchange Offer.
 
EXCHANGE AGENT
 
     Marine Midland Bank (the "Exchange Agent") has been appointed as Exchange
Agent for the Exchange Offer. Questions and requests for assistance, requests
for additional copies of this Prospectus or of the Letter of Transmittal and
requests for Notice of Guaranteed Delivery should be directed to the Exchange
Agent at the address indicated in the Letter of Transmittal. DELIVERY TO AN
ADDRESS OTHER THAN AS SET FORTH IN THE LETTER OF TRANSMITTAL WILL NOT CONSTITUTE
A VALID DELIVERY.
 
FEES AND EXPENSES
 
     The expenses of soliciting tenders will be borne by the Company. The
principal solicitation is being made by mail; however, additional solicitation
may be made by telecopy, telephone or in person by officers and regular
employees of the Company and its affiliates.
 
     The Company has not retained any dealer-manager in connection with the
Exchange Offer and will not make any payments to brokers, dealers, or others
soliciting acceptances of the Exchange Offer. The Company, however, will pay the
Exchange Agent reasonable and customary fees for its services and will reimburse
it for its reasonable out-of-pocket expenses in connection therewith.
 
     The cash expenses to be incurred in connection with the Exchange Offer will
be paid by the Company. Such expenses include fees and expenses of the Exchange
Agent and Trustee, accounting and legal fees and printing costs, among others.
 
ACCOUNTING TREATMENT
 
     The Exchange Notes will be recorded at the same carrying value as the
Original Notes as reflected in the Company's accounting records on the date of
exchange. Accordingly, no gain or loss for accounting purposes will be
recognized by the Company. The expenses of the Exchange Offer will be expensed
over the term of the Exchange Notes.
 
CONSEQUENCES OF FAILURE TO EXCHANGE
 
     Holders of Original Notes who do not exchange their Original Notes for
Exchange Notes pursuant to the Exchange Offer will continue to be subject to the
restrictions on transfer of such Original Notes as set forth in the legend
thereon. In general, the Original Notes may not be offered or sold, unless
registered under the Securities Act, except pursuant to an exemption from, or in
a transaction not subject to, the Securities Act and applicable state securities
laws. The Company does not intend to register the Original Notes under the
Securities Act.
 
RESALE OF EXCHANGE NOTES
 
     With respect to resales of Exchange Notes, based on interpretations by the
staff of the Commission set forth in no-action letters issued to third parties
(for example, the letters of the commission to (i) Exxon Capital Holdings
Corporation (avail. May 13, 1988), (ii) Morgan Stanley & Co., Inc. (avail. June
5, 1991)
                                       35
<PAGE>   42
 
and (iii) Shearson & Sterling (avail. July 2, 1993)), the Company believes that
a holder or other person (other than a person that is an "affiliate" of the
Company within the meaning of Rule 405 under the Securities Act) who receives
Exchange Notes in exchange for Original Notes in the ordinary course of business
and who is not participating, does not intend to participate, and has no
arrangement or understanding with any person to participate, in the distribution
of the Exchange Notes, will be allowed to resell the Exchange Notes to the
public without further registration under the Securities Act and without
delivering to the purchasers of the Exchange Notes a prospectus that satisfies
the requirements of Section 10 of the Securities Act. However, if any holder
acquires Exchange Notes in the Exchange Offer for the purpose of distributing or
participating in a distribution of the Exchange Notes, such holder cannot rely
on the position of the staff of the Commission enunciated in such no-action
letters or any similar interpretive letters, and must comply with the
registration and prospectus delivery requirements of the Securities Act in
connection with any resale transaction, unless an exemption from registration is
otherwise available. Further, each participating broker-dealer that receives
Exchange Notes for its own account in exchange for Original Notes, where such
Original Notes were acquired by such participating broker-dealer as a result of
market-making activities or other trading activities, must acknowledge that it
will deliver a prospectus in connection with any resale of such Exchange Notes.
 
     Each holder of Original Notes who wishes to exchange Original Notes for
Exchange Notes in the Exchange Offer will be required to represent that (i) it
is not an affiliate of the Company, (ii) it is not engaged in, and does not
intend to engage in, and has no arrangement or understanding with any person to
participate in, a distribution of the Exchange Notes and (iii) it is acquiring
the Exchange Notes in its ordinary course of business. Each broker-dealer that
receives Exchange Notes for its own account pursuant to the Exchange Offer must
acknowledge that it acquired the Original Notes for its own account as the
result of market-making activities or other trading activities and must agree
that it will deliver a prospectus meeting the requirements of the Securities Act
in connection with any resale of such Exchange Notes. The Letter of Transmittal
states that by so acknowledging and by delivering a prospectus, a broker-dealer
will not be deemed to admit that it is an "underwriter" within the meaning of
the Securities Act. Based on the position taken by the staff of the Division of
Corporation Finance of the Commission in the interpretive letters referred to
above, the Company believes that participating broker-dealers who acquired
Original Notes for their own accounts as a result of market-making activities or
other trading activities may fulfill their prospectus delivery requirements with
respect to the Exchange Notes received upon exchange of such Original Notes
(other than Original Notes which represent an unsold allotment from the original
sale of the Original Notes) with a prospectus meeting the requirements of the
Securities Act, which may be the prospectus prepared for an exchange offer so
long as it contains a description of the plan of distribution with respect to
the resale of such Exchange Notes. Accordingly, this Prospectus, as it may be
amended or supplemented from time to time, may be used by a participating
broker-dealer during the period referred to below in connection with resales of
Exchange Notes received in exchange for Original Notes where such Original Notes
were acquired by such participating broker-dealer for its own account as a
result of market-making or such other trading activities. Subject to certain
provisions set forth in the Registration Rights Agreement, the Company has
agreed that this Prospectus, as it may be amended or supplemented from time to
time, may be used by a participating broker-dealer in connection with resales of
such Exchange Notes for a period ending 180 days after the date on which the
Exchange Offer Registration Statement is declared effective. However, a
participating broker-dealer who intends to use this Prospectus in connection
with the resale of Exchange Notes received in exchange for Original Notes
pursuant to the Exchange Offer must notify the Company, or cause the Company to
be notified, on or prior to the Expiration Date, that it is a participating
broker-dealer. Such notice may be given in the space provided for that purpose
in the Letter of Transmittal or may be delivered to the Exchange Agent at its
addresses set forth in the Letter of Transmittal. See "Plan of Distribution."
Any participating broker-dealer who is an "affiliate" of the Company may not
rely on such interpretive letters and must comply with the registration and
prospectus delivery requirements of the Securities Act in connection with any
resale transaction.
 
                                       36
<PAGE>   43
 
FEDERAL INCOME TAX CONSEQUENCES
 
   
     The exchange of Original Notes for Exchange Notes by holders should not be
a taxable exchange for federal income tax purposes, and holders should not
recognize any taxable gain or loss or any interest income as a result of such
exchange. See "U.S. Federal Income Tax Consequences."
    
 
OTHER
 
     Participation in the Exchange Offer is voluntary and holders should
carefully consider whether to accept. Holders of the Original Notes are urged to
consult their financial and tax advisors in making their own decisions on what
action to take.
 
     As a result of the making of, and upon acceptance for exchange of all
validly tendered Original Notes pursuant to the terms of this Exchange Offer,
the Company will have fulfilled a covenant contained in the terms of the
Original Notes and the Registration Rights Agreement. Holders of the Original
Notes who do not tender their certificates in the Exchange Offer will continue
to hold such certificates and will be entitled to all the rights, and
limitations applicable thereto, under the Indenture, except for any such rights
under the Registration Rights Agreement which by their terms terminate or cease
to have further effect as a result of the making of this Exchange Offer. See
"Description of Exchange Notes." All untendered Original Notes will continue to
be subject to the restriction on transfer set forth in the Indenture. To the
extent that Original Notes are tendered and accepted in the Exchange Offer, the
trading market, if any, for the Original Notes could be adversely affected. See
"Risk Factors--Consequences of Failure to Exchange."
 
     The Company may in the future seek to acquire untendered Original Notes in
open market or privately negotiated transactions, through subsequent exchange
offers or otherwise. The Company has no present plan to acquire any Original
Notes which are not tendered in the Exchange Offer.
 
                                       37
<PAGE>   44
 
                       SELECTED HISTORICAL FINANCIAL DATA
 
     The following selected historical financial data of ORBIMAGE as of and for
the years ended December 31, 1993, 1994, 1995, 1996 and 1997 have been derived
from the audited financial statements of ORBIMAGE. The following selected
historical financial data of ORBIMAGE as of and for the three months ended March
31, 1997 and March 31, 1998 have been derived from ORBIMAGE's unaudited
financial statements, included elsewhere in the Prospectus. The selected
historical financial data set forth below should be read in conjunction with
"Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of
Operations" and the financial statements and notes thereto included elsewhere in
this Prospectus.
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                                     THREE MONTHS ENDED
                                              YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31,                                     MARCH 31,
                        --------------------------------------------------------------------       -----------------------
                          1993           1994         1995 (1)         1996         1997 (2)         1997           1998
                        --------       --------       --------       --------       --------       --------       --------
                                               (DOLLARS IN THOUSANDS)                                    (UNAUDITED)
<S>                     <C>            <C>            <C>            <C>            <C>            <C>            <C>
STATEMENT OF
  OPERATIONS DATA:
Revenues..............  $    --        $    --        $ 4,567        $ 1,055        $ 2,062        $   108        $ 2,417
Direct costs..........       --            800          7,998          4,320          6,312          1,137          4,189
                        -------        -------        -------        -------        -------        -------        -------
Gross profit (loss)...       --           (800)        (3,431)        (3,265)        (4,250)        (1,029)        (1,772)
Selling, general and
  administrative
  expenses............    1,702          3,156          2,371          1,630          2,844            614            987
                        -------        -------        -------        -------        -------        -------        -------
Loss from
  operations..........   (1,702)        (3,956)        (5,802)        (4,895)        (7,094)        (1,643)        (2,759)
Interest income.......       --             --             --             --          1,260             --          1,043
                        -------        -------        -------        -------        -------        -------        -------
Loss before benefit
  for income taxes....   (1,702)        (3,956)        (5,802)        (4,895)        (5,834)        (1,643)        (1,716)
Benefit for income
  taxes...............       --             --             --             --          1,752             --          1,716
                        -------        -------        -------        -------        -------        -------        -------
Net income (loss).....  $(1,702)       $(3,956)       $(5,802)       $(4,895)       $(4,082)       $(1,643)       $    --
                        --------       --------       --------       --------       --------       --------       --------
                        --------       --------       --------       --------       --------       --------       --------
OTHER DATA:
Capital
  expenditures........  $13,749        $13,832        $18,989        $12,617        $49,029        $ 4,275        $15,737
EBITDA (3)............   (1,702)        (3,157)         1,975           (914)        (1,558)          (593)           703
Net cash provided by
  (used in) operating
  activities..........    7,142          3,111           (192)        (1,008)         6,334           (801)         4,879
Net cash used in
  investing
  activities..........  (13,749)       (13,832)       (18,989)       (12,617)       (60,366)        (4,275)       (53,734)
Net cash provided by
  financing
  activities..........    6,607         10,721         19,181         13,625         64,915          5,076        166,584
Ratio of earnings
  (losses) to fixed
  charges.............       --             --             --             --             --             --             --
Deficiency of earnings
  (losses) to fixed
  charges.............   (1,702)        (3,956)        (5,802)        (4,895)        (7,094)        (1,643)        (3,545)
</TABLE>
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                           DECEMBER 31,                                    MARCH 31,
                               --------------------------------------------------------------------       -----------
                                 1993           1994           1995           1996           1997            1998
                               --------       --------       --------       --------       --------       -----------
                                                      (DOLLARS IN THOUSANDS)                              (UNAUDITED)
<S>                            <C>            <C>            <C>            <C>            <C>            <C>
BALANCE SHEET DATA:
Cash, cash equivalents and
  short-term investments.....  $    --        $    --        $    --        $    --        $ 22,220        $143,433
Pledged Securities...........       --             --             --             --              --          33,057
Property, equipment and
  satellites and related
  rights, net................   38,911         51,944         63,155         71,792         115,280         129,395
Total assets.................   38,911         51,944         63,423         72,328         137,750         311,350
Total liabilities............   31,985         40,419         43,466         46,048          52,389         195,671
Series A Preferred Stock.....       --             --             --             --          33,547(4)       54,865(4)
Total stockholders' equity...    6,926         11,525         19,957         26,280          85,361         115,679
</TABLE>
 
- ------------------------------
(1) The OrbView-1 satellite was launched in April 1995.
(2) The OrbView-2 satellite was launched in August 1997.
(3) EBITDA, as defined in the Indenture, consists of earnings (losses) before
    interest, income taxes, depreciation, amortization and other non-cash
    charges. EBITDA data is presented because such data is used by certain
    investors to determine the Company's ability to incur debt and to meet its
    debt service requirements. The Company considers EBITDA to be an indicative
    measure of the Company's operating performance, because EBITDA can be used
    to
 
                                       38
<PAGE>   45
 
    measure the Company ability to service debt, fund capital expenditures and
    expand its business; however, such information should not be considered as
    an alternative to net income, operating profit, cash flows from operations
    or any other operating or liquidity performance measure prescribed by
    generally accepted accounting principles. EBITDA does not represent funds
    available for management's discretionary use. EBITDA is not a measure
    supported by generally accepted accounting principles and may be calculated
    differently by other companies. EBITDA as defined herein may not conform to
    the definition of Consolidated Cash Flow as defined in the Indenture. See
    "Description of Notes--Certain Definitions--Consolidated Cash Flow."
(4) Represents stated value of $100 per share of Series A Preferred Stock less
    applicable fees and expenses.
 
                                       39
<PAGE>   46
 
                      MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS
                OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS
 
OVERVIEW
 
     ORBIMAGE operates and is further developing a fleet of satellites that
collect, process and distribute digital imagery of the Earth's surface, the
atmosphere and weather conditions. ORBIMAGE has entered into a procurement
agreement with Orbital (the "Procurement Agreement") to purchase the OrbView-1,
OrbView-3 and OrbView-4 satellites (including launch services) and the U.S.
ground system necessary to operate the satellites and to collect, process and
distribute imagery. Under the Procurement Agreement, ORBIMAGE also acquired
exclusive worldwide distribution rights (the "OrbView-2 License") with respect
to OrbView-2 satellite imagery. The terms of the OrbView-2 License require
ORBIMAGE to operate and control the OrbView-2 satellite. Orbital also provides
certain administrative services to ORBIMAGE such as accounting, tax, human
resources and benefit-related services. See "Certain Relationships and Related
Transactions -- Services Agreement" and "-- Stockholders Agreements."
 
     Prior to May 8, 1997, ORBIMAGE was an operating division of Orbital.
Orbital now owns approximately 63% of the Company (56% on a fully diluted basis)
and has the ability to exercise significant influence over the Company's
operating and financial policies. Pursuant to the terms of the Company's charter
and the Stockholders Agreement, Orbital does not have unilateral control over
ORBIMAGE's assets.
 
     Revenue.  ORBIMAGE is performing under several long-term sales contracts to
provide imagery products and, pursuant to terms thereof, receives contractual
payments in advance of product delivery. In such circumstances, ORBIMAGE
initially records deferred revenue for the total amount of the payment and
recognizes revenue over the contractual delivery period. At March 31, 1998,
ORBIMAGE had approximately $38.3 million of deferred revenue related to advance
payments for OrbView-2 imagery. See "Certain Relationships and Related
Transactions -- OrbView-2 License."
 
     System Depreciation.  ORBIMAGE depreciates its satellites over the design
life of each satellite. ORBIMAGE is amortizing the cost of the OrbView-2 License
over the design life of the OrbView-2 satellite. ORBIMAGE depreciates the ground
systems used to operate the satellites and collect, process and distribute
imagery over the estimated lives of the assets, generally eight years.
Depreciation begins when the satellites and ground system are placed in service.
 
     Interest Expense.  The portion of the proceeds of the Units Offering
representing the estimated value of the Warrants, approximately $9 million, has
been accounted for as a discount to the par value of the Notes and as an
increase to common equity, reflecting the fact that the Warrants are a separate
security of the Company. Amortization of this discount, together with the stated
interest on the Notes, is capitalized as the historical costs of assets under
construction, when appropriate. The Company expects to capitalize substantially
all its interest expense throughout 1998 and 1999 as it completes construction
of the high-resolution OrbView satellites.
 
     Year 2000 Compliance.  The Company has made a preliminary assessment of
potential "Year 2000" issues with respect to various computer-related systems.
The Company has developed an initial corrective action plan that includes
reprogramming impacted software when appropriate and feasible, obtaining vendor-
provided software upgrades when available and completely replacing impacted
systems when necessary. The Company currently expects that identified "Year
2000" impacted systems will be corrected by the end of 1998, although there can
be no assurance that the Company has identified all "Year 2000" impacted systems
or that its corrective action plan will be timely and successful. The Company
believes that the costs to correct its systems will not materially affect its
results of operations or its financial condition.
 
                                       40
<PAGE>   47
 
RESULTS OF OPERATIONS FOR THE THREE MONTHS ENDED MARCH 31, 1997 AND 1998 AND FOR
THE THREE YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 1995, 1996 AND 1997
 
     Revenues.  Revenues for the three-month periods ended March 31, 1997 and
1998 were approximately $.1 million and $2.4 million, respectively. The increase
was primarily attributable to OrbView-2 sales during 1997. The OrbView-2
satellite was placed into commercial operations in November 1997.
 
     Revenues for the years ended December 31, 1995, 1996 and 1997 were
approximately $4.6 million, $1.1 million and $2.1 million, respectively.
Revenues in 1995 and 1996 were attributable solely to the sale of OrbView-1
imagery products to NASA and UCAR. The decline in OrbView-1 imagery sales
between 1995 and 1996 was primarily attributable to lower "per image" prices as
a result of volume discounts offered in exchange for additional imagery
purchases. Revenues for the year ended December 31, 1997 consisted of
approximately $.8 million and $1.3 million of OrbView-1 and OrbView-2 sales,
respectively.
 
     Direct Expenses.  Direct expenses include costs of operating and
depreciating the OrbView-1 satellite, the OrbView-2 License and the related
ground assets. Satellite operating costs primarily consist of labor expenses.
Direct expenses for the three-month periods ended March 31, 1997 and 1998 were
approximately $1.1 million and $4.2 million, respectively. Direct expenses
increased from the first quarter 1997 to the first quarter 1998 as a result of
the OrbView-2 License amortization, additional ground station depreciation and
increased operating expenses primarily related to OrbView-2. The Company
completed the depreciation of the OrbView-1 satellite at the end of April 1998.
 
     Direct expenses for the years ended December 31, 1995, 1996 and 1997, were
approximately $8.0 million, $4.3 million, and $6.3 million, respectively. Direct
expenses decreased from the year ended December 31, 1995 to the year ended
December 31, 1996 primarily because 1995 expenses included the cost of launching
and placing the OrbView-1 satellite into operation and $5.0 million of an
additional depreciation charge associated with OrbView-1. See Note 2 to the
Financial Statements. Direct expenses increased from the year ended December 31,
1996 to the year ended December 31, 1997 as a result of the launch and placement
in operation of OrbView-2 in 1997. The Company expects direct expenses to
increase significantly in 1998 from 1997 levels as a result of OrbView-2 License
amortization and OrbView-2 operating expenses. The Company does not expect to
incur any significant direct expenses to launch OrbView-3 and OrbView-4.
 
     Selling, General and Administrative Expenses.  Selling, general and
administrative ("SG&A") expenses include the costs of marketing, advertising,
promotion and other selling expenses, as well as the costs of the finance,
administrative and general management functions of the company. SG&A expenses
were approximately $.6 million and $1.0 million for the three-month periods
ended March 31, 1997 and 1998, respectively. The increase from the 1997 period
to the 1998 period was primarily attributable to the increase in salaries and
related benefits as the Company expanded its operations and workforce.
 
     SG&A expenses were approximately $2.4 million, $1.6 million and $2.8
million for the years ended December 31, 1995, 1996 and 1997, respectively. For
the year ended December 31, 1997, approximately $2.1 million in SG&A were costs
associated with administrative and management functions and approximately $.7
million were costs associated with marketing. The increase in SG&A expenses from
the year ended December 31, 1996 to the year ended December 31, 1997 was
primarily attributable to an increase in the Company's staffing levels as the
Company expanded its operations and workforce. SG&A expenses in 1997 and 1995
included costs of approximately $600,000 and $400,000, respectively, incurred to
support the launch and initial checkout of the OrbView-1 satellite and OrbView-2
satellites, respectively. The Company expects that launch and initial checkout
costs for OrbView-3 and OrbView-4 will be incurred at levels generally
consistent with those incurred in 1997.
 
     Interest Income.  Interest income for the three-month period ended March
31, 1998 was approximately $1.0 million; no interest income was earned in the
comparable 1997 period. Interest income was approximately $1.3 million for the
year ended December 31, 1997 and none in prior years. Interest income reflects
interest earnings on short-term investments made primarily with proceeds from
the Company's financing activities. The Company expects interest income to
increase in 1998, primarily due to the increased investments arising from the
Company's 1998 financing activities.
 
                                       41
<PAGE>   48
 
     Interest Capitalization.  Interest incurred on the Notes as of March 31,
1998 in the amount of $1.7 million, has been capitalized in connection with the
construction of the OrbView-3 and OrbView-4 satellites and related ground
segments. The capitalized interest is recorded as part of the historical cost of
the assets to which it relates and will be amortized over the assets' useful
lives when placed in service.
 
     Benefit for Income Taxes.  The Company recorded an income tax benefit of
approximately $1.7 million for the three-month period ended March 31, 1998. The
Company recorded an income tax benefit of approximately $1.8 million for the
period May 8, 1997 through December 31, 1997. The tax benefits result from a
reduction in net deferred tax liabilities based on an increase in deferred tax
assets primarily related to net operating losses generated during the period
offset by decreases in deferred tax liabilities for depreciation of satellite
assets which were previously deducted for tax purposes. The Company records its
interim income tax benefit or provision based on estimates of the Company's
effective tax rate expected to be applicable for the full fiscal year. Estimated
effective rates recorded during interim periods may be periodically revised, if
necessary, to reflect current estimates. Prior to May 8, 1997, ORBIMAGE was an
operating division of Orbital and was included in Orbital's consolidated tax
return.
 
LIQUIDITY AND CAPITAL RESOURCES
 
     At March 31, 1998 the Company had approximately $177 million of cash and
cash equivalents, and short- and long-term investments (including approximately
$33 million of Pledged Securities) and had total debt outstanding (net of
discount) of approximately $141 million. The Company's current ratio was
approximately 10.0 at March 31, 1998.
 
     On February 25, 1998, ORBIMAGE issued the Notes and Warrants raising gross
proceeds of approximately $150 million (the "Units Offering"). Out of net
proceeds of approximately $145 million, ORBIMAGE purchased approximately $33
million of U.S. Treasury securities in an amount sufficient to pay the interest
on the Notes for the first four interest payment dates. These securities have
maturities ranging from six months to two years and were placed in a restricted
account and pledged as security for repayment of interest on the Notes. Interest
is payable semi-annually beginning on September 1, 1998. The total effective
interest rate on the Notes, including the discount attributable to the value of
the Warrants and issuance expenses, is approximately 14%. The Notes will rank
pari passu in right of payment with all existing and future subordinated
indebtedness of the Company. Concurrent with the issuance of the Notes, ORBIMAGE
completed a private placement of 227,295 shares of Series A Preferred Stock,
generating approximately $23 million of gross proceeds. During 1997, ORBIMAGE
completed two private equity placements in which it sold 372,705 shares of
Series A Preferred Stock, generating gross proceeds of approximately $37
million. Orbital also increased its common equity investment in ORBIMAGE,
bringing its total equity invested to approximately $88 million.
 
     Investing activities used cash of approximately $53.7 million and $4.3
million for the three-month periods ended March 31, 1998 and 1997, respectively.
Investing activities used cash of approximately $60.4 million, $12.6 million and
$19.0 million for the years ended December 31, 1997, 1996 and 1995,
respectively. The increase in the use of cash from 1996 to 1997 and continuing
into 1998 is attributable primarily to the net purchases (net of sales and
maturities) of short- and long-term investments and increased capital
expenditures in those periods. After completion of its private equity and debt
financings in 1997 and 1998, the Company invested the proceeds from the
financings in various short- and long-term investments, consisting primarily of
commercial paper and U.S. Treasury Notes. The Company intends to use the
investments to fund the remaining costs under the Procurement Agreement.
 
     Capital expenditures in 1995 and 1996 consisted primarily of costs under
the Procurement Agreement relating to the acquisition of the U.S. ground system
assets, the OrbView-1 satellite and the OrbView-2 License. Beginning in 1997,
Capital expenditures were also related to the high-resolution OrbView
satellites. The total cost of the OrbView-1 satellite, the high-resolution
OrbView-3 and OrbView-4 satellites, the OrbView-2 License and the related U.S.
ground system, is estimated to be approximately $297,000,000 (of which
$295,000,000 is provided for under the Procurement Agreement), which amount
includes all satellite design, construction and launch costs, but excludes
insurance costs. Of this amount, as of March 31, 1998,
 
                                       42
<PAGE>   49
 
ORBIMAGE has spent approximately $149 million and expects to spend approximately
$73 million through the remainder of 1998, which amount will be funded by the
Company's cash, cash equivalents, short-term investments and net cash from
operations.
 
     Operating activities provided cash of approximately $4.8 million during the
three months ended March 31, 1998 and $6.3 million during the year ended
December 31, 1997. Operating activities used cash during the three months ended
March 31, 1997 and during the years ended December 31, 1996 and 1995 of
approximately $.8 million, $1 million and $.2 million, respectively. The
increase in operating cash flows from 1996 to 1997 is primarily attributable to
the receipt of advance customer payments for imagery purchases.
 
     The Company expects to fund its future capital expenditures and negative
cash flows from operating activities using cash and cash equivalents and
short-term investments together with cash from advance customer payments. While
the Company believes it has sufficient resources to meet its requirements
through its positive free cash flow (expected to occur by the end of 1999, when
OrbView-3 is expected to be operational), additional funding may be necessary in
the event of an OrbView-3 or OrbView-4 launch delay, cost increases or any
shortfall in projected levels of estimated cash flow, or to meet unanticipated
expenses. There can be no assurance that additional capital will be available on
favorable terms or on a timely basis, if at all. ORBIMAGE has incurred losses
since its inception and ORBIMAGE believes that it will continue to do so for the
forseeable future. ORBIMAGE's ability to become profitable and generate positive
cash flow is dependent on the continued expansion of commercial services,
adequate customer acceptance of ORBIMAGE's services and numerous other factors.
See "Risk Factors -- Limited Operating History; Net Losses;" "-- Potential
Additional Capital Requirements" and "-- Market Acceptance; Estimates."
 
SUBSEQUENT EVENT
 
     On April 30, 1998, ORBIMAGE acquired substantially all the assets of TRIFID
Corporation ("TRIFID") for approximately $4 million. Under the terms of the
acquisition agreement, an additional $1 million earn-out is payable by ORBIMAGE
to TRIFID if certain revenue targets are achieved during the third quarter of
1998. TRIFID is a leading image processing and product generation company,
providing sophisticated image processing software, geographic information
database and production systems, imaging sensor design and related engineering
services to both governmental and commercial customers. The acquisition provides
ORBIMAGE with the technical personnel and production capability required to
generate high resolution imagery and derived products. The acquisition resulted
in excess of purchase price over net assets acquired of approximately $2
million, which amount will be amortized over 10 years.
 
                                       43
<PAGE>   50
 
                                    BUSINESS
 
OVERVIEW
 
     ORBIMAGE is a leading provider of global space-based imagery. The Company
operates, and is further developing, a fleet of satellites that collect, process
and distribute digital imagery of the Earth's surface (land and oceans), the
atmosphere and weather conditions. ORBIMAGE currently has two satellites in
operation that provide imagery to a variety of scientific and commercial
customers, including NASA. The Company expects to place two additional
satellites providing high-resolution digital imagery into operation in 1999 and
2000, respectively. The Company's imagery products and services are intended to
provide ORBIMAGE customers with information concerning, among other things,
forestry and crop health, urban growth and development, the locations and
movements of troops or military assets, land and ocean-based natural resources
and weather patterns and wind conditions. ORBIMAGE intends to provide customers
with imagery at a lower price than that provided by existing or planned remote
imagery alternatives.
 
     In 1991, the ORBIMAGE operating division of Orbital was established to
manage the development of remote imaging satellites that would collect, process
and distribute digital imagery of land areas, oceans and the atmosphere. In
1992, the Company was incorporated in Delaware as a wholly owned subsidiary of
Orbital. In 1997, ORBIMAGE consummated a private placement of Series A Preferred
Stock with financial investors to fund a significant portion of the remaining
costs of existing projects. Contemporaneously with this financing, the Company
acquired at historical cost all the assets and liabilities of the operating
division.
 
     In April 1995, ORBIMAGE launched its first satellite, OrbView-1, which
provides dedicated weather-related imagery and meteorological products to NASA.
The Company's second satellite, OrbView-2, was launched in August 1997 and
provides images of land and ocean surfaces to commercial customers, as well as
to NASA and other scientific users. The Company believes that OrbView-2 is the
only satellite of its kind providing daily color images of the entire Earth's
surface. ORBIMAGE is in the process of completing the design of the
high-resolution OrbView satellites, which are being designed to provide
high-resolution panchromatic (black and white), multispectral (color and
infrared) and, in the case of OrbView-4, hyperspectral (enhanced color and
enhanced infrared) imagery. OrbView-3 is scheduled to be operational during the
second half of 1999, and OrbView-4 is scheduled to be operational in mid-2000.
The Company believes that OrbView-3 and OrbView-4 will be among the first
commercial satellites with high-resolution imagery capability and that OrbView-4
will be the world's first satellite with commercially available hyperspectral
capability.
 
     Remote imaging is the process of observing, measuring and recording
features, objects or events from a distance using a variety of sensors mounted
on satellites and aircraft. The current market for global remote imagery and
related market consists of both domestic and international commercial and
government users, and includes satellite development, construction and
operations costs incurred by users who decide to build and operate their own
satellite systems as well as the cost of purchased imagery and related services
currently addressable by existing imagery suppliers. Historically, in the United
States, the only "commercial" operators of remote imaging satellites were
quasi-governmental programs such as the low-resolution Landsat satellite systems
in operation since the 1970s. The opportunities for commercialization of
space-based imagery expanded significantly in 1994 when the U.S. government
implemented a policy permitting the worldwide, commercial sale of
high-resolution satellite imagery. The U.S. government has estimated that the
worldwide market for remote imagery products and services addressable by
commercial imagery providers (excluding hardware sales) will be approximately $2
billion by the year 2000. ORBIMAGE believes that this worldwide commercial
imagery market will grow as the availability of low-cost, high quality satellite
imagery stimulates the demand for such products and services and encourages the
development of new satellite-imaging technologies and applications.
 
     Customers have entered into imagery contracts providing for minimum
payments to the Company totaling approximately $100 million, of which the
Company has received approximately $48 million through March 31, 1998, and
expects to receive approximately $12 million through the end of 1998. See "Risk
Factors -- Contracts." These contracts include (i) a contract to provide NASA
with weather-related imagery
 
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<PAGE>   51
 
   
and meteorological information generated by OrbView-1, (ii) a contract to
provide NASA with color ocean imagery generated by OrbView-2, (iii) a contract
between Orbital and the U.S. Air Force to provide the U.S. Air Force with
hyperspectral imagery from OrbView-4 (such imagery will be provided by the
Company pursuant to the Procurement Agreement) and (iv) the Samsung Agreement.
The Samsung Agreement requires Samsung Aerospace to pay an annual minimum amount
for high-resolution OrbView imagery for each of the three years after OrbView-3
becomes operational. In addition, the Company has entered into agreements with
regional distributors in Canada and Chile for OrbView-2 imagery and is in
negotiation with potential regional distributors for high-resolution OrbView
imagery in the Middle East, Europe, Asia, Southern Africa, South America and
Australia. To provide industry-specific imagery applications, ORBIMAGE is
seeking to develop strategic alliances with key VARs who currently provide
imagery products to customers in industries such as oil and gas exploration,
mining, agriculture, forestry, fishing and cartography.
    
 
THE REMOTE IMAGERY INDUSTRY
 
     Remote imaging is the process of observing, measuring and recording objects
or events from a distance using a variety of sensors mounted on satellites,
aircraft or ground-based stations. Imagery is usually processed in an electronic
or hard copy format consisting of panchromatic or multispectral images. Until
1992, all satellite imagery systems were either military surveillance platforms
or were sponsored by large national and international civil space agencies,
which used satellites to monitor meteorological conditions and environmental
changes on the Earth's surface. Currently, there are a limited number of
commercial providers of satellite imaging services, which collectively address
only a portion of the demands and opportunities in the remote imaging industry.
The majority of today's remote imagery comes from local or regional aerial
photography firms. Although aerial imaging companies are able to achieve high
spatial resolution and customize their products according to local needs, their
slow response time, limited coverage area, restricted ability to fly over
certain areas and high cost limit widespread use of such imagery. Many existing
maps are based on out-of-date imagery because they are expensive to update. The
remainder of current commercial imagery sales are generated by a few providers
of low-resolution satellite imaging services; however, these providers have
failed to satisfy the market's growing sophistication and demand segmentation.
 
     As the market develops, primary competitive factors are expected to
include: (i) spatial and/or spectral resolution, (ii) frequency of revisit
times, (iii) pricing, (iv) timeliness of imagery distribution and (v) extent of
geographic coverage. OrbView-2 and the high-resolution OrbView satellites have
been designed to offer a number of strategic advantages over currently available
commercial remote imaging systems including increased spatial resolution and
increased spectral capability. Certain markets such as national security mapping
and surveying markets require spatial resolution of less than three meters. In
addition, increased spectral resolution, or the ability to take highly precise
color and infrared images of the Earth's surface, enables potential customers in
the agriculture and fishing industries to better detect and identify crop health
and map prime fishing locations. Spectral resolution also can be used in the
exploration of natural resources, for example, land conditions that signify the
presence of oil will be easier to identify on an infrared image than in a
conventional black and white aerial photograph.
 
     The Company believes that a key competitive advantage that the
high-resolution OrbView satellites will have over aerial photography is their
ability to image any location on the Earth in one to three days and to make the
imagery available in real time through a broad distribution channel. Currently,
a commercial imagery customer such as a telecommunications company that wants to
map a large, fairly remote area to determine where to place cellular towers
would hire an aerial photographer to fly an airplane over the area to take
pictures, develop the film and deliver the final map to the customer. This can
be time-consuming and expensive. In contrast, the Company expects that its
OrbView-3 satellite will be able to map 20,000 square kilometers in a single
10-minute pass. Similarly, countries around the world that are unable or
unwilling to establish their own space programs can conduct complete border
surveillance only in the areas over which aerial photographers can safely fly.
The Company expects that the high-resolution OrbView satellites will be able to
image areas that are not accessible by airplanes because the air space is
restricted or they are too remote. In addition, up-to-date maps are key for
serving certain high-technology segments of the national
 
                                       45
<PAGE>   52
 
security market, such as digital terrain modeling for aircraft and missile
guidance. ORBIMAGE believes the real-time global imagery from the
high-resolution OrbView satellites will allow customers to efficiently and
cost-effectively map areas of the world that have never been photographed
commercially or for which existing maps are now obsolete, and will permit users
to frequently monitor agricultural, forestry and fishing areas to provide timely
information to enhance business and government effectiveness.
 
BUSINESS STRATEGY
 
     ORBIMAGE's business strategy is to (i) penetrate existing markets, (ii)
create new markets to sustain long-term growth, (iii) provide imagery at prices
lower than other satellite and aerial-based imagery, (iv) achieve global
distribution, (v) provide worldwide coverage on a timely basis, (vi) establish
an electronic imagery archive with broad and diverse imagery products and (vii)
leverage the expertise of Orbital, including Orbital's existing satellite
imagery technology and product infrastructure, to promote rapid market
acceptance.
 
     Penetrate Existing Markets.  The Company believes that its existing
addressable markets consist of numerous applications, including new construction
site selection, oil, gas, and mineral exploration activities, utility
infrastructure monitoring, scientific and environmental monitoring and U.S.
national security applications. In each of these market applications, ORBIMAGE
believes it should be able to gain market share rapidly because it expects its
imagery to be priced below that of existing aerial imagery and planned satellite
imagery and to be of higher spatial and spectral resolution than existing
satellite imagery.
 
     Create New Markets.  Through the introduction of affordable,
high-resolution satellite imagery, the Company believes it will stimulate the
development of new markets. For example, ORBIMAGE's marketing efforts to date
indicate that certain market segments do not currently have access to dedicated
high-resolution imagery, such as the foreign national security and commercial
fishing markets. The Company believes that such markets will develop rapidly as
commercial high-resolution imagery becomes available. Furthermore, the Company
believes it can develop new commercial applications for satellite-based imagery
including, among other uses, real estate assessment, travel planning and
entertainment applications.
 
     Provide Low Priced Imagery.  The Company believes that the expected cost to
construct its high-resolution OrbView satellites and related ground systems, the
principal components of which will be furnished by Orbital under a fixed-price
contract, will be less than or competitive with the announced costs of its
competitors' high-resolution satellite systems. The Company believes that the
cost of its satellites and related ground systems will afford it pricing
flexibility for its imagery products and services, allowing it to pursue a
strategy of pricing aggressively while still realizing attractive returns.
ORBIMAGE believes that the high-resolution OrbView satellites should be able to
provide a lower-priced imagery alternative to existing aerial photography.
 
     Achieve Global Distribution.  The Company believes that it can expand its
market share by providing imagery to end users both directly and through third
party distribution channels, such as foreign regional distributors and VARs. The
Company intends to focus its direct distribution efforts on larger customers in
the commercial/consumer and scientific/environmental markets and on the U.S.
national security market. The Company expects that VARs will perform
application-specific processing and analysis of the Company's imagery for
various commercial applications. The Company believes that utilizing these
distribution channels simultaneously will enhance the distribution of its
products and services.
 
     ORBIMAGE believes that the most effective way to penetrate foreign markets
is to enter into relationships with strong regional partners who have existing
marketing and distribution infrastructures and are able to overcome local
regulatory barriers. The Company expects these distributors to purchase or
upgrade and operate the ground imagery receiving and processing stations in
their territories and attain the necessary regulatory and approvals to operate
in their territories. ORBIMAGE has entered into distribution agreements with
regional distributors in Chile and Canada for OrbView-2 imagery and has entered
into the Samsung Agreement to distribute high-resolution imagery of the Korean
peninsula. The Company is also in negotiations with potential regional
distributors for high-resolution OrbView imagery in the Middle East, Europe,
Asia, Southern Africa, South America and Australia.
 
                                       46
<PAGE>   53
 
     Provide Worldwide Coverage on a Timely Basis.  All the OrbView satellites
are designed to provide timely product delivery, either through real-time
imagery downlinking to a distributor's or customer's local ground receiving
station, or through delivery of processed imagery from ORBIMAGE's central U.S.
ground station by overnight courier or via the Internet. OrbView-2 provides
global imagery on a daily basis. OrbView-3 is designed to image virtually any
location on Earth with a "revisit" time of three days or less. Upon the launch
of OrbView-4, the effective "revisit" time of the high-resolution OrbView
satellites should be reduced to less than two days.
 
     Establish Electronic Imagery Archive.  The Company is developing the OrbNet
Digital Archive, a database that will collect, store and distribute imagery
derived from satellite and aerial sources. OrbView-2 imagery can be viewed on
the Company's website and is expected to become available for sale over the
Internet. ORBIMAGE intends to expand its imagery catalogue with aerial and
existing satellite imagery products prior to the launch of its OrbView-3
satellite by entering into strategic alliances with existing imaging satellite
operators, aerial photography firms and imagery VARs. The Company intends to
deliver imagery to customers over the Internet, on CD or on computer tape for a
per image fee.
 
     Leverage Expertise of Orbital.  Orbital, the Company's majority
shareholder, is a space technology and satellite services company with extensive
experience in the design and construction of remote imaging satellites and
ground stations. ORBIMAGE has used, and will continue to use, the integrated
space capabilities, infrastructure and experience of Orbital to develop its
business cost effectively, including leveraging certain of Orbital's existing
customer relationships and product lines.
 
PRODUCTS AND SERVICES
 
     Through the operation of the OrbView-1, OrbView-2, and high-resolution
OrbView satellites and associated U.S. and foreign ground systems, ORBIMAGE
provides and will provide a wide range of imagery products and services.
 
     Weather and Atmospheric Monitoring.  The Company's OrbView-1 satellite
provides the U.S. government with daily atmospheric and weather conditions
images, including images showing both clouds and global lightning information
that can be used to improve tornado and hurricane forecasting, and for weather
monitoring and meteorological research. The OrbView-1 satellite also provides
information on the atmosphere near the Earth's horizon to develop atmospheric
temperature, pressure, and water vapor profiles which facilitate the efficient
gathering of worldwide atmospheric information. As a result of the radio
frequencies used by the OrbView-1 satellite, OrbView-1 imagery may only be sold
to the U.S. government.
 
     Ocean and Land Multispectral Imagery.  The OrbView-2 satellite detects
subtle color changes in the Earth's oceans and land areas. Under a five-year
contract, NASA and its researchers may directly downlink certain OrbView-2
imagery to use for their own research purposes. ORBIMAGE is also marketing
licenses to university researchers and other primarily scientific users around
the world to enable them to directly downlink OrbView-2 imagery.
 
     In addition, OrbView-2 provides value-added products that generally can be
delivered within 24 hours of collecting the data. Such products measure
phytoplankton and sediment concentration in oceans and lakes, as well as the
vegetative health of crops and forests on land. Scientists and environmentalists
can use these and other similar imagery products to assess environmental factors
that affect the oceans (including pollution levels and toxic algae events) and
to facilitate "before and after" comparisons of land areas showing, for example,
changes in agricultural crop and forestry growth or the erosion of coastal
zones.
 
     The Company also uses OrbView-2 imagery to generate fishing maps. ORBIMAGE
initially is offering two types of fishing maps, a coastal product targeted at
sport and coastal commercial fishing customers and a deep ocean product targeted
at larger, high seas fishing fleets.
 
     High Spatial Resolution Imagery.  High-resolution OrbView imagery will
enable a user to discern an object one-meter in size (the size of a phone booth)
from space. The Company plans to sell its high-resolution imagery products in
the form of hard copies and electronic copies that can be stored and processed
on a computer. ORBIMAGE intends to base its product pricing, in part, on the
level of processing required and the
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<PAGE>   54
 
customer's delivery-time requirements. Sales of unprocessed imagery are targeted
to sophisticated end-users, such as the U.S. and foreign national security
customers or VARs who have internal capability to perform their own imagery
enhancement and processing. While the Company intends to make unprocessed
imagery available for sale through the OrbNet Digital Archive, ORBIMAGE believes
that military and intelligence customers will procure the necessary software
from ORBIMAGE to upgrade their ground stations so that they can directly
downlink and process such imagery from the satellite.
 
     ORBIMAGE may also offer various value-added precision-corrected products.
The Company believes that these products will have applications in all four
target markets, discussed below. Precision-corrected imagery is processed based
upon known geographic points, terrain, elevation and topography to enable the
user to identify the position of the image on the Earth's surface. These
products will address the needs of customers who require detailed topographical
and elevation information. One example of such a product is a digital elevation
model used by military planners for aircraft flight simulation. Other examples
include maps that analyze the health of vegetation in farm and forest areas, and
land use maps that can segment land tracts based on population density,
construction projects and other land uses.
 
     Hyperspectral Imagery.  Hyperspectral imagery provides enhanced color and
enhanced infrared imagery for additional applications, including more precise
crop health analysis and analysis of the presence of minerals that will enable
mining and natural resource exploration companies to more efficiently detect the
location of precious minerals such as gold and silver, and other natural
resources such as oil. In addition, the U.S. Air Force has stated that it
intends to use hyperspectral imagery to assist in detecting, tracking and
monitoring military vehicles and assets.
 
TARGET MARKETS
 
     The Company targets its imagery product and service offerings toward four
distinct markets: the commercial/consumer market, the scientific/environmental
market, the U.S. national security market and the foreign national security
market. These markets are currently serviced by aerial photography or lower-
resolution government-operated satellite imagery systems.
 
Commercial/Consumer Market
 
     The Company believes that the near-term commercial/consumer market segment
will include domestic and foreign companies and local governmental entities such
as municipalities that currently use aerial photographs and medium-resolution
satellite imagery products. In the long term the Company expects this market
will also include individual consumers who will use satellite imagery from the
OrbNet Digital Archive in various consumer oriented applications such as real
estate assessment, travel planning, education and entertainment. ORBIMAGE has
already begun targeting the market applications described below, which the
Company believes represent attractive near-term marketing opportunities.
 
     Fishing.  The Company believes that fishing maps designed to assist the
commercial ocean fishing industry are among the Company's most promising
near-term commercial market applications. OrbView-2's multispectral sensor has
been specifically designed to distinguish the phytoplankton-rich oceanic regions
from the clear oceanic regions. Many commercially important surface-feeding
fish, such as tuna and swordfish, congregate at the phytoplankton/clear water
boundary. At present, fishing fleets have no means of accurately identifying
this boundary in a timely fashion. Many fishing vessels currently use on-board
helicopters to conduct aerial searches of broadly identified areas. ORBIMAGE
believes its fishing maps will significantly reduce search time and related
hardware and operating costs, will be more accurate, and will cover a broader
area than existing alternatives.
 
     The Company's customers for fishing maps include three fishing companies,
including the largest commercial fishing operators in the Philippines and South
Korea. Fishing captains view the maps transmitted daily over a satellite link to
their vessels with a personal computer using ORBIMAGE's proprietary software, or
receive the maps in a hard copy format via facsimile. The Company is continuing
to conduct beta testing with over 50 boats in the Central and South Eastern
Pacific Ocean.
 
                                       48
<PAGE>   55
 
     Mapping and Surveying.  The key mapping and surveying markets targeted by
the Company are new construction site selection, utility infrastructure
monitoring and local and regional tax assessment. High-resolution imagery is
used for planning the optimal location for construction projects such as
wireless communication towers, retail development, new housing developments and
highways. For example, telecommunications providers use high-resolution imagery
extensively to determine the topography and land use/land cover classifications
within a region under consideration for new wireless service. This information
enables optimal placement of new communications towers based on the radio signal
transmission characteristics of the region. The Company believes that
high-resolution imagery can also help retail businesses to select the optimal
locations for new businesses by providing valuable information such as
population density, residential versus industrial land use patterns, locations
of competitive businesses, and other factors useful in the site selection
process.
 
     In addition, the Company believes that its high-resolution OrbView imagery
will be used by gas and electric utilities, which are among the largest current
high-resolution aerial imagery users. Spatial data, such as high-resolution maps
showing precise locations of surface features, is critical to planning, design,
construction, operation, marketing and regulatory compliance in connection with
utilities' widely dispersed networks. Finally, ORBIMAGE believes its
high-resolution imagery will be useful to city, county and state tax authorities
in monitoring taxable activities such as residential add-on construction and
tree-cutting on public and private lands.
 
     Agricultural.  ORBIMAGE expects agricultural applications to represent a
growing market opportunity, driven by large, commercial farming customers
interested in obtaining up-to-date data on the condition of their crops and
fields. Today, most agricultural customers either are unable to obtain the
requisite imagery, or must rely on direct on-site inspection or aerial
photography at substantial expense. The Company believes products based on
multispectral and hyperspectral satellite imagery will provide timely and
valuable information on the health of crops and assist in managing the
allocation of water, fertilizer and pesticides. In addition, the Company
believes its broad-area multispectral and hyperspectral imagery could increase
the accuracy of crop-yield forecasts and benefit insurance companies, commodity
traders and agricultural products brokers.
 
     Forestry.  To date, demand for aerial imagery products in the forestry
industry has been modest due to the high cost, poor resolution and lack of
appropriate revisit time of existing alternatives. The availability of
ORBIMAGE's high-resolution, low-cost imagery products is expected to drive
forestry industry demand for satellite imagery. In particular, ORBIMAGE believes
the multispectral imagery generated by OrbView-2 and the high-resolution OrbView
satellites will be beneficial in monitoring the overall health of forests, and
OrbView-4's hyperspectral imagery will be useful in distinguishing tree
plantations of different species and ages through pattern recognition
techniques. The Company believes this information will be beneficial both to
private forest product companies and to government agencies such as the U.S.
Forest Service.
 
     Mineral Exploration.  The Company believes high-resolution OrbView
satellite imagery will also be valuable for oil, gas and mineral exploration
companies for planning operations in remote regions of the world. In many
locations where such exploration occurs there is a great need for improved
mapping information for such activities as planning equipment transport, seismic
field testing and drilling operations. Also, the hyperspectral imagery from
OrbView-4 will be useful for identifying promising locations for new oil, gas
and mineral reserves. Spectral matching techniques will be used to identify
specific "pathfinder minerals" which signify high probability locations for oil,
gas and other mineral reserves.
 
Scientific/Environmental Market
 
     The scientific/environmental market is comprised of government entities
that use satellite imagery to monitor environmental, climate-related and
meteorological phenomena, both in real-time and over extended time periods, as
well as commercial entities such as airlines, oil and gas companies and
insurance companies who need accurate, timely environmental information over
wide geographic areas. ORBIMAGE is marketing imagery from OrbView-2 to national
government agencies such as NASA, the U.S. Navy, and the Department of
Agriculture. All these agencies currently use aerial and satellite imagery for
diverse
 
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<PAGE>   56
 
applications, including weather prediction, monitoring of ocean conditions,
natural disaster assessment, environmental impact studies and similar
applications. Since 1995, OrbView-1 has generated information that has improved
the meteorological community's ability to predict the timing and location of
severe storms including tornadoes and hurricanes. The Company believes
OrbView-2's ability to monitor phytoplankton levels in the world's oceans on a
global basis will be valuable to scientists in studying global climate change
and to coastal fisheries in tracking dangerous and costly "red tide" events. The
Company believes its high-resolution and hyperspectral imagery will be helpful
to government agencies in a variety of environmental applications including
assessment of the damage from natural disasters such as floods, forest fires,
earthquakes and severe storms and the environmental impact of industrial
activities.
 
  U.S. National Security Market
 
     The U.S. government has publicly stated that demand for high-resolution
imagery, especially for use by tactical military commanders in the field, far
exceeds the supply currently provided by its dedicated surveillance satellites.
The Company believes that anticipated additional cutbacks in DoD and NRO
budgets, together with the greater number of areas around the world in which the
U.S. has a military interest, may further drive government agencies' need for
commercially available high-resolution imagery and cause them to place increased
reliance on lower-cost commercial providers. Commercial satellite imagery can
augment current classified government satellite programs which use data, imagery
and related products and services for mapping, reconnaissance, surveillance,
trend analysis, mission planning, and targeting of conventional and "smart"
weapons such as the "Tomahawk" cruise missile. ORBIMAGE believes that it can
capture a significant share of this market once either of the high-resolution
OrbView satellites are operational. ORBIMAGE is performing under a $33 million
contract (with up to $8 million in contract options) to provide real-time
hyperspectral imagery from OrbView-4 to the U.S. Air Force. The U.S. Navy has
also expressed an interest in procuring OrbView-2 imagery for measuring water
clarity and for similar applications. The imagery would assist the U.S. Navy in
determining optimal times, locations and depths for performing laser and sonar
operations relating to mine detection and submarine communication.
 
  Foreign National Security Market
 
     Many countries have a strong national security interest in obtaining
real-time high-resolution satellite imagery to help monitor borders, gather
intelligence on potential adversaries, identify and target enemy troops and
assets, plan missions and deploy resources, and assess battle damage. Many
countries have aerial reconnaissance aircraft, but such aircraft are at risk if
they penetrate foreign air space. The vast majority of foreign countries neither
own nor have access to satellites that generate high-resolution imagery.
Therefore, these countries have only three possible options to collect
high-resolution satellite imagery: (i) develop the technology and build and
launch their own satellites, (ii) purchase and operate a turn-key satellite
system, or (iii) purchase "time-share" capacity from a satellite imagery
company. Developing the technology and manufacturing expertise and then
constructing a dedicated high-resolution satellite system and the infrastructure
to support it requires a sizable financial investment and may require a
substantial time commitment. Purchasing a turn-key high-resolution satellite
system from a company in the United States or another country may be difficult
due to export controls and safeguards relating to national security interests
and licensing requirements. Purchasing a portion of the total capacity of a
commercial satellite while it orbits a foreign government customer's area of
interest provides the same high-resolution imagery capability as other
alternatives, but is less expensive and more readily attainable. This "time
share" arrangement is the one being offered by ORBIMAGE to its regional
high-resolution OrbView imagery distributors.
 
     ORBIMAGE is currently in discussions with several potential regional
distributors in Asia, Europe, the Middle East, Australia, South America and
Southern Africa, and has already entered into the Samsung Agreement for imagery
of the Korean peninsula. The interest expressed by potential regional
distributors during the course of these discussions strengthens ORBIMAGE's
belief that there exists substantial unmet demand for such imagery. The Company
believes that its products and services will provide an effective means for
foreign governments to acquire high-resolution imagery for national security
purposes.
 
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MARKETING AND DISTRIBUTION
 
     The Company currently plans to market and distribute imagery from
ORBIMAGE's satellite network through (i) ORBIMAGE's direct sales force, (ii)
market- or application-specific VARs, (iii) foreign regional distributors, and
(iv) the OrbNet Digital Archive.
 
     Direct Sales.  ORBIMAGE's initial strategy for direct sales is to market
and sell its basic imagery products to U.S. government agencies or to companies
with internal image processing capabilities (e.g. large oil and gas producers).
Since mid-1995, ORBIMAGE has delivered OrbView-1 atmospheric imagery directly to
NASA on a daily basis. Since October 1997, NASA and its authorized researchers
have been directly downlinking OrbView-2 imagery at their own ground receiving
stations. ORBIMAGE may also directly market and will distribute its products and
services, such as fishing maps to commercial and scientific customers worldwide.
 
     ORBIMAGE will continue to market its products and services directly to the
U.S. military services, U.S. intelligence gathering agencies, other U.S.
governmental customers and foreign governments that do not wish to purchase
imagery products through a regional distributor. The Company anticipates that
imagery for these customers will either be downlinked directly to the customers'
existing ground receiving stations (which will be upgraded to be
OrbView-compatible), or to ORBIMAGE's U.S. central ground station and then
delivered to the applicable end user.
 
     Value-Added Resellers.  While ORBIMAGE expects to perform certain
value-added services internally (as it is doing with certain OrbView-2 products
such as the fishing maps), the Company also intends to distribute its imagery to
end users through VARs who process it into complex maps and other types of
products for specific markets or applications. Currently, there are numerous
VARs located in the United States and other countries processing imagery derived
from existing satellite imagery providers and aerial photographers. The Company
intends to work with VARs who have technological expertise and know-how to
produce more complex products, and who have a strong presence within and
knowledge of a certain industry. ORBIMAGE is currently in discussion with a
number of VARs located around the world with expertise in industries such as
agriculture , mining and oil and gas exploration, as well as with several VARs
who process raw imagery into specific product types, such as digital elevation
maps, for a broad base of customers.
 
     Foreign Regional Distributors.  The Company expects to sell high-resolution
OrbView satellites imagery in the international market principally through
exclusive arrangements with various regional distributors. The Company expects
that its distribution agreements will give foreign regional distributors
priority in "tasking" the satellite's camera while the satellite is over its
geographic region. ORBIMAGE generally expects to retain the right to market and
sell imagery of a distributor's territories, although the Company will pay the
distributor a royalty for these sales. In certain cases, the Company may agree
that a distributor's approval is required for certain sales of imagery,
including sales to specified customers or of specific areas. It is anticipated
that a single geographic distribution region normally will have a maximum radius
of approximately 2,400 kilometers from the ground station (this is the maximum
range that the satellite can communicate with the ground station on a given
orbital pass), although the precise size of each region will be negotiable.
 
     ORBIMAGE has OrbView-2 distributors in Canada and Chile, and is in
discussions with potential OrbView-2 distributors in Asia and Europe. ORBIMAGE
has entered into the Samsung Agreement for imagery of the Korean peninsula and
is in discussions with potential regional distributors in the Middle East,
Europe, Asia, Australia, South America and Southern Africa for high-resolution
OrbView imagery.
 
     The Company anticipates that its regional distribution agreements will
generally provide for significant annual minimum guaranteed royalty payments,
additional royalties for taskings or image purchases above agreed minimums, and
the purchase of a regional ground station. ORBIMAGE will also provide training
and technical support services to regional distributors, the extent and price of
which will be negotiated on a case-by-case basis.
 
     OrbNet Digital Archive and Database.  The fourth method of marketing
imagery is an on-line electronic catalog called the OrbNet Digital Archive. The
OrbNet Digital Archive will be a comprehensive, digital-imagery database in
which the Company collects, stores and distributes imagery derived from its
satellites and
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<PAGE>   58
 
other satellite and aerial sources. The Company may then deliver the images to
customers over the Internet, on CD or computer tape. Through strategic alliances
with existing imaging satellite operators, aerial photography firms and imagery
VARs, ORBIMAGE intends to gain early recognition as an electronic depository for
a comprehensive digital imagery catalogue consisting of a broad range of diverse
imagery products primarily targeted to the commercial/consumer and
scientific/environmental markets. The Company is in preliminary discussions with
one existing satellite company and various aerial imaging companies regarding
imagery distribution opportunities through the OrbNet Digital Archive.
 
     Imagery will be directed from the satellites to ground receiving stations
or VARs, where images will be processed, copies made and images forwarded to the
central archive. OrbView-2 imagery is directly downlinked from the satellite to
individual satellite receiving stations strategically located around the world
and forwarded to the central OrbNet Digital Archive in Dulles, Virginia. The
Company expects the OrbNet Digital Archive will commence operation in the second
half of 1998 offering OrbView-2 imagery products.
 
RISK MITIGATION
 
     ORBIMAGE has adopted a comprehensive strategy to mitigate the financial,
business and technical risks associated with market development and satellite
development, satellite construction, launch and operations.
 
     Market Development.  ORBIMAGE has reduced, and seeks to continue to reduce,
the financial risks associated with constructing and operating its fleet of
satellites by negotiating pre-launch contracts with customers and/or
distributors. Customers have entered into imagery contracts providing for
minimum payments to the Company totaling approximately $100 million, of which
the Company has received approximately $48 million to date through March 31,
1998, and expects to receive up to $12 million through the end of 1998. See
"Risk Factors -- Contracts." To further facilitate market penetration, the
Company is also seeking to develop strategic alliances with VARs who currently
provide imagery products to customers in industries such as oil and gas
exploration, mining, agriculture, forestry, fishing and cartography.
 
     Construction and Launch.  ORBIMAGE has entered into the Procurement
Agreement with Orbital to build and launch the high-resolution OrbView
satellites, and to construct the related ground system. The majority of the
imagery technology and the sub-system components to be used in the
high-resolution OrbView satellites has been deployed in U.S. government
surveillance and other space programs prior to their use by ORBIMAGE. In
addition, the high-resolution OrbView satellites incorporate system redundancies
for certain critical components. Also, with an approximate 90% launch success
rate Orbital's Pegasus launch vehicle has a proven track record of successfully
launching satellites into their target orbit.
 
     Operations.  The OrbView-3 and OrbView-4 satellite systems have
substantially similar performance parameters, with OrbView-4 additionally having
hyperspectral imagery capability. The high-resolution OrbView satellites are
expected to be launched within a year of each other, thus reducing the business
risk from launch and operational failure and resulting in a more robust
satellite system.
 
SATELLITE AND GROUND SYSTEM OPERATIONS
 
     ORBIMAGE's basic system architecture consists of several major components:
(i) a fleet of low-Earth orbit, advanced-technology small imaging satellites
carrying sophisticated sensors that collect specific types of land, ocean and
atmospheric imagery; (ii) a central U.S. ground system that controls the
satellites and that receives, processes and archives their imagery, and includes
electronic cataloging and distribution capabilities; and (iii) foreign regional
receiving and distribution centers with direct downlinking capabilities. The
Company believes that its system will provide global economies of scale in image
collection, processing and distribution. In particular, the Company believes the
system design will enable it to collect, produce and sell spatial and
spectral-resolution imagery on a worldwide scale every day, as the OrbView
satellites circle the Earth every 90-100 minutes and are "time shared" over many
different geographic areas.
 
     OrbView-1 was launched in April 1995. It has operated successfully since
then and the Company now expects it to exceed its original three-year design
life. OrbView-2 was launched in August 1997 and initiated commercial operations
in October 1997. OrbView-3 and OrbView-4 are scheduled to be operational in the
 
                                       52
<PAGE>   59
 
second half of 1999 and mid-2000, respectively. The OrbView satellites represent
a progression in space imaging technology and demonstrate Orbital's use of
proven technologies and system experience. The incremental progression in both
spatial and spectral satellite imaging capabilities among the OrbView satellites
mitigates technical risks. The OrbView satellites employ lightweight structures,
advanced sensors, miniaturized electronics, and innovative technical processes
designed to provide high performance at relatively low cost. In the construction
of the high-resolution OrbView satellites, Orbital will draw upon its satellite
imaging experience not only from OrbView-1 and OrbView-2, but also from large
national satellite programs like Landsat 4 and Landsat 5 to minimize overall
program risk. The OrbView-1 and OrbView-2 satellites are, and the
high-resolution OrbView satellites will be, commanded and controlled from
ORBIMAGE's main operations center located in Dulles, Virginia.
 
     The following table summarizes the primary technical characteristics of the
four OrbView satellites.
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                            ORBVIEW-1           ORBVIEW-2             ORBVIEW-3              ORBVIEW-4
                        ------------------  ------------------  ---------------------  ---------------------
<S>                     <C>                 <C>                 <C>                    <C>
Principal Applications  Weather,            Weather, Fishing,   Mapping, Agriculture,  Mapping, Agriculture,
                        Scientific          Agricultural,       Oil and Gas, National  Oil and Gas,
                        Research            Scientific          Security               Forestry, Mining,
                                            Research                                   National Security
Best Ground Resolution  10 km Panchromatic  1 km Multispectral  1 m Panchromatic       1 m Panchromatic
                                                                4 m Multispectral      4 m Multispectral
                                                                                       8 m Hyperspectral
Scene-Width             1,300 km            2,800 km            8 km Panchromatic and  8 km Panchromatic and
                                                                Multispectral          Multispectral
                                                                                       5 km Hyperspectral
Image Area              N.A.                N.A.                64 km(2)               64 km(2) Panchromatic
                                                                Panchromatic and       and Multispectral
                                                                Multispectral          100 km(2)
                                                                                       Hyperspectral
On-Board Storage        80 Megabytes        128 Megabytes       4 Gigabytes            4 Gigabytes
Revisit Time            12 Days             1 Day               <3 Days(1)             <3 Days(1)
Orbital Altitude        740 km              705 km              470 km                 470 km
Design Life             3 Years(2)          7 1/2 Years         5 Years                5 Years
</TABLE>
 
- ------------------------------
(1) The combined revisit time of both the high-resolution OrbView satellites
    will be less than 2 days.
(2) Based on current performance, the Company expects the satellite to exceed
    its design life.
 
ORBVIEW-1 SATELLITE
 
     The OrbView-l satellite contains two atmospheric sensors providing
weather-related imagery to U.S. government customers. The first sensor, a
miniaturized camera, provides daily severe weather images and global lightning
information. It also records cloud-to-cloud lightning strikes that are not
observable from the ground and which provide information that may improve
tornado and hurricane prediction accuracy. OrbView-1 also measures variations in
radio signals through various parts of the atmosphere near the Earth's horizon
to develop atmospheric temperature, pressure, and water vapor profiles. This
technique enables efficient gathering of worldwide atmospheric temperature
information for domestic and international meteorological agencies and airline
operators, among other users.
 
     The OrbView-1 satellite weighs 167 pounds and provides about 100 watts of
power with 55 watts available to its wide-field-of-view sensors. The on-board
solid state recorder memory permits storage of a half day's imagery for
transmission at two megabits per second to ORBIMAGE's primary U.S. ground
station. The satellite has a design life of three years, but is expected to be
operable for a somewhat longer period into 1999 or 2000.
 
                                       53
<PAGE>   60
 
ORBVIEW-2 SATELLITE
 
     The OrbView-2 satellite was launched in August 1997 and is believed to be
the world's only operational satellite providing global color imagery of the
entire Earth's surface on a daily basis. OrbView-2 uses eight spectral bands in
the visible and near-infrared spectrum to detect subtle color changes on the
Earth's surface. It is expected to perform for at least 7 1/2 years due to its
advanced redundancy architecture. The 660-pound OrbView-2 was launched into a
sun-synchronous orbit at an altitude of 705 kilometers, which together with its
wide-field-of-view sensor allows for complete global coverage every day.
OrbView-2 delivers ocean and land color imagery at both one-kilometer resolution
and at four-kilometer resolution. OrbView-2 is capable of downlinking imagery to
both ORBIMAGE's primary and backup ground stations and to various regional
receiving stations around the world. Orbital owns the OrbView-2 satellite and
the Company operates the OrbView-2 satellite under the OrbView-2 License.
 
HIGH-RESOLUTION ORBVIEW SATELLITES (ORBVIEW-3 AND ORBVIEW-4)
 
     The high-resolution OrbView satellites, the first of which is currently
targeted to be operational in the second half of 1999, have been designed to
provide one-meter panchromatic imagery and four-meter multispectral imagery of
the Earth's surface. OrbView-4 will have similar capabilities to OrbView-3 and,
in addition, will provide eight-meter hyperspectral imagery. The high-resolution
OrbView satellites will have substantially similar performance capabilities,
reducing the impact of a satellite failure and increasing revisit frequency,
thus improving ORBIMAGE's overall capacity to supply timely imagery to its
customers. Imagery will be either downlinked in real-time to regional ground
stations or stored on board the satellite and subsequently downlinked to the
U.S. central ground station. Copies of most imagery downlinked to regional
ground stations will be forwarded to the OrbNet Digital Archive.
 
     The partially redundant designs of the high-resolution OrbView satellites
provide an expected life of at least five years for each satellite. This system
builds upon the technical accomplishments of earlier ORBIMAGE and other Orbital
satellites, further refining the lightweight structures and microprocessor-based
high performance electronics used in these satellites. The high-resolution
OrbView satellites are designed to provide maximum maneuvering agility together
with a stable optical platform for high quality image collection. The compact
design is expected to facilitate the satellite's maneuverability and agility,
while short solar arrays are expected to help keep unwanted satellite motion and
vibration to negligible values.
 
     The high-resolution OrbView satellites each will have an orbital altitude
of 470 kilometers and polar inclination. This should enable each satellite to
image any point on the Earth within three days or less. Once both satellites are
in orbit, the effective revisit time is expected to be less than two days. The
polar inclination will keep the orbit sun-synchronous and will have an orbital
orientation that places the satellite over the imaging area at approximately
10:30 a.m. "solar time" every orbit. The orbital path of the high-resolution
OrbView satellites is expected to pass over the territory covered by a typical
regional ground station an average of 1.7 times each day, providing 12 1/2
minutes of imagery time (assuming 25 degrees latitude ground station location)
and producing approximately 200 images per day (assuming a certain mix of image
types per territory). While each satellite is within communications range of the
regional ground station every day, each satellite is designed to revisit any
specific target every three days or less. Revisit frequency will be reduced to
less than two days with both OrbView-3 and OrbView-4 in operation. This is
because the satellite's high-resolution "seeing" range (approximately 940
kilometers in diameter) is less than its communications range (approximately
4,800 kilometers in diameter).
 
     The Company expects the total annual realizable capacity of each of the
high-resolution OrbView satellites to be approximately 400,000 to 500,000
images, depending on customer preferences for the various images available and
certain operating assumptions, including cloud cover of targeted areas and
availability of regional ground systems.
 
GROUND OPERATIONS CENTERS AND IMAGE PROCESSING FACILITIES
 
     ORBIMAGE's central U.S. ground stations monitor the OrbView satellites
while they are in orbit and commands the satellites as required to ensure that
proper orbits are maintained, that battery power stays
                                       54
<PAGE>   61
 
within acceptable limits and that appropriate communications links are
maintained. For the high-resolution OrbView satellites, ORBIMAGE will also
transmit commands to the sensor on board the satellite providing the longitude
and latitude of areas to be imaged on upcoming orbital passes. This latter
function involves receiving, prioritizing and uplinking to the satellite the
image requests received from ORBIMAGE's domestic customers and foreign regional
distributors.
 
     The image receiving and processing center for the family of OrbView
satellites is also located at ORBIMAGE's U.S. facility and will consist of
several ground antennas capable of receiving down-linked imagery from the
satellites and numerous work stations where the digital imagery streams from the
satellites are processed and converted into useful imagery products. The center
is being designed to be capable of processing and archiving 6,500
high-resolution OrbView satellite images per day. It is also designed to process
a sample of each image for placement in the OrbNet Digital Archive accessible by
customers using the Internet. ORBIMAGE's ground stations and image recovery and
processing center currently operate and downlink and process imagery from the
OrbView-1 and OrbView-2 satellites. The Company expects its ground network to be
compatible with OrbView-3 and OrbView-4 by the respective time each such
satellite is launched.
 
     The imagery collected by OrbView-2 and the high-resolution OrbView
satellites is designed to either downlink directly to a user or be stored
on-board for later downlink to an ORBIMAGE ground station located in the United
States. OrbView-2 and the high-resolution OrbView satellites have been designed
to image and downlink simultaneously, so users with a compatible ground station
can receive real-time imagery for the full time that the satellite is in view of
a ground station. With one station in Dulles, Virginia and a planned second
station in Alaska, high-resolution and hyperspectral OrbView imagery is expected
to be downlinked on three of every four passes for subsequent processing,
archiving and distribution by ORBIMAGE. This procedure ensures timely delivery
of imagery to even those customers without a dedicated ground station. The
high-gain directional antenna on board the high-resolution OrbView satellites,
which continually tracks the ground station, is expected to provide a strong
signal to the ground with resulting very low transmission errors. Even with
compression and encryption of the signal, coding and transmission errors are
expected to be insignificant.
 
COMPETITION
 
     ORBIMAGE's satellite and aerial imaging competitors include (i) small,
regional aerial photography firms, (ii) a limited number of existing satellite
imagery providers, and (iii) other anticipated high-resolution satellite imagery
providers.
 
     Existing Aerial Photography Firms.  The major source of commercial
high-resolution imagery today is aerial photography. This market is very
fragmented, with numerous small, regional firms located all over the world. Most
aerial photography firms currently use film-based technology rather than the
digital camera technology used by OrbView satellites. ORBIMAGE expects that its
satellites will provide customers with higher resolution and/or lower cost
imagery than is provided by existing aerial photography firms.
 
     Existing Satellite Imagery Providers.  OrbView-1 and OrbView-2 have no
existing direct competitors for their daily panchromatic and multispectral
imagery. SPOT 4 (operated by SPOTImage) provides multispectral imagery that
could be competitive with OrbView-2 in certain markets, such as agricultural
assessment. There are four existing satellite-based providers of low-resolution
imagery: (i) SPOTImage S.A., a French-owned company, currently produces
unprocessed imagery using three satellites with resolution capability of 10
meters panchromatic and 20 meters multispectral; (ii) Space Imaging EOSAT's
Landsat 4 and Landsat 5 satellites, provide coverage in seven spectral bands
covering the visible to infrared parts of the spectrum, but, the best resolution
of these satellites is 30 meters in multispectral; (iii) Radarsat-I, operated by
the Canadian Space Agency, provides radar imagery with a resolution that varies
between 10 and 100 meters (Radarsat-II, which will provide three-meter radar
imagery, is scheduled for launch in 2001); (iv) KVR-1000, a Russian government
satellite, provides film-based, two-meter resolution panchromatic images; and
(v) IRS-IC, an Indian Space Agency satellite, provides six-meter panchromatic
and 25 meter multispectral imagery. ORBIMAGE currently views these providers as
indirect competitors to the high-resolution OrbView satellites in certain
markets. See "Risk Factors--Technological, Development and Implementation
Risks."
 
                                       55
<PAGE>   62
 
     Future Satellite Competitors.  The high-resolution OrbView satellites are
expected to face significant future competition in the satellite imagery market
from two U.S. satellite competitors who are planning imaging satellites that
will have one-meter panchromatic and four-meter multispectral capability and who
have partnered with various industry participants: Space Imaging EOSAT, which is
owned by Lockheed Martin Corporation, Raytheon Company and Mitsubishi
Corporation; and EarthWatch, which is owned by Ball Aerospace and Technology
Corporation, Telespazio and Hitachi, Ltd. In addition, the U.S. government and
foreign governments may fund the development, construction, launch and operation
of remote imaging satellite systems that may compete with OrbView-2 as well as
the high-resolution OrbView satellites. For example, NASA's Earth Science
Program is sponsoring a satellite scheduled for launch next year that will
provide imagery similar to that of OrbView-2.
 
EMPLOYEES
 
     As of May 31, 1998, the Company had 78 employees. None of the Company's
employees is represented by a collective bargaining agreement.
 
PROPERTIES
 
     The Company currently leases approximately 13,000 square feet of office and
operations space in Dulles, Virginia from Orbital, at Orbital's cost. See
"Relationship with Orbital Sciences Corporation--Services Agreement." The
Company also leases approximately 8,000 square feet of office and operations
space in St. Louis, Missouri.
 
LEGAL PROCEEDINGS
 
     The Company is not a party to any pending legal proceedings material to its
financial condition or results of operations. For a discussion of regulatory
issues affecting the Company, see "Regulation."
 
                                       56
<PAGE>   63
 
                                   REGULATION
 
     The satellite remote imaging industry is a highly regulated industry, both
domestically and internationally. In the United States, remote imaging
satellites generally require licenses from the Department of Commerce ("DoC")
and from the Federal Communications Commission ("FCC"). In addition, in order to
operate internationally, remote imaging satellites generally require licenses
from the governments of foreign countries in which imagery will be directly
downlinked.
 
UNITED STATES REGULATION
 
     DoC REGULATION.  The DoC, through the National Oceanic and Atmospheric
Administration ("NOAA"), is responsible for granting commercial imaging
satellite operating licenses, coordinating satellite imaging applications among
several governmental agencies to ensure that any license addresses all U.S.
national security concerns and complying with all international obligations of
the United States. Under the provisions of the Company's DoC licenses, the U.S.
government reserves the right to interrupt service during periods of national
emergency when U.S. national security interests are affected. The threat of such
interruptions of service could adversely affect the Company's ability to market
its products to certain foreign distributors or end-user customers. In addition,
the DoC has the right to review and approve the terms of agreements with the
Company's international customers and distributors. The OrbView-1 satellite is
not subject to DoC-NOAA regulation since its imagery can be sold only to the
U.S. government.
 
   
     ORBIMAGE currently has a DoC license for OrbView-2 and two one-meter
high-resolution satellites. ORBIMAGE also filed an application with the DoC to
permit the Company to make OrbView-4 hyperspectral imagery available
commercially. There can be no assurance that DoC will grant the amendment
request, or that the agency will take such action in a manner consistent with
the Company's planned schedule for launch and operation of OrbView-4. While a
final decision has not been rendered, the DoC has indicated that the approval
may be subject to certain limitations on ORBIMAGE's ability to deliver
hyperspectral imagery to commercial customers, such as delaying release of
imagery or degrading spatial resolution of such imagery. If the DoC fails to
grant the Company's amendment request on the terms requested regarding its
ability to sell hyperspectral imagery commercially, ORBIMAGE would be limited to
selling such imagery to U.S. government customers.
    
 
     The DoC licenses for OrbView-2 and the high-resolution OrbView satellites
expire in 2004. While the Company believes that the DoC would renew its licenses
at that time, the DoC's failure to do so with respect to the high-resolution
OrbView satellites could materially affect the Company's business.
 
     NTIA AND FCC REGULATION.  The DoC also regulates federal governmental use
of certain imagery satellite systems through the National Telecommunications and
Information Administration ("NTIA"). The NTIA regulates and manages domestic use
of the radio frequency spectrum by U.S. federal agencies. An NTIA license
permits a downlink only to a federal governmental agency, although the federal
agency is not generally restricted as to subsequent distribution of its imagery.
The FCC is responsible for licensing the radio frequencies used by commercial
satellite imagery systems. In general, the FCC grants licenses to commercial
satellite systems that conform to the technical, legal and financial
requirements for such systems as set forth by the FCC.
 
     The OrbView-1 satellite operates in a government exclusive frequency and,
accordingly, is regulated by NTIA. The NTIA license for OrbView-1 is contingent
on NASA retaining full operational control of the OrbView-1 satellite, and the
data collected from the OrbView-1 sensors are the property of the United States.
 
     The operation of OrbView-2 is regulated by both the NTIA and the FCC.
Orbital has an FCC license to operate and receive 1-kilometer imagery from
OrbView-2. In addition, NASA has the NTIA license to downlink 4-kilometer
OrbView-2 imagery on a government-only frequency. The imagery downlinked by NASA
is used by government researchers and also is currently provided to ORBIMAGE for
ORBIMAGE's commercial customers.
 
                                       57
<PAGE>   64
 
     In early February 1998, the Company filed an application with the FCC for a
license to launch and operate the high-resolution OrbView satellites, and to
obtain a frequency allocation in the FCC's Earth Exploration-Satellite Service
("EESS"), in order to transmit wideband imagery directly to Earth for commercial
use and to perform telemetry, tracking and command ("TT&C") of the satellites.
Currently, two of the Company's potential satellite-based competitors,
EarthWatch and Space Imaging EOSAT, hold licenses to use the same frequency band
that the Company intends to use for such imagery transmissions, and the band is
allocated by the FCC for use by other EESS licensees, as well as terrestrial
fixed and mobile services. These other primary users of the spectrum will have
the opportunity to comment on the feasibility and public policy benefits of an
FCC approval of the Company's application. The Company believes that a spectrum
sharing arrangement among ORBIMAGE, EarthWatch, Space Imaging EOSAT and other
primary users of the requested frequency allocation may be necessary, and if so,
that successful sharing and coordination will be achievable with the other
users' systems through techniques such as time sharing and frequency diversity,
with no adverse impact on the Company's ability or plans to operate the
high-resolution OrbView satellites. There can be no assurance, however, that the
Company will be able to coordinate successfully with other spectrum users, or
more generally, that the Company will receive the necessary FCC authorization to
launch and operate the high-resolution OrbView satellites as planned. Failure of
ORBIMAGE to do so could have a material adverse effect on its business.
 
     The Company could in the future be subjected to new laws, policies or
regulations, or changes in the interpretation or application of existing laws,
policies and regulations, that modify the present regulatory environment in the
United States. There can be no assurance that limitations applicable to other
countries, or other regulatory limitations affecting satellite remote sensing
operations, will not be imposed by U.S. regulators. Any such limitations could
adversely affect the Company's business.
 
INTERNATIONAL REGULATION
 
     All satellite systems operating internationally are subject to general
international regulations and the specific laws of the countries in which
satellite imagery is downlinked. Applicable regulations include (i)
International Telecommunications Union ("ITU") regulations, which define, for
each service, the technical operating parameters (including maximum transmitter
power, maximum interference to other services and users, and the minimum
interference the user must operate under for that service), (ii) the Intelsat
and Inmarsat agreements which provide that in order to conform with
international treaties and obligations the operators of international satellite
systems must demonstrate that they will not cause technical harm to Intelsat and
Inmarsat, and (iii) regulations of foreign countries that require that satellite
operators secure appropriate licenses and operational authority for utilization
of the required spectrum in each country.
 
     The United States government, on behalf of the Company, is required to
coordinate the frequencies used by OrbView-2 and the high-resolution OrbView
satellites, which will operate internationally. ITU frequency coordination is a
necessary prerequisite to international registration, which provides
interference protection from other international EESS satellite systems. In
addition, it is a necessary prerequisite for the issuance of approvals and
licenses from certain foreign countries. The ITU coordination process has been
completed for OrbView-2, and the Company intends to have the U.S. government
initiate the ITU coordination process for the high-resolution OrbView satellites
as quickly as possible. The Company believes that the ITU registration process
will not prevent it from obtaining necessary foreign licenses on a timely basis.
 
     In addition to compliance with ITU regulations and coordination processes,
the Company must also demonstrate that it will not cause technical harm to
Intelsat and Inmarsat, pursuant to the Intelsat and Inmarsat Agreements signed
under international treaty. The Company has completed this process for
OrbView-2, and believes that because of the frequencies it intends to use, the
high-resolution OrbView satellites will not cause any technical harm to the
Intelsat or Inmarsat systems.
 
     Within foreign countries, the Company expects that its regional
distributors or customers will secure appropriate licenses and operational
authority for utilization of the required spectrum in each country into which
the high-resolution OrbView satellite imagery will be downlinked. For the most
part, the Company
 
                                       58
<PAGE>   65
 
anticipates that these activities will be performed by its distributors or
customers, with the Company's assistance when required.
 
     While the Company believes that it will be able to obtain all U.S. and
international licenses and authorizations necessary to operate effectively,
there can be no assurance that it will be successful in doing so. The failure of
the Company to obtain some or all necessary licenses or approvals could have a
material adverse effect on the Company's business.
 
                                       59
<PAGE>   66
 
                                   MANAGEMENT
 
DIRECTORS AND EXECUTIVE OFFICERS OF THE COMPANY
 
     The following table sets forth the directors and executive officers of
ORBIMAGE as of the date of this Prospectus.
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
        NAME              AGE                          POSITIONS
- --------------------      ---      -------------------------------------------------
<S>                       <C>      <C>
David W. Thompson         44       Chairman of the Board and Chief Executive Officer
Gilbert D. Rye            56       President and Chief Operating Officer
Edward D. Nicastri        50       Vice President, Engineering and Operations
Armand D. Mancini         40       Vice President, Chief Financial Officer
James A. Abrahamson       65       Director
Bruce W. Ferguson         43       Director
Richard Reiss, Jr.        53       Director
William W. Sprague        39       Director
</TABLE>
 
     DAVID W. THOMPSON is the Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of ORBIMAGE
and the Chairman, President and Chief Executive Officer of Orbital. Mr. Thompson
co-founded Orbital in 1982. Prior to founding Orbital, Mr. Thompson was employed
by Hughes Electronics Corporation as Special Assistant to the President of its
Missile Systems Group and by NASA at the Marshall Space Flight Center as a
project manager and engineer, and also worked at the Charles Stark Draper
Laboratory on the Space Shuttle's autopilot design.
 
     GILBERT D. RYE is the President and Chief Operating Officer of ORBIMAGE, a
position he has held since 1993. From 1990 to 1993, he was Orbital's Senior Vice
President for Marketing and Business Development. Between 1985 and 1989, Mr. Rye
was President of Comsat Government Systems (a subsidiary of Comsat Corporation)
and Vice President and General Manager of Space and Technology for BDM
International. Mr. Rye is a retired Colonel from the U.S. Air Force with over 25
years of experience in various intelligence and space-related program management
and policy-making positions.
 
     EDWARD D. NICASTRI has been the Vice President of Engineering and
Operations for ORBIMAGE since 1997. From 1994 to early 1997, Mr. Nicastri served
as Vice President for Advanced Projects with Orbital's Space Systems Division.
Prior to joining Orbital in 1994, Mr. Nicastri was Director of Space Systems at
the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA) from 1988 to 1993. Prior
to that Mr. Nicastri served as a Colonel in the U.S. Air Force, holding
positions in the development and operation of several military, satellites and
other national space systems.
 
     ARMAND D. MANCINI was appointed Vice President, Chief Financial Officer of
the Company in March 1998. He had been the Vice President of Finance since
October 1994. From September 1991 to September 1994, Mr. Mancini was the Vice
President of Finance for Orbital's Communications and Information Systems Group
and Space Systems Division. Prior to that, Mr. Mancini worked as a senior
manager with various defense contractors who provide training and classified
weapons systems to the U.S. government.
 
     JAMES A. ABRAHAMSON, has been a director of the Company since April 1998.
Mr. Abrahamson currently serves as Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of
StratCom, LLC and Air Safety Consultants. From 1992 to 1995, he served as
Chairman of Oracle Corporation. He served as Executive Vice President for
Corporate Development for Hughes Aircraft Company from October 1989 to April
1992 and President of the Transportation Sector for Hughes Aircraft Company from
April 1992 to September 1992. Mr. Abrahamson directed the Strategic Defense
Initiative from April 1984 until he retired from the Air Force in January 1989
at the rank of Lieutenant General. Mr. Abrahamson is also a director of Western
Digital Corporation and Stratesec Corporation.
 
                                       60
<PAGE>   67
 
     BRUCE W. FERGUSON has been a member of the Board of Directors since 1993.
Mr. Ferguson is a co-founder of Orbital and a member of its Board of Directors.
He has been Senior Vice President, Special Projects of Orbital since 1997.
Previously, he was Executive Vice President and General Manger/Communications
and Information Services Group of Orbital from 1993 until 1997. Mr. Ferguson was
Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer of Orbital from 1989 to
1993 and Senior Vice President/Finance and Administration and General Counsel of
Orbital from 1985 to 1989. Mr. Ferguson is a Fellow at the Center for
International Science and Technology Policy and Center for Space Policy at The
George Washington University.
 
     RICHARD REISS, JR. has been a member of the Board of Directors since 1997.
Mr. Reiss founded Georgica Advisors LLC in 1997, a private investment firm, to
make both public and private investments in the communications, media and
entertainment industries. From 1982 to 1997, Mr. Reiss was the Managing Partner
of Cumberland Associates, a private investment firm, which he joined in 1978,
and Cumberland Partners and LongView Partners, both investment partnerships.
From 1969 to 1977, Mr. Reiss was Senior Vice President and Director of Research
for Shearson Lehman Brothers. Mr. Reiss is a Trustee and Treasurer of Barnard
College and a Trustee of the Manhattan Institute. He is also a Director of The
Lazard Funds, Inc., a Director of nStor Technologies and Chairman of the
Executive Committee and a Director of O'Charley's.
 
     WILLIAM W. SPRAGUE has been a member of the Board of Directors since 1997.
Mr. Sprague is the founder and President of Crest International Holdings LLC, a
private investment firm that invests in media and communications companies. From
1989 to 1996, Mr. Sprague served in various positions at Smith Barney, Inc.,
including as a Managing Director and Head of the Media and Telecommunications
Group, as Co-head of the Mergers and Acquisitions Group and as a senior member
of Smith Barney Inc.'s high yield group. From 1985 to 1989, Mr. Sprague was a
Vice President at Kidder Peabody & Co. Incorporated in the High Yield/Merchant
Banking Group. Mr. Sprague is currently a director of Centennial Communication
Inc., Ethan Allan Interiors Inc., TelQuest Ventures LLC, Wave Transnational LLC,
and One-On-One Sports, Inc.
 
EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION
 
     The following table sets forth all compensation earned for services
rendered to the Company in the fiscal year ended December 31, 1997, by its Chief
Executive Officer and the four most highly compensated executive officers in all
capacities in which they served (the "Named Officers").
 
                           SUMMARY COMPENSATION TABLE
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                        1997                       1997
                                                 ANNUAL COMPENSATION      LONG-TERM COMPENSATION
                                                 -------------------   -----------------------------
                                                                       SECURITIES
                                                                       UNDERLYING
                                                                        OPTIONS        ALL OTHER
          NAME AND PRINCIPAL POSITION             SALARY     BONUS        (#)       COMPENSATION (1)
          ---------------------------            --------   --------   ----------   ----------------
<S>                                              <C>        <C>        <C>          <C>
David W. Thompson..............................  $     --   $     --     40,000         $    --
     Chairman and Chief Executive Officer (2)
Gilbert D. Rye.................................   200,000    110,000     50,000          11,658
     President and Chief Operating Officer
Edward D. Nicastri.............................   116,000     64,500     90,000           8,488
     Vice President, Engineering
Armand D. Mancini..............................   115,000     39,300     15,000           6,789
     Vice President, Chief Financial Officer
</TABLE>
 
- ------------------------------
(1) Includes matching and profit-sharing contributions earned under a 401(k)
    Plan.
 
(2) Mr. Thompson's salary, bonus and long-term compensation (other than options)
    are paid by Orbital. Except as set forth in the above table, Mr. Thompson is
    not compensated for services rendered in his capacity as an officer of
    ORBIMAGE.
 
                                       61
<PAGE>   68
 
STOCK OPTION PLAN
 
     In November 1996, the Board adopted the Stock Option Plan, which provides
for grants of either incentive or non-qualified stock options to officers,
directors and employees of ORBIMAGE and Orbital. Under the terms of the Stock
Option Plan, incentive stock options may not be granted at less than 100% of the
fair market value at the date of grant, and non-qualified options may not be
granted at less than 85% of the fair market value at the date of grant. Each
option under the Stock Option Plan vests at a rate set by the Board in each
individual's option agreement, generally in one-third increments over a
three-year period following the date of grant. Options expire no more than ten
years following the grant date.
 
     As of March 31, 1998, there were 2,424,000 options for Common Stock
outstanding under the Stock Option Plan at exercise prices ranging from $3.60 to
$5.10 per share.
 
OPTION GRANTS IN LAST FISCAL YEAR
 
     Shown below is information on grants of stock options to the Named Officers
pursuant to the Stock Option Plan during the fiscal year ended December 31,
1997, which options are reflected in the Summary Compensation Table.
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                 INDIVIDUAL GRANTS
                              --------------------------------------------------------
                                             PERCENT OF                                 POTENTIAL REALIZED VALUE
                                            TOTAL OPTIONS                                   AT ASSUMED ANNUAL
                               NUMBER OF       GRANTED                                    RATES OF STOCK PRICE
                              SECURITIES    TO EMPLOYEES                                 APPRECIATION FOR OPTION
                              UNDERLYING         IN          EXERCISE OR                          TERM
                                OPTIONS      FISCAL YEAR     BASE PRICE     EXPIRATION  -------------------------
            NAME              GRANTED(1)        1997        PER SHARE(2)       DATE         5%            10%
            ----              -----------   -------------   -------------   ----------  -----------   -----------
<S>                           <C>           <C>             <C>             <C>         <C>           <C>
David W. Thompson...........    40,000            8%            $4.17       6/30/07      $104,900      $265,836
Gilbert D. Rye..............    50,000           10              4.17       6/30/07       131,125       332,295
Edward D. Nicastri..........    90,000           18              4.17       6/30/07       236,024       598,132
Armand D. Mancini...........    15,000            3              4.17       6/30/07        39,337        99,689
</TABLE>
 
- ------------------------------
(1) Options vest in one-third increments over a three-year period.
(2) Options are granted at the fair market value on the date of grant, as
    determined by the Board of Directors. Certain factors considered by the
    Board of Directors in determining the fair market value of options include,
    without limitation: (i) valuations done in connection with recent
    financings; (ii) the conversion price of the Company's Series A Preferred
    Stock; (iii) results of operations; (iv) entering into new contracts; and
    (v) the lack of a market for the Company's common stock.
 
     The Board has implemented an incentive bonus plan. Members of senior
management are eligible for bonuses equal to between 10% to 50% of their base
salary, based upon their success in meeting certain team and individual
incentives that are defined by the Board.
 
     In September 1997, the Company awarded annual compensation in the amount of
5,000 stock options to non-employee directors of ORBIMAGE.
 
AGGREGATED OPTIONS YEAR END OPTION VALUES
 
     The following table sets forth the number of options and the value of
unexercised and exercised options held by them as of December 31, 1997.
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                    NUMBER OF SECURITIES
                                                         UNDERLYING             VALUE OF UNEXERCISED IN-
                                                   UNEXERCISED OPTIONS AT         THE-MONEY OPTIONS AT
                                                      DECEMBER 31, 1997             DECEMBER 31, 1997
                                                 ---------------------------   ---------------------------
                     NAME                        EXERCISABLE   UNEXERCISABLE   EXERCISABLE   UNEXERCISABLE
                     ----                        -----------   -------------   -----------   -------------
<S>                                              <C>           <C>             <C>           <C>
David W. Thompson..............................    100,000        140,000        $57,000        $57,000
Gilbert D. Rye.................................    125,000        175,000         71,250         71,250
Edward D. Nicastri.............................         --         90,000             --             --
Armand D. Mancini..............................     50,000         65,000         28,500         28,500
</TABLE>
 
                                       62
<PAGE>   69
 
                             PRINCIPAL STOCKHOLDERS
 
     The following table sets forth certain information regarding the beneficial
ownership of the Common Stock and Series A Preferred Stock as of June 30, 1998
(as adjusted to reflect conversion of the Series A Preferred Stock): (i) by each
person who beneficially owns more than five percent of the Series A Preferred
Stock (which votes as a class on certain matters), (ii) by each person who
beneficially owns more than five percent of the Common Stock (including the
Series A Preferred Stock on an as-converted basis), (iii) by each director and
Named Officer, and (iv) by all executive officers and directors as a group. All
persons listed below have an address in care of the Company's principal
executive offices unless otherwise noted.
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                              SHARES OF PREFERRED      SHARES OF COMMON
                                                               STOCK BENEFICIALLY     STOCK BENEFICIALLY
                                                                    OWNED(1)              OWNED(1)(2)
                                                              --------------------   ---------------------
                  NAME OF BENEFICIAL OWNER                     NUMBER     PERCENT      NUMBER      PERCENT
                  ------------------------                    --------    --------   ----------    -------
<S>                                                           <C>         <C>        <C>           <C>
Orbital Sciences Corporation................................       --                25,200,000       63%
  21700 Atlantic Boulevard
  Dulles, VA 20166
Merrill Lynch KECALP L.P. 1997..............................  231,899(4)    35.7      5,561,127(4)  13.6
  225 Liberty Street
  South Tower, 23rd Floor
  New York, New York 10080-6123
Crest Funding Partners, L.P.................................  184,453(3)    28.4%     4,423,333     10.8
  320 Park Avenue
  New York, New York 10022
Morgan Guaranty Trust
  Company of New York.......................................  137,157(5)    21.1      3,289,137(5)   8.1
  522 Fifth Avenue
  New York, New York 10036
Georgica Advisors LLC.......................................   70,088(6)    10.8      1,681,583      4.1
  1114 Avenue of the Americas
  New York, NY 10036
David W. Thompson(7)........................................       --         --        113,334        *
Gilbert D. Rye(7)...........................................       --         --        141,667        *
Armand D. Mancini...........................................       --         --         50,000        *
Edward D. Nicastri(7).......................................       --         --         30,000        *
James A. Abrahamson.........................................       --         --             --       --
Bruce W. Ferguson(7)(8).....................................       --         --        114,000        *
William W. Sprague(3).......................................       --         --             --       --
Richard Reiss, Jr.(6) ......................................       --         --             --       --
All executive officers and directors as a group(7)(8).......       --         --        449,001        *
</TABLE>
 
- ------------------------------
 *  Less than one percent.
 
(1) The persons named in this table have sole voting power with respect to all
    shares shown as beneficially owned by them, except as indicated in other
    footnotes to this table. In computing the number of shares beneficially
    owned by a person and the percentage ownership of that person, shares of
    Common Stock subject to options held by that person that are currently
    exercisable or exercisable within 60 days after May 31, 1998, are deemed
    outstanding. Such shares, however, are not deemed outstanding for the
    purpose.
 
(2) Each of Crest Funding Partners, L.P., Merrill Lynch KECALP L.P. 1997 or
    Morgan Guaranty Trust Co., Georgica Advisors LLC or their respective
    affiliates, and Export Development Corporation currently own shares of
    Series A Preferred Stock. Each share of Series A Preferred Stock is
    convertible into approximately 23.9 shares of Common Stock. See "Description
    of Capital Stock--Preferred Stock--Series A Preferred Stock--Conversion
    Rights."
 
(3) Includes 134,119 shares owned by Crest Funding Partners, L.P., and 50,334
    shares of Series A Preferred Stock. William W. Sprague, a director of the
    Company, is the founder and President of Crest International Holdings LLC,
    the manager of Crest Funding Partners, L.P.
 
(4) Includes shares owned by KECALP, Inc. and by Merrill Lynch KECALP L.P. 1997.
 
(5) Includes 97,250 shares owned by Morgan Guaranty Trust Company of New York,
    as Trustee of the Comingled Pension Trust Fund (Multi-Market Special
    Investment Fund II) of Morgan Guaranty Trust Company of New York; 19,334
    shares owned by Morgan Guaranty Trust Company of New York, as Trustee of the
    Multi-Market Special Investment Trust Fund of Morgan Guaranty Trust Company
    of New York; and 20,573 shares owned by Morgan Guaranty Trust Company of New
    York, as Investment Manager and Agent for the Alfred P. Sloan Foundation
    (Multi-Market Account).
 
(6) Includes 67,846 shares owned by Georgica Partners and 2,242 shares owned by
    Georgica Advisors, LLC. Richard Reiss, a director of the Company, is the
    founder and President of Georgia Advisors, LLC.
 
(7) Includes shares of Common Stock issuable upon the exercise of options.
 
(8) Includes 14,000 shares of Common Stock issued pursuant to option exercises.
 
                                       63
<PAGE>   70
 
                 CERTAIN RELATIONSHIPS AND RELATED TRANSACTIONS
 
STOCK PURCHASE AGREEMENT
 
     On May 7, 1997 and July 3, 1997, ORBIMAGE sold a total of 372,705 shares of
its Series A Cumulative Convertible Preferred Stock ("Series A Preferred Stock")
for $100 per share to the Series A Holders pursuant to the Stock Purchase
Agreement (the "Initial Sale"). The proceeds of this sale, approximately $37
million, were used, and will be used, by ORBIMAGE for funding a portion of the
purchase of the OrbView satellite systems and the OrbView-2 License, and for
initial operating expenses and other general corporate purposes.
 
     The Series A Holders have purchased an additional $22.7 million of Series A
Preferred Stock pursuant to their rights under the Stock Purchase Agreement.
This Series A Offering was consummated concurrently with the Units Offering,
generating net proceeds of approximately $21 million.
 
     Capital Contributions.  As part of the Initial Sale, Orbital made a $34
million payment to the Company consisting of capital contributions of
approximately $88 million plus a payment of $41 million representing payments
previously received by Orbital for OrbView-1 and OrbView-2 data, offset by
approximately $95 million owed by ORBIMAGE to Orbital under the Procurement
Agreement and the Services Agreement. See, "--Procurement Agreement," and
"--Services Agreement."
 
     Board of Directors.  Pursuant to the Stock Purchase Agreement, certain
Series A Holders are permitted to attend all meetings of the Board of Directors
as non-voting observers and advisors, and to participate in discussions.
 
     Change of Control.  Upon a Change of Control prior to the latest of (i) the
successful in-orbit checkout of OrbView-3, (ii) the closing, under certain
circumstances, of a Qualifying Public Offering, or (iii) the culmination of a
180-day period in which the average price of the Common Stock exceeds a certain
level relative to the Conversion Price, then the Company shall offer to
purchase, subject to the rights of the holders of Notes, all shares of Series A
Preferred Stock then outstanding at a purchase price per share, in cash, equal
to the sum of (x) 101% of the Liquidation Amount and (y) if such Change of
Control occurs prior to the fourth anniversary of the initial issuance of the
Series A Preferred Stock, an amount equal to the dividends that would have
accrued on the shares of Series A Preferred Stock from the date of purchase
pursuant to a Change of Control through and including the fourth anniversary of
the initial issuance of shares of Series A Preferred Stock. A Change of Control
is defined to include: (i) the failure by Orbital to hold at least 12,600,000
shares of Common Stock of the Company (being 50% of the shares of Common Stock
held by Orbital on May 8, 1997, adjusted for stock splits, stock combinations
and the like,) (ii) the failure by Orbital to hold at least thirty percent (30%)
of the Common Stock of the Company on a fully diluted basis, without giving
effect to the conversion of Capital Stock of the Company issued as a dividend
with respect to shares of Series A Preferred Stock or Capital Stock of the
Company issued pursuant to options granted under the Stock Option Plan or any
other option plan adopted for the benefit of the Company's employees or
directors; (iii) the indirect or direct acquisition of Voting Equity Interests
of the Company by any Person or group of Persons acting in concert of beneficial
ownership in an amount greater than or equal to the amount of Voting Equity
Interests held contemporaneously by Orbital, except (x) purchases by record
holders of Series A Preferred Stock as of the Issue date (and their affiliates,
to the extent that such holders are permitted to transfer their shares of Series
A Preferred Stock to affiliates under the Amended and Restated Stock Purchase
Agreement (the "Series A Affiliates") from other holders of Series A Preferred
Stock or their Series A Affiliates and (y) purchases permitted pursuant to the
Series A Holders' subscription rights under Section 4.1 of the Stockholders'
Agreement; (iv) the acquisition of the Company, or the sale, lease, transfer,
conveyance or other disposition, in one transaction or a series of related
transactions, directly or indirectly, including through a liquidation or
dissolution, of all or substantially all of the assets of the Company and its
Restricted Subsidiaries by, or the combination of the Company or all or
substantially all its assets with, another Person (other than any such transfer
to any wholly owned subsidiary of the Company) unless the acquiring or surviving
Person shall be a corporation more than fifty percent (50%) of the combined
voting power of which corporation's then outstanding Voting Equity Interests,
after such acquisition or combination, are owned,
 
                                       64
<PAGE>   71
 
immediately after such acquisition or combination, by the owners of the Voting
Equity Interests of the Company outstanding immediately prior to such
acquisition or combination; (v) the adoption of a plan relating to the
liquidation or dissolution of the Company (other than any such liquidation or
dissolution to or for the benefit of any wholly owned subsidiary of the
Company); (vi) the failure by the Company to obtain any applicable License (or
License amendment, as applicable) so that it is in full force and effect within
thirty (30) days prior to the scheduled launch of either of the OrbView
Satellites; (vii) the revocation of any License necessary to operate OrbView-2
the high-resolution OrbView satellites consistent with the Company's current and
planned commercial operations and which revocation is not cured within thirty
(30) days of the occurrence thereof or such later date when all applicable
appeals have been finally determined, if during such appeal period the Company
has received regulatory approval to continue operations under the License
pending the outcome of such appeal after exhausting all administrative remedies;
or (viii) unless consented to in writing by the holders of at least fifty
percent (50%) of the shares of Series A Preferred Stock then outstanding, the
acquisition by any Person or group of Persons acting in concert of beneficial
ownership, direct or indirect, of securities of Orbital representing thirty five
percent (35%) or more of the combined voting power of Orbital's then outstanding
equity interests and at any time thereafter either (x) less than a majority of
Orbital's board of directors shall be Continuing Directors or (y) there shall be
an announcement by Orbital or such acquiring Person or group of Persons or the
approval of a business plan by Orbital's Board of Directors, in either case that
indicates an intention to de-emphasize or curtail the relationship between the
Company and Orbital.
 
STOCKHOLDERS' AGREEMENT
 
     In connection with the Initial Sale, ORBIMAGE, Orbital and the Series A
Holders agreed, pursuant to the Stockholders' Agreement, to certain voting
rights and restrictions upon transfer of the Series A Preferred Stock.
 
     Board of Directors.  The Stockholders' Agreement provides that the Board
will consist of up to five (5) members, of which the majority of the Series A
Holders have the right to elect the two Series A Directors (and, may be entitled
to elect two additional board members upon an "Election Event," as more fully
described in "Description of Capital Stock--Series A Preferred Stock--Voting")
and the majority of the holders of the Common Stock (the "Common Holders," and
together with the Series A Holders, the "Shareholders") have the right to elect
two members (the "Common Directors"). The fifth member of the Board is to be an
independent director, elected by the majority vote of the Shareholders, where
each Series A Holder is entitled to vote the number of shares of Common Stock
into which such holder's Series A Preferred Stock would be convertible.
Notwithstanding the foregoing, so long as Orbital retains ownership of fifty
percent (50%) of the voting stock of ORBIMAGE, it has the right to appoint the
final member of the Board with the consent of one of the Series A Directors, and
further, so long as Orbital retains ownership of twenty percent (20%) of the
voting stock of ORBIMAGE, it has the right to appoint one of the two Common
Directors. The majority of a quorum of the Board, including in some cases the
affirmative vote of at least one Series A Director is required before ORBIMAGE
approves certain transactions, including without limitation and subject to
certain exceptions, (i) approve any merger, consolidation or liquidation or sale
of all or substantially all the assets of ORBIMAGE; (ii) approve any
modifications to the Stock Purchase Agreement, the Stockholders' Agreement, the
Procurement Agreement, the Services Agreement or the OrbView-2 License that
affect satellite performance or increase cost by more than $1.0 million, (iii)
issue or commit to issue equity securities or securities convertible into or
exchangeable or exercisable for equity securities, (iv) incur indebtedness for
borrowed money or any capital lease in excess of $0.5 million, (v) select,
approve or remove any officer or (vi) declare any dividends on the Common Stock.
 
     Restrictions on Transfer.  Subject to limited exceptions, the Shareholders
have agreed not to transfer, pledge, mortgage, hypothecate or otherwise encumber
any shares of Common Stock or the Series A Preferred Stock. Furthermore, under
certain circumstances, any Shareholder desiring to transfer its Common Stock or
Series A Preferred Stock must give Orbital the right to purchase such shares
subject to transfer upon the same terms as proposed. Conversely, Orbital must
give the Shareholders the right to purchase a proportionate amount of the Common
Stock or Series C Preferred Stock ("Series C Preferred") in the event Orbital
offers
 
                                       65
<PAGE>   72
 
or accepts an offer to transfer such Common Stock or Series C Preferred. In the
event Orbital proposes to transfer any shares of Common Stock or Series C
Preferred, the Series A Holders will have the right to sell a proportionate
amount of their Series A Preferred Stock ("Tag-Along Rights"). Additionally, if
seventy percent (70%) of the Common Holders (on a fully diluted basis) propose
to transfer seventy percent (70%) or more of the Common Stock (on a fully
diluted basis), the Series A Holders may be required to convert their Series A
Preferred Stock into Common Stock and transfer such Common Stock to the proposed
transferee ("Drag-Along Rights").
 
     Subscription Rights.  Upon certain non-public issuances of any equity
securities (including any warrants, options or other rights to acquire equity
securities) of the Company (excluding the issuance of the Warrants hereby and
subject to other certain exceptions), ORBIMAGE must first (i) give all Series A
Preferred Holders written notice of the terms of the offering and (ii) offer to
issue to such Series A Preferred Holders a proportionate amount of the offering
based upon each Series A Preferred Holders current ownership in ORBIMAGE. The
rights described in this paragraph will expire upon a public offering of the
Common Stock.
 
     Registration Rights.  Certain holders of more than thirty-five percent
(35%) of the then issued and outstanding Common Stock may demand that the
Company file up to three (3) registration statements that would permit the sale
and distribution of such Common Stock after 180 days of an initial public
offering of Common Stock or at any time after June 30, 2002 if the Company has
not consummated an initial public offering of Common Stock registered under the
Securities Act, subject to customary underwriter's cutback requirements.
Furthermore, if the Company determines to register any of its Common Stock
(excluding the registration of Common Stock incidental to the registration of
convertible securities), except for registrations on, among others, Form S-8 or
Form S-4, the Common Holders may include their Common Stock within such
registration statement, subject to customary underwriter's cutback requirements.
 
PROCUREMENT AGREEMENT
 
     ORBIMAGE and Orbital have entered into the Procurement Agreement, pursuant
to which Orbital agreed to provide to ORBIMAGE: (i) the design, development,
construction and launch of the OrbView-1 satellite; (ii) the OrbView-2 License
to market OrbView-2 imagery, including the right to receive all payments
received by Orbital under Orbital's contract with NASA; (iii) the design,
development, construction and launch of the high-resolution OrbView satellites;
and (iv) the U.S. central imagery receiving, processing, and command and control
ground segment for all four OrbView satellites. Orbital (or its subcontractors)
will retain ownership of all intellectual property rights underlying the
OrbView-1, OrbView-2, the high-resolution OrbView satellites and ground systems,
and has granted ORBIMAGE a license to use the necessary intellectual property
for the operating OrbView satellites.
 
     The total cost of the OrbView-1 and the high-resolution OrbView satellites,
the OrbView-2 License and the U.S. ground system is estimated to be
approximately $297 (of which $295 is provided for in the Procurement Agreement)
million, which includes all satellite design, construction and launch costs and
hyperspectral capability, but excludes insurance costs. Of this amount, the
Company has spent approximately $149 million as of March 31, 1998. The Company
expects to spend approximately $126 million to complete the high-resolution
OrbView satellites and $22 million to complete modifications to the U.S. ground
system. ORBIMAGE generally pays the costs under the Procurement Agreement in
accordance with a monthly schedule that is based upon Orbital's costs incurred,
with the balance of the remaining costs paid upon completion of certain
specified project milestones such as critical design review and launch events.
Furthermore, ORBIMAGE has agreed to pay Orbital an extended performance
incentive of $1 million per year (or a pro rata amount thereof) in the event the
high-resolution OrbView satellites remain operational in orbit beyond their five
year contracted life. While the modifications to OrbView-4 to add hyperspectral
capability will be paid for by ORBIMAGE under the Procurement Agreement,
ORBIMAGE's payment obligations are limited to advance contract payments it
receives from the U.S. Air Force for hyperspectral imagery. See "Risk
Factors--Contracts."
 
     Delivery by Orbital and passing of the risk of loss from Orbital to
ORBIMAGE of the OrbView-3 satellite will occur upon separation of the Pegasus
launch vehicle from its carrier aircraft. Delivery and passing
 
                                       66
<PAGE>   73
 
of the risk of loss from Orbital to ORBIMAGE of the OrbView-4 satellite will
occur upon intentional ignition of the launch vehicle. The OrbView-2 ground
command and control segment has been delivered to ORBIMAGE. The high-resolution
OrbView satellite ground receiving, processing, and command and control segments
will be delivered consistent with the high-resolution OrbView satellite launch
dates, although risk of loss of the command and control and the data processing
segments will pass to ORBIMAGE on successful completion of specified acceptance
test procedures. Under the Procurement Agreement, Orbital has no liability to
ORBIMAGE for any costs or other damages arising from schedule delays.
 
     ORBIMAGE has the right, at any time, to make changes to the Specifications
or Statement of Work, method of packing or shipment, place or time of delivery,
quantity or type of items to be delivered or services required to be performed,
subject to Orbital's right to demand negotiations for "equitable adjustment" to
the price. However, pursuant to the Stockholders' Agreement, the Company may not
without the approval of a majority of a quorum of the Board, which majority
shall include at least one Series A Director, approve certain modifications to
the Procurement Agreement. See "Certain Relationships and Related Transactions--
Stockholders' Agreement." Price adjustments due to any changes requested by
ORBIMAGE will be negotiated between Orbital and ORBIMAGE. Failure to agree to
terms of the price adjustment will be resolved through arbitration in accordance
with the terms of the Procurement Agreement.
 
     The Procurement Agreement may be terminated by ORBIMAGE if Orbital fails to
comply with the material terms thereof and does not cure such failure within 60
days of notice of noncompliance. Orbital may terminate the Procurement Agreement
if ORBIMAGE fails to make payments in accordance with the terms of the
Procurement Agreement.
 
     For the high-resolution OrbView satellites, following launch, ORBIMAGE's
sole remedy for launch failure, defects, failure to conform with applicable
specifications or any other requirements is limited to insurance proceeds. In
addition, with respect to the command and control segments of the OrbView-2 and
high-resolution OrbView satellites and the ground receiving and processing
segments of the high-resolution OrbView satellites, Orbital made certain
warranties of one year in duration directly to ORBIMAGE and has assigned all
applicable third party warranties to ORBIMAGE. Orbital's liability to ORBIMAGE
under the Procurement Agreement is limited to $10 million.
 
SERVICES AGREEMENT
 
     ORBIMAGE and Orbital entered into the Services Agreement under which
Orbital will provide to ORBIMAGE, to the extent requested by ORBIMAGE for a term
of three years from the date of launch of each OrbView satellite: (i) general
and administrative, accounting, tax, legal, regulatory and other similar
services on a cost-reimbursable basis with no additional fee; (ii) office and
other facilities-related services on a cost-reimbursable basis with no
additional fee; and (iii) in-orbit satellite operations for the OrbView-1,
OrbView-2, and the high-resolution OrbView satellites on a cost plus 10% fee
basis. All services will be provided upon ORBIMAGE's reasonable request and in
accordance with Orbital's customary standards at the time of delivery of the
services.
 
NON-COMPETITION AND TEAMING AGREEMENT
 
     Under the Non-Compete Agreement, ORBIMAGE and Orbital have agreed that
Orbital will not enter into, and shall cause its affiliates not to enter into,
one or more contracts to construct and deliver an integrated remote sensing
satellite-based system, consisting of satellite bus, payload, launch services
and ground systems. Under certain circumstances, Orbital may respond to a
request for proposal for such an integrated system only if the response provides
that Orbital will have primary responsibility for the hardware and software
requirements, and ORBIMAGE will have primary responsibility for the provision of
imagery services. Orbital will be free to provide components for such systems or
subsystems, but under no circumstance will Orbital design, develop and/or
construct sensors capable of generating imagery substantially similar, or
technologically superior, in spatial and spectral resolution, to the imagery of
OrbView-2, the high-resolution OrbView satellites or any satellite purchased by
ORBIMAGE from Orbital or an affiliate of Orbital. Subject to certain exceptions,
Orbital has also agreed not to make, and it shall cause its affiliates not to
make, investments in
 
                                       67
<PAGE>   74
 
excess of $10 million in any person engaged or proposed to be engaged in the
gathering and distributing of satellite-based imagery substantially similar, or
technologically superior, in spatial and spectral resolution, to the imagery of
OrbView-2, the high-resolution OrbView satellites, or any similar satellite
purchased by the Company from Orbital or its affiliates. In addition, Orbital
must offer to ORBIMAGE any satellite-based remote imaging project that emerges
from the research and development stage. The Non-Compete Agreement will
terminate on the earlier of June 30, 2003, the date on which the Procurement
Agreement is terminated, the first anniversary of an initial public offering by
the Company, or the end of a 180-day period in which the Company's average
Common Stock price exceeds certain thresholds.
 
ORBVIEW-2 LICENSE
 
     Pursuant to the Procurement Agreement, Orbital and ORBIMAGE have entered
into a license agreement with regard to the OrbView-2 satellite. In
consideration of a license fee of approximately $63 million, Orbital has granted
an exclusive worldwide license to ORBIMAGE to use and sell OrbView-2 imagery,
and to license third parties to distribute such imagery, subject to the
limitations imposed by Orbital's contract with NASA to provide imagery from
OrbView-2 and the DoC license applicable to OrbView-2. Under this agreement,
Orbital has agreed to use reasonable commercial efforts to obtain and maintain
all material regulatory permits and licenses necessary for the continued
operation of the OrbView-2 satellite. Orbital also has assigned to ORBIMAGE all
amounts that are due or which will become due to Orbital under Orbital's
contract with NASA and ORBIMAGE has sole responsibility for operating and
controlling the satellite.
 
     The OrbView-2 License terminates either automatically upon the assignment
of Orbital's contract with NASA to ORBIMAGE or upon any of the following: (i)
ORBIMAGE's discretionary determination that the OrbView-2 satellite has failed;
(ii) at ORBIMAGE's option, upon Orbital's uncured breach of Orbital's contract
with NASA or (iii) by either party upon the other's insolvency. In addition,
Orbital retains a special right of access to ORBIMAGE's ground station
facilities to perform certain of its obligations under Orbital's contract with
NASA in the event of ORBIMAGE's uncured failure to perform these same
obligations.
 
OTHER AGREEMENTS
 
     Earth Observation Sciences, Ltd., a subsidiary of Orbital ("EOS"),
developed OrbView-2 fishing software for ORBIMAGE and provides maintenance and
support of such software on a time and materials basis. In addition to the
provisions in the Procurement Agreement, ORBIMAGE may contract in the future
with EOS or Orbital or its other subsidiaries for the development, support and
maintenance of software for processing, archiving or distributing OrbView
imagery products.
 
     The distributorship contracts that ORBIMAGE expects to offer to foreign
high-resolution imagery distributors may include the purchase from ORBIMAGE of
an imagery ground station or an OrbView upgrade to an existing ground station.
ORBIMAGE is contractually obligated to procure such ground stations or upgrades
from MacDonald, Dettwiler and Associates Ltd., an Orbital subsidiary, provided
that the price is commercially competitive.
 
                                       68
<PAGE>   75
 
                          DESCRIPTION OF CAPITAL STOCK
 
COMMON STOCK
 
     ORBIMAGE has authorized 75,000,000 shares of Common Stock, of which
25,214,000 shares are issued and outstanding. Subject to the powers, preferences
and rights of any holder of preferred stock, the Common Holders are entitled to
receive such dividends as may be declared from time to time by the Board from
funds legally available therefor. Upon liquidation, dissolution or winding-up of
ORBIMAGE, the Common Holders will be entitled to share ratably in all assets
available for distribution to Shareholders after payment of liabilities, subject
to prior distribution rights of holders of preferred stock then outstanding.
There are no redemption or sinking fund provisions applicable to the Common
Stock. All shares of Common Stock into which the Warrants may be converted upon
completion of the Units Offering, will be fully paid and non-assessable. The
rights, preferences and privileges of Common Holders will be subject to the
rights, preferences and privileges of any preferred stock and of any other
series of preferred stock which the Company may issue in the future.
 
PREFERRED STOCK
 
     The Company has authorized 10,000,000 shares of preferred stock, $0.01 par
value per share, of which: (a) 2,000,000 shares of the Series A Preferred Stock
have been authorized, of which 648,653 shares have been issued; (b) 2,000,000 of
the Series B Preferred Stock have been authorized, none of which have been
issued; and (c) 2,000,000 of the Series C Stock Preferred have been authorized,
none of which have been issued. The Board is authorized to issue preferred stock
from time to time in one or more series, each of such series to have such voting
powers, full or limited, or no voting powers, and such designations, preferences
and relative participating, optional or other special rights, and such
qualifications, limitations or restrictions thereof, as shall be determined by
the Board in a resolution or resolutions providing for the issuance of such
preferred stock other than as a paid-in-kind dividend. Except for the Series A
Offering, the Board currently has no plans for the issuance of preferred stock.
The issuance of such stock could adversely affect the rights of holders of the
Exchange Notes.
 
     SERIES A PREFERRED STOCK
 
     Dividends.  The Series A Preferred Stock is assigned a stated value of $100
per share (the "Series A Preferred Stated Value") and is entitled to a
cumulative dividend of 12% per annum payable semi-annually on May 1 and November
1 of each year, in cash or, in lieu thereof, payable in-kind in shares of Series
A Preferred Stock on the basis of one hundred twenty (120) shares of Series A
Preferred Stock for each one thousand (1,000) shares of Series A Preferred Stock
outstanding. On November 1, 1997, the Company declared and paid a dividend
in-kind to each Series A Holder. Upon a mandatory conversion prior to the fourth
anniversary of the issuance of any Series A Preferred Stock (see "Certain
Relationships and Related Transactions"--Series A Preferred Stock--Conversion
Rights"), a Series A Holder shall also receive the dividends with respect to the
Series A Preferred Stock that would have accrued from the date of the mandatory
conversion to the fourth anniversary of the initial issuance of the Series A
Preferred Stock.
 
     Ranking.  Series A Holders have certain preferences upon dividend
distributions, distributions upon liquidation or distributions upon merger,
consolidation or sale of assets over the holders of Series B Preferred (if and
when issued), Series C Preferred (if and when issued), the Common Holders, and
any other class of stock ranking junior to the Series A Preferred Stock.
 
     Voting Rights.  Each Series A Holder is entitled to such number (rounded to
the nearest whole number) of votes as such Series A Holder would be entitled if
such Series A Holder had converted its Series A Preferred Stock into shares of
Common Stock. See "Certain Relationships and Related Transactions--Shareholders'
Agreement." Furthermore, the Series A Holders have the right to elect two
additional directors to the Board upon the occurrence of an "Election Event." An
"Election Event" is the failure by ORBIMAGE: (i) to declare and pay dividends on
the Series A Preferred Stock on any May 1 or November 1 which remains uncured
for more than thirty (30) day; (ii) to repurchase the Series A Preferred Stock
upon, among other things, a Change of Control (see "Certain Relationships and
Related Transactions--Stock
                                       69
<PAGE>   76
 
Purchase Agreement--Change of Control"); (iii)(a) to conduct a critical design
review of the OrbView-3 spacecraft pursuant to the Procurement Agreement by
October 31, 1998, (b) to commence by March 15, 1999 the integration and testing
of the OrbView-3 spacecraft or (c) to commence by November 15, 1999 the
integration and testing of the OrbView-4 spacecraft. The dates specified in this
paragraph may be extended by up to thirty (30) days in the discretion of the
President of the Company (in consultation with the Series A Directors) that such
delay is advisable. See "Certain Relationships and Related
Transactions--Procurement Agreement." The Directors elected upon the occurrence
of an Election Event shall serve only so long as such Election Event continues.
Certain transactions, including certain additional issuances of securities by
the Company, require the consent of the holders of at least two thirds of the
outstanding Series A Preferred Stock.
 
     Conversion Rights.  The Series A Holders have the option, at any time, or
from time to time, to convert their Series A Preferred Stock into fully paid and
non-assessable shares of Common Stock. The number of shares of Common Stock
issued upon such conversion will be determined by multiplying each Series A
Holder's number of Series A Preferred Stock by a fraction, the numerator of
which is the Series A Preferred Stock Stated Value and the denominator of which
is a conversion price, subject to anti-dilutive adjustments (as adjusted, the
"Conversion Price"). The Conversion Price is currently $4.17. The Series A
Preferred Stock shall be automatically converted into shares of Common Stock
upon the earliest to occur of any one of the following events: (i) the closing,
under certain circumstances, of a public offering of the Common Stock; (ii) the
culmination of a 180-day period in which the average price of the Common Stock
exceeds a certain level relative to the Conversion Price; or (iii) the proposed
sale of no less than 70% of the Common Stock (on a fully diluted basis) as more
fully described in "Certain Relationships and Related
Transactions--Stockholders' Agreement--Restrictions on Transfer."
 
                 RELATIONSHIP WITH ORBITAL SCIENCES CORPORATION
 
     Formed in 1982, Orbital is a space and information systems company that
designs, manufactures, operates and markets a broad range of space-related
products and services. Orbital's 1997 revenues were approximately $600 million
and Orbital and its subsidiaries employ approximately 4,000 people. Orbital's
products and services are grouped into three business sectors: (i) space and
ground infrastructure systems; (ii) satellite access products; and (iii)
satellite-delivered services. Space and ground infrastructure systems include
launch vehicles, satellites, electronics and sensor systems and ground systems.
Satellite access products include hand-held satellite-based navigation and
communications products and transportation management systems.
Satellite-delivered services include satellite-based two-way mobile data
communications. Orbital operates launch vehicle, satellite and electronics
engineering, manufacturing and test facilities in Dulles and McLean, Virginia,
Germantown and Greenbelt, Maryland and Chandler, Arizona; a launch vehicle and
satellite integration and test facility at Vandenberg Air Force Base,
California; a space sensors and instruments facility in Pomona, California; a
ground systems and software facility in Vancouver, British Columbia, and
facilities for its navigation and communications products in San Dimas and
Sunnyvale, California and in Rochester Hills, Michigan.
 
     ORBIMAGE utilizes certain of Orbital's employees and centralized systems
for corporate and administrative services pursuant to the Services Agreement.
ORBIMAGE anticipates that each of its executive officers will generally devote a
sufficient portion of his or her time to the business of ORBIMAGE. However, any
ORBIMAGE executive officer who is an Orbital employee also may devote a
significant portion of his or her time to the business of Orbital and its other
subsidiaries.
 
POLICIES AND PROCEDURES FOR ADDRESSING CONFLICTS
 
     The ongoing relationships between ORBIMAGE and Orbital may present certain
conflict situations for David W. Thompson, who serves as Chairman of the Board
of Directors and Chief Executive Officer of ORBIMAGE, and also serves as
Chairman of the Board, President and Chief Executive Officer of Orbital. Other
officers and directors of Orbital also serve as officers and directors of the
Company. Such officer's and Mr. Thompson's salary are paid by Orbital. Mr.
Thompson, as well as other executive officers and directors of Orbital, own (or
have options or other rights to acquire) a significant number of shares of
common stock in
 
                                       70
<PAGE>   77
 
both ORBIMAGE and Orbital. Certain ORBIMAGE employees including its executive
officers have options to acquire Orbital common stock. Potential conflicts could
include: (i) the amount of time that Mr. Thompson or other executive officers of
both Orbital and ORBIMAGE are able to devote to the day-to-day operations of
ORBIMAGE or (ii) the decision making process involving situations that impact
both Orbital and the Company. ORBIMAGE and Orbital have adopted appropriate
policies and procedures to be followed by the Board of Directors of each company
to limit the involvement of Mr. Thompson (or such other officers and directors
having a significant ownership interest in the companies or who are serving in
similar capacities for both companies) in conflict situations, including matters
relating to contractual relationships or litigation between ORBIMAGE and
Orbital. Such procedures include requiring directors of both Orbital and
ORBIMAGE to abstain from voting as directors of each company with respect to
matters that present a significant conflict of interest between the companies.
Whether or not a significant conflict of interest situation exists is determined
on a case-by-case basis depending on such factors as the dollar value of the
matter and the likelihood that resolution of the matter has significant
strategic, operational or financial implications for the businesses of ORBIMAGE
or Orbital.
 
                                       71
<PAGE>   78
 
                         DESCRIPTION OF EXCHANGE NOTES
 
GENERAL
 
     The Original Notes were issued and the Exchange Notes will be issued
pursuant to the Indenture between the Company and Marine Midland Bank, as
trustee (the "Trustee"). Upon the issuance of the Exchange Notes, or the
effectiveness of a Shelf Registration Statement, the Indenture will be subject
to and governed by the Trust Indenture Act of 1939, as amended (the "Trust
Indenture Act"). The terms of the Exchange Notes include those stated in the
Indenture and those made part of the Indenture by reference to the Trust
Indenture Act. The Notes are subject to all such terms, and holders of Exchange
Notes are referred to the Indenture and the Trust Indenture Act for a statement
thereof. The following summary of certain provisions of the Exchange Notes, the
Indenture and the Registration Rights Agreement do not purport to be complete
and are qualified in their entirety by reference to the Exchange Notes, the
Indenture and the Registration Rights Agreement, including the definitions in
each of such instruments and agreements of certain terms used below. A copy of
the Indenture and the Registration Rights Agreement will be made available to
holders of Original Notes upon request.
 
     The Exchange Notes will be senior obligations of the Company, will rank
senior in right and priority of payment to all subordinated indebtedness of the
Company and will rank pari passu in right and priority of payment with all other
indebtedness of the Company which is not expressly so subordinated. The Exchange
Notes will be secured to the extent set forth below under "--Security." Upon
consummation of the Units Offering and the application of the net proceeds
therefrom, the Company has no indebtedness that is expressly subordinated in
right and priority of payment to the Original Notes.
 
     As of the date of the Indenture, the Company has no Subsidiaries. Under
certain circumstances, the Company will be able to designate future Subsidiaries
that it creates or acquires as Restricted Subsidiaries or Unrestricted
Subsidiaries. Unrestricted Subsidiaries will not be subject to many of the
restrictive covenants set forth in the Indenture.
 
PRINCIPAL, MATURITY AND INTEREST
 
     The Exchange Notes will be issued in an aggregate principal amount of
$150,000,000. The Exchange Notes will mature on March 1, 2005. Interest on the
Exchange Notes will accrue at the rate of 11 5/8% per annum and will be payable
semi-annually in arrears on March 1 and September 1 of each year, commencing on
September 1, 1998, to holders of record on the immediately preceding February 15
and August 15. Interest on the Exchange Notes will accrue from the most recent
date to which interest has been paid or, if no interest has been paid, from
February 25, 1998 (the "Issue Date"). Interest on the Exchange Notes will be
computed on the basis of a 360-day year comprised of twelve 30-day months.
 
     Principal of, premium, if any, interest and Liquidated Damages, if any, on
the Exchange Notes, will be payable at the office or agency of the Company
maintained for such purpose or, at the option of the Company, payment of
interest and Liquidated Damages, if any, may be made by check mailed to the
holders of the Exchange Notes at their respective addresses set forth in the
register of holders of the Exchange Notes; provided that if the holder of any
Exchange Notes has given wire transfer instructions to the Company, the Company
will be required to make all payments with respect to such Exchange Notes by
wire transfer of immediately available funds to the account specified by such
holder. Until otherwise designated by the Company, the Company's office or
agency will be the office of the Trustee maintained for such purpose. The
Exchange Notes will be issued in denominations of $1,000 and integral multiples
thereof.
 
OPTIONAL REDEMPTION
 
     The Notes will not be redeemable prior to March 1, 2002. Thereafter, the
Notes will be subject to redemption at the option of the Company, in whole or in
part, upon not less than 30 nor more than 60 days' notice, at the redemption
prices (expressed as percentages of principal amount) set forth below, plus
accrued
 
                                       72
<PAGE>   79
 
and unpaid interest and Liquidated Damages (if any) thereon to the applicable
redemption date, if redeemed during the twelve-month period beginning on March 1
of the years indicated below:
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                              REDEMPTION
                            YEAR                                PRICE
                            ----                              ----------
<S>                                                           <C>
2002........................................................  105.8125%
2003........................................................  102.9063%
2004 and thereafter.........................................  100.0000%
</TABLE>
 
     Notwithstanding the foregoing, prior to March 1, 2001, the Company may, on
one or more occasions, redeem outstanding Notes with the net cash proceeds of
one or more sales of Capital Stock (other than Disqualified Stock) of the
Company to one or more Persons (but only to the extent the proceeds of such
sales of Capital Stock consist of cash or Cash Equivalents) at a redemption
price equal to 111.625% of the principal amount thereof, plus accrued and unpaid
interest and Liquidated Damages (if any) thereon to the redemption date;
provided, however, that: (i) not less than 65% of the aggregate principal amount
of the Notes initially issued remains outstanding immediately after any such
redemption; and (ii) such redemption shall occur within 60 days after the date
of closing of such sale of Capital Stock.
 
MANDATORY REDEMPTION
 
     The Company will not be required to make mandatory redemption or sinking
fund payments with respect to the Notes. However, as described below, the
Company may be obligated, under certain circumstances, to make an offer to
purchase: (i) all outstanding Notes at a redemption price of 101% of the
principal amount thereof, plus accrued and unpaid interest and Liquidated
Damages (if any) to the date of purchase, upon a Change of Control; and (ii)
outstanding Notes with a portion of the Net Proceeds of Asset Sales at a
redemption price of 100% of the principal amount thereof, plus accrued and
unpaid interest and Liquidated Damages (if any) to the date of purchase. See
"--Repurchase at the Option of Holders--Change of Control" and "--Limitation on
Sales of Assets and Subsidiary Interests."
 
SECURITY
 
     Pursuant to the Indenture, the Company purchased and pledged to the
Collateral Agent for the benefit of the holders of the Notes the Pledged
Securities in such amount as will be sufficient upon receipt of scheduled
interest and principal payments of such securities. The Company used
approximately $32.9 million of the net proceeds of the Units Offering to acquire
the Pledged Securities. The Pledged Securities are pledged by the Company to the
Trustee as Collateral Agent for the benefit of the holders of Notes pursuant to
the Pledge Agreement and will be held by the Collateral Agent in the Pledge
Account. Pursuant to the Pledge Agreement, immediately prior to an interest
payment date on the Notes, the Company may either deposit with the Collateral
Agent from funds otherwise available to the Company cash sufficient to pay the
interest scheduled to be paid on such date or the Company may direct the
Collateral Agent to release from the Pledge Account proceeds sufficient to pay
interest then due. In the event that the Company exercises the former option,
the Company may thereafter direct the Collateral Agent to release to the Company
from the Pledge Account proceeds or Pledged Securities in like amount.
 
     Interest earned on the Pledged Securities will be added to the Pledge
Account. In the event that the funds or Pledged Securities held in the Pledge
Account exceed the amount sufficient, in the opinion of a nationally recognized
firm of independent certified public accountants selected by the Company, to
provide for payment in full of the first four scheduled interest payments due on
the Notes (or, in the event an interest payment or payments have been made, an
amount sufficient to provide for payment in full of any interest payments
remaining, up to and including the four scheduled interest payments), the
Collateral Agent will be permitted to release to the Company at the Company's
request any such excess amount. The Original Notes are and the Exchange Notes
will be secured by a first priority security interest in the Pledged Securities
and in the Pledge Account and, accordingly, the Pledged Securities and the
Pledge Account also secure repayment of the principal amount of the Original
Notes and will secure repayment of the principal amount of the Exchange Notes to
the extent of such security. The Pledge Agreement allows ORBIMAGE to substitute
Marketable
 
                                       73
<PAGE>   80
 
Securities for the Government Securities originally pledged as collateral;
provided, however, that the Marketable Securities so substituted must have a
value (measured at the date of substitution), in the opinion of a nationally
recognized firm of independent public accountants selected by the Company, at
least equal to 125.0% of the amount of any of the first four scheduled interest
payments on the Notes that are unpaid (or the pro rata portion of such interest
payments equal to the percentage of such interest payments to be secured by such
Marketable Securities) as of the date such Marketable Securities are proposed to
be substituted as security for the Company's obligation under the Pledge
Agreement.
 
     Under the terms of the Pledge Agreement, assuming that the Company makes
the first four scheduled interest payments on the Notes in a timely manner, all
of the Pledged Securities will be released from the Pledge Account.
 
REPURCHASE AT THE OPTION OF HOLDERS
 
  Change of Control
 
     Upon the occurrence of a Change of Control, each holder of Notes will have
the right to require the Company to repurchase all or any part (equal to $1,000
or an integral multiple thereof) of such holder's Notes pursuant to the offer
described below (the "Change of Control Offer") at an offer price in cash equal
to 101% of the aggregate principal amount thereof, plus accrued and unpaid
interest and Liquidated Damages (if any) thereon to the date of purchase (the
"Change of Control Payment"). In the event of a Change of Control, there can be
no assurance that the Company will have or be able to acquire sufficient funds
to repurchase the Exchange Notes. Within ten days following any Change of
Control, the Company will mail a notice to each holder describing the
transaction or transactions that constitute the Change of Control and offering
to repurchase Notes on the date specified in such notice, which date shall be no
earlier than 30 days and no later than 40 days from the date such notice is
mailed (the "Change in Control Payment Date") pursuant to the procedures
required by the Indenture and described in such notice. The Company will comply
with the requirements of Rule 14e-1 under the Exchange Act and any other
securities laws and regulations thereunder to the extent such laws and
regulations are applicable in connection with the repurchase of the Notes as a
result of a Change of Control.
 
     On the Change of Control Payment Date, the Company will, to the extent
lawful:
 
          (i) accept for payment all Notes or portions thereof properly tendered
     pursuant to the Change of Control Offer;
 
          (ii) deposit with the Paying Agent an amount equal to the Change of
     Control Payment in respect of all Notes or portions thereof so tendered;
     and
 
          (iii) deliver or cause to be delivered to the Trustee the Notes so
     accepted together with an Officers' Certificate stating the aggregate
     principal amount of Notes or portions thereof being purchased by the
     Company.
 
     The Paying Agent will promptly mail to each holder of Notes so tendered the
Change of Control Payment for such Notes, and the Trustee will promptly
authenticate and mail (or cause to be transferred by book entry) to each holder
a new note equal in principal amount to any unpurchased portion of the Note
surrendered; provided that each such new Note will be in a principal amount of
$1,000 or an integral multiple thereof. The Company will publicly announce the
results of the Change of Control Offer on or as soon as practicable after the
Change of Control Payment Date. Except as described above with respect to a
Change of Control, the Indenture does not contain provisions that permit the
holders of the Notes to require that the Company repurchase or redeem the Notes
in the event of a takeover, recapitalization or similar transaction.
 
     The Company will not be required to make a Change of Control Offer upon a
Change of Control if a third party makes the Change of Control Offer in the
manner, at the time and otherwise in compliance with the requirements set forth
in the Indenture applicable to a Change of Control Offer made by the Company and
purchases all Notes validly tendered and not withdrawn under such Change of
Control Offer.
 
                                       74
<PAGE>   81
 
     Subject to the limitations discussed below, the Company could in the future
enter into certain transactions, including acquisitions, refinancings or other
recapitalizations, that would not constitute a Change of Control under the
Indenture, but that could increase the amount of Indebtedness outstanding at
such time or otherwise affect the Company's capital structure or credit ratings.
Due to the highly leveraged structure of the Company, the Company may not have
sufficient funds to be able to repurchase all of the Notes tendered in a Change
of Control Offer. The failure of the Company to purchase any Notes tendered in a
Change of Control Offer will constitute an Event of Default under the Indenture.
See "--Events of Default and Remedies."
 
     The definition of Change of Control includes a phrase relating to the sale,
lease, transfer, conveyance or other disposition of "all or substantially all"
of the Company's assets. Although there is a developing body of case law
interpreting the phrase "substantially all," there is no precise established
definition of the phrase under applicable law. Accordingly, the ability of a
holder of Notes to require the Company to repurchase such Notes as a result of a
sale, lease, transfer, conveyance or other disposition of less than all of the
assets of the Company to another Person may be uncertain.
 
  Limitation on Sales of Assets and Subsidiary Interests
 
     The Indenture provides that the Company will not, and will not permit any
of its Restricted Subsidiaries to consummate an Asset Sale unless:
 
          (i) the Company or such Restricted Subsidiary, as the case may be,
     receives consideration at the time of such Asset Sale at least equal to the
     Fair Market Value of the assets sold or otherwise disposed of;
 
          (ii) at least 75% of the consideration received in the Asset Sale by
     the Company or such Restricted Subsidiary, as the case may be, consists of
     (a) cash or Cash Equivalents or (b) the assumption of Indebtedness (other
     than Indebtedness that is subordinated) of the Company or such Restricted
     Subsidiary and the release of the Company and the Restricted Subsidiaries,
     as applicable, from all liability on the Indebtedness assumed; and
 
          (iii) the aggregate Fair Market Value of all non-Cash Consideration
     received therefor by the Company or such Restricted Subsidiary, as the case
     may be, when aggregated with the Fair Market Value of all other non-Cash
     Consideration received by the Company and its Restricted Subsidiaries from
     all other Asset Sales since the Issue Date that has not yet been converted
     into cash or Cash Equivalents (in either case, in U.S. dollars or freely
     convertible into U.S. dollars), does not exceed (without duplication) 5% of
     the aggregate Consolidated Tangible Net Assets of the Company at the time
     of such Asset Sale; provided, however, that any securities, notes or
     similar obligations received by any of the Company or such Restricted
     Subsidiaries from such transferees that are contemporaneously (subject to
     ordinary settlement periods) converted by the Company or such Restricted
     Subsidiaries into cash, shall be deemed to be cash (to the extent of the
     net cash received) for purposes of clauses (ii) and (iii).
 
     Within 270 days after the receipt of any Net Proceeds from an Asset Sale,
the Company may apply such Net Proceeds to: (i) make capital expenditures or
acquire Business Assets, (ii) acquire 100% of the Equity Interests of a Related
Satellite Business, (iii) market imagery products and services, (iv) repay
Indebtedness under a Credit Facility, and (v) provide working capital. Pending
the final application of any such Net Proceeds, the Company may temporarily
invest such Net Proceeds in any manner that is not prohibited by the Indenture.
Any Net Proceeds from an Asset Sale that are not applied or invested as provided
in the first sentence of this paragraph will be deemed to constitute "Excess
Proceeds." When the aggregate amount of Excess Proceeds exceeds $7.5 million,
the Company will be required to make an offer to all holders of Notes (an "Asset
Sale Offer") to purchase the maximum principal amount of Notes that may be
purchased out of the Excess Proceeds (and not solely the amount in excess of
$7.5 million), at an offer price in cash in an amount equal to 100% of the
principal amount thereof, plus accrued and unpaid interest and Liquidated
Damages (if any) thereon to the date of purchase, in accordance with the
procedures set forth in the Indenture. To the extent that the aggregate amount
of Notes tendered pursuant to an Asset Sale Offer is less than the Excess
Proceeds, the Company may use any remaining Excess Proceeds for general business
purposes. If the aggregate amount of Notes surrendered by holders thereof
exceeds the amount of Excess
                                       75
<PAGE>   82
 
Proceeds, the Trustee will select the Notes to be purchased on a pro rata basis
in accordance with the procedures set forth below. Upon completion of such offer
to purchase, the amount of Excess Proceeds will be reset at zero. The Asset Sale
Offer shall remain open for a period of 20 business days or such longer period
as may be required by law.
 
     The foregoing provisions will not apply to the sale, lease, conveyance or
other disposition of all or substantially all of the assets of the Company,
which will be governed by the provisions of the Indenture described below in
"--Merger, Consolidation or Sale of Assets" and "--Repurchase at the Option of
Holders."
 
SELECTION AND NOTICE OF NOTES FOR REDEMPTION OR REPURCHASE
 
     If less than all of the Notes are to be redeemed or repurchased pursuant to
any purchase offer required under the Indenture at any time, selection of Notes
for redemption or repurchase will be made by the Trustee in compliance with the
requirements of the principal national securities exchange, if any, on which the
Notes are listed or, if the Notes are not so listed, on a pro rata basis,
selected by lot or by such method as the Trustee shall deem fair and
appropriate; provided that no Note with a principal amount of $1,000 or less
shall be redeemed or repurchased in part.
 
     Notices of redemption or repurchase shall be mailed by first class mail at
least 30 but not more than 60 days before the redemption or repurchase date to
each holder of Notes to be redeemed or repurchased at its registered address. If
any Note is to be redeemed or repurchased in part only, the notice that relates
to such Note shall state the portion of the principal amount thereof to be
redeemed or repurchased. A new Note in principal amount equal to the unredeemed
or unrepurchased portion will be issued in the name of the holder thereof upon
cancellation of the original Note. On and after the redemption or repurchase
date, interest will cease to accrue on the Notes or portions thereof called for
redemption or repurchase.
 
CERTAIN COVENANTS
 
  Restricted Payments
 
     The Indenture provides that the Company will not, and will not permit any
of its Restricted Subsidiaries to, directly or indirectly:
 
          (i) declare or pay any dividend or make any distribution on account of
     the Equity Interests of the Company (including, without limitation, any
     payment in connection with any merger or consolidation involving the
     Company or any of its Restricted Subsidiaries), other than dividends or
     distributions declared and payable (a) in Equity Interests (other than
     Disqualified Stock) of the Company or any of its Restricted Subsidiaries or
     (b) to the Company or to any Restricted Subsidiary of the Company;
 
          (ii) purchase, redeem, defease, retire for value or otherwise acquire
     or return for value any Equity Interests of the Company, other than any
     such Equity Interests owned by the Company or any Wholly Owned Restricted
     Subsidiary of the Company;
 
          (iii) make any principal payment on (except at maturity) or purchase,
     redeem, defease or otherwise acquire or retire for value any Indebtedness
     that is subordinated (whether pursuant to its terms, by operation of law,
     structurally or otherwise) to the Notes; or
 
          (iv) make any Restricted Investment
 
(all such payments and other actions set forth in clauses (i) through (iv) above
being collectively referred to as "Restricted Payments"), unless, at the time of
and after giving effect to such Restricted Payment:
 
          (a) no Default or Event of Default shall have occurred and be
     continuing or would occur as a consequence thereof;
 
          (b) the Company would, at the time of such Restricted Payment and
     after giving pro forma effect thereto as if such Restricted Payment had
     been made at the beginning of the immediately preceding fiscal quarter,
     have been permitted to incur at least $1.00 of additional Indebtedness
     pursuant to the first
 
                                       76
<PAGE>   83
 
     paragraph set forth in the covenant entitled "Incurrence of Indebtedness or
     Issuance of Disqualified Stock"; and
 
          (c) such Restricted Payment, together with the aggregate of all other
     Restricted Payments made by the Company and its Restricted Subsidiaries
     after the Issue Date (excluding Restricted Payments permitted by clauses
     (ii), (iii) and (iv) of the next succeeding paragraph), is less than the
     sum, without duplication, of:
 
             (1) 50% of the Consolidated Net Income of the Company for the
        period (taken as one accounting period) from the beginning of the first
        fiscal quarter commencing after the Issue Date to the end of the
        Company's most recently ended fiscal quarter for which financial
        statements are available at the time of such Restricted Payment (or, if
        such Consolidated Net Income for such period is a deficit, less 100% of
        such deficit); plus
 
             (2) 100% of the aggregate net cash proceeds received by the Company
        since the date of the Indenture as a contribution to its common equity
        capital or from the issue or sale of Equity Interests of the Company
        (other than Disqualified Stock) or from the issue of Disqualified Stock
        or debt securities of the Company that have been converted into such
        Equity Interests (other than (A) Equity Interests (or Disqualified Stock
        or convertible debt securities) sold to a Subsidiary of the Company, (B)
        Disqualified Stock or debt securities that have been converted into
        Disqualified Stock, (C) equity capital contributions described in clause
        (vi) of the definition of "Permitted Investment," (D) to the extent that
        the net cash proceeds of the issuance of such Equity Interests are used
        to redeem the Notes as permitted under the section entitled "Optional
        Redemption," and (E) Series A Preferred Stock issued in the Series A
        Offering); plus
 
             (3) to the extent that any Restricted Investment that was made
        after the Issue Date is sold for cash or otherwise liquidated or repaid
        for cash, the lesser of (A) the cash return of capital with respect to
        such Restricted Investment (less the cost of disposition, if any) and
        (B) the initial amount of such Restricted Investment; plus
 
             (4) to the extent that any Unrestricted Subsidiary is designated by
        the Company as a Restricted Subsidiary, an amount equal to the lesser of
        (A) the Fair Market Value of such Restricted Investment and (B) the
        Company's Investment in such Unrestricted Subsidiary at the time of such
        designation.
 
     The foregoing provisions will not prohibit:
 
          (i) the payment of any dividend within 60 days after the date of
     declaration thereof, if at said date of declaration such payment would have
     complied with the provisions of the Indenture;
 
          (ii) so long as no default has occurred and is continuing or will
     arise therefrom, the redemption, repurchase, retirement or other
     acquisition of any Equity Interests of the Company in exchange for, or out
     of the proceeds of, the substantially concurrent sale (other than to a
     Subsidiary of the Company) of other Equity Interests of the Company (other
     than any Disqualified Stock); provided that the amount of any such net cash
     proceeds that are utilized for any such redemption, repurchase, retirement
     or other acquisition shall be excluded from clause (2) of the preceding
     paragraph;
 
          (iii) so long as no default has occurred and is continuing or will
     arise therefrom, the repayment, defeasance, redemption or repurchase of
     Intercompany Indebtedness (as defined in clause (vi) of the covenant
     entitled "Incurrence of Indebtedness or Issuance of Disqualified Stock") or
     Indebtedness with the net cash proceeds from an incurrence of Permitted
     Refinancing Indebtedness or the substantially concurrent sale (other than
     to a Subsidiary of the Company) of Equity Interests of the Company (other
     than Disqualified Stock); provided that the amount of any such net cash
     proceeds that are utilized for any such redemption, repurchase, retirement
     or other acquisition shall be excluded from clause (2) of the preceding
     paragraph;
 
          (iv) the issuance of shares of Series A Preferred Stock as
     paid-in-kind dividends in accordance with the terms of the Series A
     Preferred Stock as in effect on the date of the Indenture;
                                       77
<PAGE>   84
 
          (v) the purchase, redemption or retirement by the Company of shares of
     its Common Stock held by an employee or former employee of the Company or
     its Subsidiaries issued under the Stock Option Plan; provided that the
     amount of any such payments in any fiscal year does not exceed $1,000,000;
     and provided, further, that the limitation set forth in the foregoing
     proviso does not apply to the purchase, redemption or retirement of shares
     of common stock with funds or other property or amounts paid by the Company
     for which the Company receives concurrent reimbursement from any other
     Person (other than the Company's Subsidiaries); and
 
          (vi) payments made in respect of (x) the cancellation of fractional
     shares of Common Stock in connection with the conversion of the Series A
     Preferred Stock and the exercise of the Warrants and (y) the repurchase or
     redemption of any shares of Series A Preferred Stock in an amount not to
     exceed $500,000.
 
     In determining the amount of Restricted Payments permissible under clause
(c) above, amounts expended pursuant to clauses (i), (v) and (vi) in the
preceding paragraph shall be included as Restricted Payments. Notwithstanding
the foregoing, payments made by the Company to Orbital pursuant to the Orbital
Agreements shall not be deemed Restricted Payments.
 
     The Company may designate any of its Restricted Subsidiaries to be an
Unrestricted Subsidiary if such designation would not cause a Default and, at
the time of and after giving effect to such designation, the Company could incur
$1.00 of additional Indebtedness under the applicable provisions of the first
paragraph of the covenant entitled "Incurrence of Indebtedness or Issuance of
Disqualified Stock"; provided, that, in no event shall all or any portion of the
material assets or properties (other than cash) owned by the Company on the
Issue Date be transferred to or held by an Unrestricted Subsidiary of the
Company; and provided, further, that such ability to incur $1.00 of additional
Indebtedness shall not be required in the case of any newly created Unrestricted
Subsidiary funded solely with an Investment described in clause (vi) of the
definition of "Permitted Investment." For purposes of making such determination,
all outstanding Investments by the Company and its Restricted Subsidiaries
(except to the extent repaid in cash and except for Investments described in
clause (vi) of the definition of "Permitted Investment") in the Subsidiary so
designated will be deemed to be Restricted Payments at the time of such
designation and will reduce the amount available for Restricted Payments under
the first paragraph of this covenant. All such outstanding Investments will be
deemed to constitute Investments in an amount equal to the greatest of:
 
          (i) the net book value of such Investments at the time of such
     designation;
 
          (ii) the Fair Market Value of such Investments at the time of such
     designation; and
 
          (iii) the original Fair Market Value of such Investments at the time
     they were made.
 
     Such designation will only be permitted if such Restricted Payment would be
permitted at such time and if such Restricted Subsidiary otherwise meets the
definition of an Unrestricted Subsidiary.
 
     The amount of all Restricted Payments, if not made in cash, shall be the
Fair Market Value on the date of the Restricted Payment of the asset(s) proposed
to be transferred by the Company or such Restricted Subsidiary, as the case may
be, pursuant to the Restricted Payment. Not later than the date of making any
Restricted Payment, the Company shall deliver to the Trustee an Officers'
Certificate stating that such Restricted Payment is permitted and setting forth
the basis upon which the calculations required by this covenant were computed,
which calculations may be based upon the latest available financial statements
of the Company.
 
  Incurrence of Indebtedness or Issuance of Disqualified Stock
 
     The Indenture provides that the Company will not, and will not permit any
of its Restricted Subsidiaries to, directly or indirectly, create, incur, issue,
assume, guaranty or otherwise become directly or indirectly liable, contingently
or otherwise, with respect to (collectively, "incur") any Indebtedness
(including Acquired Debt) or any Disqualified Stock; provided, however, that the
Company may incur Indebtedness (including Acquired Debt) or issue shares of
Disqualified Stock and the Restricted Subsidiaries may incur Indebtedness
 
                                       78
<PAGE>   85
 
if, after giving pro forma effect to the incurrence of such Indebtedness and the
use of proceeds thereof, the aggregate Indebtedness to Cash Flow Ratio of the
Company does not exceed 4.0 to 1. Notwithstanding the foregoing, prior to June
30, 2001, the Company or any Restricted Subsidiary may incur Indebtedness if
immediately after giving pro forma effect to the incurrence of such Indebtedness
and the receipt and application of the proceeds thereof, the Indebtedness to
Capital Ratio would be less than or equal to 65.0%.
 
     The foregoing provisions will not apply to:
 
          (i) the incurrence by the Company or any of its Restricted
     Subsidiaries of Indebtedness under Credit Facilities; provided that the
     aggregate principal amount of all Indebtedness (with letters of credit
     being deemed to have a principal amount equal to the maximum potential
     liability of the Company and its Subsidiaries thereunder) outstanding under
     all Credit Facilities after giving effect to such incurrence does not
     exceed an amount equal to the greater of (A) $25 million and (B) 85% of
     Eligible Receivables;
 
          (ii) the incurrence by the Company of Indebtedness represented by the
     Notes and the Indenture or the issuance of shares of Series A Preferred
     Stock accrued or issued as paid-in-kind dividends;
 
          (iii) Existing Indebtedness;
 
          (iv) the incurrence by the Company or any of its Restricted
     Subsidiaries of Indebtedness under (A) Hedging Obligations, provided that
     (1) the notional principal amount of any interest rate protection agreement
     does not significantly exceed the principal amount of the Indebtedness to
     which such interest rate protection agreement relates and (2) any
     agreements related to fluctuations in currency rates do not increase the
     outstanding Indebtedness other than as result of fluctuations in foreign
     currency exchange rates, and (B) performance, surety and workers'
     compensation bonds or other obligations of a like nature incurred in the
     ordinary course of business;
 
          (v) the incurrence by any Unrestricted Subsidiary of the Company of
     Non-Recourse Debt; provided that if any such Indebtedness ceases to be
     Non-Recourse Debt of an Unrestricted Subsidiary such event shall be deemed
     to constitute an incurrence of Indebtedness by a Restricted Subsidiary;
 
          (vi) the incurrence by the Company or any of its Restricted
     Subsidiaries of Indebtedness owed to and held by the Company or any of its
     Wholly Owned Restricted Subsidiaries (the Indebtedness incurred pursuant to
     this clause (vi) being hereafter referred to as "Intercompany
     Indebtedness"); provided that an incurrence of Indebtedness shall be deemed
     to have occurred upon (i) any sale or other disposition of Intercompany
     Indebtedness to a Person other than the Company or any of its Restricted
     Subsidiaries, (ii) any sale or other disposition of Equity Interests of the
     Company's Restricted Subsidiaries which holds Intercompany Indebtedness
     such that such Restricted Subsidiary ceases to be a Restricted Subsidiary
     after such sale or other disposition or (iii) designation of a Restricted
     Subsidiary as an Unrestricted Subsidiary;
 
          (vii) the incurrence by the Company or any of its Restricted
     Subsidiaries of Non-Recourse Debt to finance purchase money obligations;
 
          (viii) the incurrence by the Company or any of its Restricted
     Subsidiaries of Indebtedness ("Permitted Refinancing Indebtedness")
     incurred to refinance, replace or refund Indebtedness ("Refinanced 
     Indebtedness") incurred pursuant to the first paragraph of this covenant
     or pursuant to clause (i) or (iii) of this covenant; provided that:

        
             (a) the aggregate principal amount of such Permitted Refinancing
        Indebtedness does not exceed the aggregate principal amount of the
        Refinanced Indebtedness (including accrued and unpaid interest thereon);
 
             (b) such Permitted Refinancing Indebtedness shall have a final
        maturity equal to or later than, and a Weighted Average Life to Maturity
        equal to or greater than, the final maturity and Weighted Average Life
        to Maturity of the Refinanced Indebtedness, respectively; and
 
             (c) such Permitted Refinancing Indebtedness shall rank no higher
        relative to the Notes than the Refinanced Indebtedness and in no event
        may any Indebtedness of the Company, or any of its
                                       79
<PAGE>   86
 
        Restricted Subsidiaries be refinanced with Indebtedness of any
        Restricted Subsidiary under this clause (viii);
 
          (ix) the incurrence by the Company or any of its Restricted
     Subsidiaries of Capital Lease Obligations in an aggregate amount for all
     such Persons not to exceed $15 million at any one time outstanding;
 
          (x) the incurrence by the Company or any of its Restricted
     Subsidiaries of Indebtedness not to exceed $15 million outstanding at any
     time pursuant to a Fixed Asset Financing; and
 
          (xi) the incurrence by the Company or any of its Restricted
     Subsidiaries of Indebtedness in addition to that described in clauses (i)
     through (x) above, so long as the aggregate principal amount of all such
     Indebtedness, including all Permitted Refinancing Indebtedness incurred to
     refund, refinance or replace any Indebtedness incurred pursuant to this
     clause (xi), shall not exceed $10 million outstanding at any one time in
     the aggregate.
 
  Liens
 
     The Indenture provides that the Company will not, and will not permit any
of its Restricted Subsidiaries to, directly or indirectly, create, incur, assume
or suffer to exist any Lien on any asset or property now owned or hereafter
acquired, or any income or profits therefrom, or assign or convey any right to
receive income therefrom, unless (i) in the case of Liens securing obligations
subordinate to the Notes, the Notes are secured by a valid, perfected Lien on
such asset or property that is senior in priority to such Liens, (ii) in the
case of Liens securing obligations subordinate to a Subsidiary Guarantee, such
Subsidiary Guarantee is secured by a valid, perfected Lien on such asset or
property that is senior in priority to such Liens, and (iii) in all other cases,
the Notes (and, if such Lien secures obligations of a Restricted Subsidiary, a
Subsidiary Guarantee of such Restricted Subsidiary) are equally and ratably
secured; provided, however, that the foregoing shall not prohibit or restrict
Permitted Liens.
 
  Dividend and Other Payment Restrictions Affecting Subsidiaries
 
     The Indenture will provide that the Company will not, and will not permit
any of its Restricted Subsidiaries to, directly or indirectly, create or
otherwise cause or suffer to exist or become effective any encumbrance or
restriction on the ability of any Restricted Subsidiary to:
 
          (i) pay dividends or make any other distributions to the Company or
     any of its Restricted Subsidiaries on its Capital Stock or with respect to
     any other interest or participation in, or measured by, its profits;
 
          (ii) pay any Indebtedness owed to the Company or any of its Restricted
     Subsidiaries;
 
          (iii) make loans or advances to the Company or any of its Restricted
     Subsidiaries; or
 
          (iv) transfer any of its properties or assets to the Company or any of
     its Restricted Subsidiaries, except for such encumbrances or restrictions
     existing under or by reason of:
 
             (a) the Indenture, the Pledge Agreement or the Notes;
 
             (b) Existing Indebtedness;
 
             (c) applicable law;
 
             (d) any instrument governing Indebtedness or Capital Stock of a
        Person acquired by the Company or any of its Restricted Subsidiaries as
        in effect at the time of such acquisition (except to the extent such
        Indebtedness was incurred in connection with or in contemplation of such
        acquisition), which encumbrance or restriction is not applicable to any
        Person, or the properties or assets of any Person, other than the
        Person, or the property or assets of the Person, so acquired;
 
             (e) customary non-assignment provisions in leases or other
        agreements entered into in the ordinary course of business;
                                       80
<PAGE>   87
 
             (f) purchase money obligations for property acquired in the
        ordinary course of business that impose restrictions of the nature
        described in clause (iv) above on the property so acquired;
 
             (g) Permitted Refinancing Indebtedness; provided that the
        restrictions contained in the agreements governing such Permitted
        Refinancing Indebtedness are no more restrictive than those contained in
        the agreements governing the Refinanced Indebtedness; or
 
             (h) restrictions on cash or other deposits or net worth imposed by
        customers under contracts entered into in the ordinary course of
        business;
 
             (i) secured Indebtedness otherwise permitted to be incurred
        pursuant to the provisions of the covenant described above under the
        caption "--Liens" that limits the right of the debtor to dispose of the
        assets securing such Indebtedness; or
 
             (j) in the case of clauses (a), (b), (d), (e), (f), (g), (h) and
        (i) above, any amendments, modifications, restatements, renewals,
        increases, supplements, modifications, restatements or refinancings
        thereof, provided that such amendments, modifications, restatements or
        refinancings are not materially more restrictive with respect to such
        dividend and other payment restrictions than those contained in such
        instruments as in effect on the date of their incurrence.
 
  Merger, Consolidation or Sale of Assets
 
     The Indenture provides the Company may not consolidate or merge with or
into (whether or not the Company is the surviving Person), or sell, assign,
transfer, lease, convey or otherwise dispose of all or substantially all of its
properties or assets in one or more related transactions to, another Person
unless:
 
          (i) the Company is the surviving Person or the Person formed by or
     surviving any such consolidation or merger (if other than the Company) or
     to which such sale, assignment, transfer, lease, conveyance or other
     disposition shall have been made is a corporation organized and existing
     under the laws of the United States, any state thereof or the District of
     Columbia;
 
          (ii) the Person formed by or surviving any such consolidation or
     merger (if other than the Company) or the entity or Person to which such
     sale, assignment, transfer, lease, conveyance or other disposition shall
     have been made assumes all the obligations of the Company under the Notes,
     the Indenture and the Pledge Agreement pursuant to a supplemental indenture
     in form reasonably satisfactory to the Trustee;
 
          (iii) immediately after such transaction, no Default or Event of
     Default exists;
 
          (iv) the Company, or the Person formed by or surviving any such
     consolidation or merger (if other than the Company) or to which such sale,
     assignment, transfer, lease, conveyance or other disposition shall have
     been made will have Consolidated Net Worth immediately after the
     transaction equal to or greater than the Consolidated Net Worth of the
     Company immediately preceding the transaction; and
 
          (v) the Company, or the Person formed by or surviving any such
     consolidation or merger (if other than the Company) or to which such sale,
     assignment, transfer, lease, conveyance or other disposition shall have
     been made, at the time of such transaction and after giving pro forma
     effect thereto as if such transaction had occurred at the beginning of the
     immediately preceding fiscal quarter, will be permitted to incur at least
     $1.00 of additional Indebtedness pursuant to the first paragraph of the
     covenant entitled "Incurrence of Indebtedness or Issuance of Disqualified
     Stock."
 
  Transactions with Affiliates
 
     The Indenture provides that the Company will not, and will not permit any
of its Restricted Subsidiaries to, sell, lease transfer or otherwise dispose of
any of their properties or assets to, or purchase any property or
 
                                       81
<PAGE>   88
 
assets from, or enter into or make any contract, agreement, understanding, loan,
advance or guarantee with, or for the benefit of, any Affiliate (each of the
foregoing, an "Affiliate Transaction"), unless:
 
          (i) such Affiliate Transaction is on terms that are no less favorable
     to the Company or such Restricted Subsidiary than those that would have
     been obtained in a comparable transaction by the Company or such Restricted
     Subsidiary with an unrelated Person;
 
          (ii) the Company delivers to the Trustee:
 
             (a) with respect to any Affiliate Transaction involving aggregate
        consideration in excess of $2.5 million, (x) a determination by the
        disinterested members of the Board of Directors of the Company made in
        good faith (evidenced by a resolution approved by at least a majority of
        the disinterested members of the Board of Directors of the Company and
        set forth in an Officers' Certificate delivered to the Trustee) or (y)
        an opinion as to the fairness of such Affiliate Transaction to the
        Company or Restricted Subsidiary involved in such Affiliate Transaction
        from a financial point of view issued by an Independent Financial
        Advisor or, with respect to development, launch and operations of
        satellites and remote imaging-related matters, a nationally recognized
        expert in the respective applicable industry; and
 
             (b) with respect to any Affiliate Transaction involving aggregate
        consideration in excess of $10 million, an opinion as to the fairness of
        such Affiliate Transaction to the Company or Restricted Subsidiary
        involved in such Affiliate Transaction from a financial point of view
        issued by an Independent Financial Advisor or, with respect to
        development, launch and operations of satellites and remote
        imaging-related matters, a nationally recognized expert in the
        respective applicable industry;
 
provided, however, that the following shall be deemed not to be Affiliate
Transactions:
 
             (1) any employment agreement, stock option or stock purchase
        agreement entered into by the Company or any of its Restricted
        Subsidiaries with any of their respective employees in the ordinary
        course of business;
 
             (2) transactions between or among the Company and/or its Wholly
        Owned Restricted Subsidiaries;
 
             (3) Restricted Payments permitted by clauses (i), (ii), (iv), (v)
        and (vi) of the second paragraph of the covenant entitled "Restricted
        Payments" and Permitted Investments of a type referred to in clauses
        (i), (iii) and (vi) of the definition of Permitted Investments;
 
             (4) the sale of common Equity Interests (other than Disqualified
        Stock, except as contemplated by the Stock Purchase Agreement) of the
        Company for cash to an Affiliate of the Company;
 
             (5) transactions pursuant to agreements entered into with resellers
        of the Company's products and services on terms substantially the same
        as the Company's standard agreements entered into with such parties in
        the ordinary course of business;
 
             (6) transactions pursuant to the Orbital Agreements, including
        transactions pursuant to any amendments to the Procurement Agreement
        with respect to the selection of the launch vehicle for the satellite
        designated on the Issue Date as the OrbView-4 satellite;
 
             (7) amendments, supplements or other modifications to the Orbital
        Agreements that do not involve the payment of cash by the Company or any
        of its Restricted Subsidiaries;
 
             (8) payment of reasonable directors fees to Persons who are not
        otherwise Affiliates of the Company; and
 
             (9) the sale of securities (other than common Equity Interests) of
        the Company for cash to an Affiliate of the Company; provided that:
 
                                       82
<PAGE>   89
 
                (A) an amount of such securities at least equal to the amount
           sold to such Affiliate have been or are being sold substantially
           simultaneously to Persons that are not Affiliates of the Company;
 
                (B) the price per security paid by such Affiliate is no less
           than the price paid by such non-Affiliates; and
 
                (C) the Company shall not have entered into any other
           arrangement with such non-Affiliates to induce such non-Affiliates to
           purchase such securities.
 
  Maintenance of Insurance
 
     The Indenture provides that the Company shall obtain or maintain (as
applicable) in full force and effect:
 
          (i) launch and in-orbit checkout insurance with respect to each
     OrbView Satellite, which insurance shall be procured promptly prior to the
     launch of each such satellite and shall be in effect on the launch date and
     remain in effect through the launch and the initial check-out period of
     such OrbView Satellite, in an amount sufficient to provide for the
     construction, launch and insurance of a Replacement Satellite to be payable
     in the event of a launch or satellite failure during the initial check-out
     period; provided, however, that at the time the Company is required to
     procure launch and in-orbit check-out insurance with respect to an OrbView
     Satellite, the Company may reduce the amount to be insured if another
     OrbView Satellite is fully operational, is being used in commercial service
     and is insured in accordance with clause (ii) below, by (x) the amount of
     cash, cash equivalents and short-term investments (excluding proceeds of
     the Offering and the Series A Offering and amounts allocated or expected to
     be allocated for capital expenditures) currently available to the Company
     to construct a Replacement Satellite as determined in good faith by the
     Board of Directors of the Company (evidenced by a resolution approved by at
     least a majority of the Board of Directors of the Company and set forth in
     an Officers' Certificate delivered to the Trustee), and (y) the value of
     any long lead-time spare parts that the Company has procured to date for
     any satellite that is comparable to the technological capability of the
     OrbView Satellite being insured, as such value is determined in good faith
     by the Board of Directors of the Company (evidenced by a resolution
     approved by at least a majority of the Board of Directors of the Company
     and set forth in an Officers' Certificate delivered to the Trustee).
 
          (ii) in-orbit operations insurance with respect to each OrbView
     Satellite, at all times following the date an OrbView Satellite is placed
     in commercial service, representing the value of such satellite (taking
     into account the foregone useful life of such satellite) and the pro rata
     cost of a launch vehicle, payable in the event that such satellite ceases
     to be used for commercial revenue producing service (provided that such
     insurance may contain customary provisions for deductible payments and
     minimum thresholds for satellite failure); provided, however, that at the
     time the Company is required to procure or renew in-orbit operations
     insurance with respect to an OrbView Satellite, the Company may reduce the
     amount to be insured if another OrbView Satellite is fully operational, is
     being used in commercial service, and is insured in accordance with this
     clause (ii), by (x) the amount of cash, Cash Equivalents and short-term
     investments (excluding proceeds of the Offering and the Series A Offering
     and amounts allocated or expected to be allocated for capital
     expenditures), currently available to the Company to construct a
     Replacement Satellite as determined in good faith by the Board of Directors
     of the Company (evidenced by a resolution approved by at least a majority
     of the Board of Directors of the Company and set forth in an Officers'
     Certificate delivered to the Trustee), and (y) the value of any long
     lead-time spare parts that the Company has procured to date for any
     satellite that is comparable to the technological capability of the OrbView
     Satellite being insured, as such value is determined in good faith by the
     Board of Directors of the Company (evidenced by a resolution approved by at
     least a majority of the Board of Directors of the Company and set forth in
     an Officers' Certificate delivered to the Trustee).
 
                                       83
<PAGE>   90
 
     The obligation of the Company to maintain insurance pursuant to this
covenant may be satisfied by any combination of:
 
          (i) insurance commitments obtained from any recognized insurance
     provider,
 
          (ii) insurance commitments obtained from any entity other than an
     entity referred to in clause (i) if the Board of Directors of the Company
     determines in good faith (evidenced by a majority resolution of the Board
     of Directors of the Company and set forth in an Officer's Certificate
     delivered to the Trustee) that such entity is creditworthy and otherwise
     capable of bearing the financial risk of providing such insurance and
     making payments in respect of any claims on a timely basis; and
 
          (iii) unrestricted cash segregated and maintained by the Company in a
     segregated account established with an Eligible Institution (the "Insurance
     Account") solely for disbursement in accordance with the terms of this
     covenant ("Cash Insurance"), and to be held in trust for the sole and
     express benefit of the holders of the Notes.
 
     Within 30 days following any date on which the Company is required to
obtain insurance pursuant to the Indenture, the Company will deliver to the
Trustee an insurance certificate certifying the amount of insurance then
carried, and in full force and effect, and an Officer's Certificate stating that
such insurance, together with any other insurance or Cash Insurance maintained
by the Company, complies with the Indenture. In addition, the Company will cause
to be delivered to the Trustee no less than once each year an insurance
certificate setting forth the amount of insurance then carried, which insurance
certificate shall entitle the Trustee to:
 
          (i) notice of any claim under any such insurance policy; and
 
          (ii) at least 30 days' notice from the provider of such insurance
     prior to the cancellation of any such insurance and an Officers'
     Certificate that complies with the first sentence of this paragraph.
 
     In the event that the Company maintains any Cash Insurance in satisfaction
of any part of their obligation to maintain insurance pursuant to this covenant,
the Company shall deliver, in lieu of any insurance certificate otherwise
required by this covenant, an Officers' Certificate to the Trustee certifying
the amount of such Cash Insurance.
 
     In the event that the Company receives any proceeds of any insurance that
it is required to maintain pursuant to this covenant, the Company shall promptly
deposit such proceeds into an escrow account established with an Eligible
Institution for such purpose. If the Company maintains any Cash Insurance in
satisfaction of any part of its obligation to maintain insurance pursuant to
this covenant, the Company shall transfer the cash maintained in the Insurance
Account to such escrow account upon the occurrence of the event (e.g., a launch
failure) that would have entitled the Company to the payment of insurance had
the Company purchased insurance from a recognized insurance provider. The
Company may use monies on deposit in such escrow account for the design,
development, construction, procurement, launch and insurance of any Replacement
Satellite if: (i) the Company delivers to the Trustee a certificate of the
Company's President certifying that such Replacement Satellite is comparable to
the technological capability of the satellite being replaced, (ii) within 30
days following the receipt of such insurance proceeds, the Company delivers to
the Trustee an Officers' Certificate certifying that (A) the Company will use
its reasonable best efforts to ensure that such Replacement Satellites are
launched within 24 months following delivery from the escrow account of such
insurance proceeds; and (B) the Company will have sufficient funds to service
the Company's projected debt service requirements until the scheduled launch of
such Replacement Satellite and to develop, construct, launch and insure such
Replacement Satellite.
 
  Business Activities and Construction of OrbView Satellites
 
     The Indenture provides that the Company will not, and will not permit any
of its Restricted Subsidiaries to, engage in any business other than that which
is related to the design, development and operation of remote imaging satellites
and the worldwide marketing and sales of remote imagery-based products and
services.
 
                                       84
<PAGE>   91
 
  Limitations on Sale and Leaseback Transactions
 
     The Indenture provides that the Company will not, and will not permit any
Subsidiary of the Company to, directly or indirectly, enter into any Sale and
Leaseback Transaction with respect to any property or assets (whether now owned
or hereafter acquired), except for a Sale and Leaseback Transaction not
exceeding 365 days, unless (i) the sale or transfer of such property or assets
to be leased is treated as an Asset Sale and complies with the "--Limitations on
Sales of Assets and Subsidiary Interests" covenant and (ii) the Company or such
Subsidiary would be entitled under the "Incurrence of Indebtedness or Issuance
of Disqualified Stock" covenant to incur any Indebtedness (with the lease
obligations being treated as Indebtedness for purposes of ascertaining
compliance with this covenant) in respect of such Sale and Leaseback
Transaction.
 
  Additional Guarantors
 
     The Indenture provides that the Company shall cause each Person that
becomes a Restricted Subsidiary after the date of the Indenture, upon becoming a
Restricted Subsidiary, to become a Subsidiary Guarantor with respect to the
Notes. Any such person shall become a Subsidiary Guarantor by executing and
delivering to the Trustee (a) a supplemental indenture, in form and substance
satisfactory to the Trustee, which subjects such person to the provisions of the
Indenture as a Subsidiary Guarantor and (b) an opinion of counsel to the effect
that such supplemental indenture has been duly authorized and executed by such
Subsidiary Guarantor.
 
     The Indenture contains provisions the intent of which is to provide that
the obligations of any Subsidiary Guarantor will be limited to the maximum
amount that will, after giving effect to all other contingent and fixed
liabilities of such Subsidiary Guarantor and after giving effect to any
collections from, rights to receive contribution from, or payments made by or on
behalf of any other Subsidiary Guarantor in respect of the obligations of such
other Subsidiary Guarantor under its Subsidiary Guarantee or pursuant to its
contribution obligations under the Indenture, result in the obligations of such
Subsidiary Guarantor under its Subsidiary Guarantee not constituting a
fraudulent conveyance or fraudulent transfer under any applicable federal,
state, or foreign law. Any Subsidiary Guarantor that makes a payment or
distribution under a Subsidiary Guarantee shall be entitled to contribution from
each other Subsidiary Guarantor so long as the exercise of such right does not
impair the rights of the holders of the Notes under the Subsidiary Guarantees.
 
  Limitation on Sale of Capital Stock of Subsidiaries
 
     The Indenture provides that the Company may not, and may not permit any
Restricted Subsidiary to, issue, transfer, convey, lease or otherwise dispose of
any shares of Capital Stock or other ownership interests in a Restricted
Subsidiary or securities convertible or exchangeable into, or options, warrants,
rights or other interest with respect to, Capital Stock of or other ownership
interests in a Restricted Subsidiary to any Person (other than to the Company or
a Wholly Owned Restricted Subsidiary) except in a transaction that consists of a
sale of all of the Capital Stock of or other ownership interests in such
Subsidiary owned by the Company and any Subsidiary of the Company that complies
with the provisions described under "Repurchase at the Option of
Holders--Limitations on Sales of Assets and Subsidiary Interests" above to the
extent such provisions apply.
 
  Reports
 
     The Indenture provides that, whether or not required by the rules and
regulations of the Commission, so long as any Notes are outstanding, the Company
will furnish to the holders of Notes:
 
          (i) all quarterly and annual financial information that would be
     required to be contained in a filing with the Commission on Forms 10-Q and
     10-K if the Company were required to file such Forms, including a
     "Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of
     Operations" that describes the financial condition and results of
     operations of the Company and its Restricted Subsidiaries and, with respect
     to the annual information only, a report thereon by the Company's
     independent certified public accountants; and
 
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<PAGE>   92
 
          (ii) all information that would be required to be filed with the
     Commission on Form 8-K if the Company was required to file such reports.
 
     In addition, following the consummation of the Exchange Offer, whether or
not required by the rules and regulations of the Commission, but only if then
permitted by the Commission, the Company will file a copy of all such
information and reports with the Commission for public availability and make
such information available to securities analysts and prospective investors upon
request. In addition, for so long as any Notes remain outstanding, the Company
will furnish to the holders and to securities analysts and prospective
investors, upon their request, the information required to be delivered pursuant
to Rule 144A(d)(4) under the Securities Act.
 
EVENTS OF DEFAULT AND REMEDIES
 
     The Indenture provides that each of the following constitutes an Event of
Default:
 
          (i) default for 30 days in the payment when due of interest on, or
     Liquidated Damages (if any) with respect to, the Notes;
 
          (ii) default in payment when due (whether at maturity, upon redemption
     or repurchase, or otherwise) of the principal of or premium, if any, on the
     Notes;
 
          (iii) default in the payment of principal and interest or Liquidated
     Damages, if any, on Notes required to be purchased pursuant to the
     provisions described under the captions "--Repurchase at the Option of
     Holders--Change of Control," "--Repurchase at the Option of
     Holders--Limitations on Sales of Assets and Subsidiary Interests", or
     failure by the Company to comply with the provisions described under
     "--Certain Covenants--Merger, Consolidation or Sale of Assets,"
 
          (iv) failure by the Company or any of its Restricted Subsidiaries for
     30 days after notice to the Company by the Trustee or to the Company and
     the Trustee by the Holders of at least 25% of the outstanding principal
     amount of the Notes, to comply with any of their other covenants in the
     Indenture for the Notes;
 
          (v) default under any mortgage, indenture or instrument under which
     there may be issued or by which there may be secured or evidenced any
     Indebtedness for money borrowed by the Company or any of its Restricted
     Subsidiaries (or the payment of which is guaranteed by the Company or any
     of its Restricted Subsidiaries), whether such Indebtedness or guarantee now
     exists, or is created after the date of the Indenture, which default:
 
             (a) is caused by a failure to pay principal of, or premium, if any,
        or interest on, such Indebtedness prior to the expiration of the grace
        period provided in such Indebtedness on the date of such default (a
        "Payment Default"); or
 
             (b) results in the acceleration (which acceleration has not been
        rescinded) of such Indebtedness prior to its express maturity, and, in
        each case described in clauses (a) and (b) of this paragraph, the
        principal amount of any such Indebtedness, together with the principal
        amount of any other such Indebtedness under which there has been a
        Payment Default or the maturity of which has been so accelerated,
        aggregates $5 million or more;
 
          (vi) failure by the Company or any of its Restricted Subsidiaries to
     pay final judgments (other than any judgments as to which a reputable
     insurance company has accepted full liability and whose bond, premium or
     similar charge therefor is not in excess of $5 million) aggregating in
     excess of $5 million, which judgments are not paid, discharged or stayed
     within 60 days after their entry,
 
          (vii) breach by the Company of any representation or warranty set
     forth in the Pledge Agreement, or default by the Company in the performance
     of any covenant set forth in the Pledge Agreement, or repudiation by the
     Company of any of its obligations under the Pledge Agreement or the
     unenforceability of the Pledge Agreement against the Company for any reason
     which in any one case or in the aggregate results in a material impairment
     of the rights intended to be afforded thereby; and
 
                                       86
<PAGE>   93
 
          (viii) certain events of bankruptcy or insolvency with respect to the
     Company or any of its Restricted Subsidiaries.
 
     If any Event of Default occurs and is continuing with respect to the Notes,
the Trustee or the holders of at least 25% of the aggregate principal amount of
the then outstanding Notes may declare all the Notes to be due and payable
immediately. Notwithstanding the foregoing, in the case of an Event of Default
arising from certain events of bankruptcy or insolvency with respect to the
Company, any Significant Subsidiary or any group of Restricted Subsidiaries
that, taken together, would constitute a Significant Subsidiary, all outstanding
Notes will become due and payable without further action or notice. Holders of
the Notes may not enforce the Indenture or the Notes except as provided in the
Indenture. Subject to certain limitations, holders of a majority in principal
amount of the then outstanding Notes may direct the Trustee in its exercise of
any trust or power. The Trustee may withhold from holders of the Notes notice of
any continuing Default or Event of Default (except a Default or Event of Default
relating to the payment of principal or interest) if it determines that
withholding notice is in their interest.
 
     In the case of any Event of Default occurring by reason of any willful
action (or inaction) taken (or not taken) by or on behalf of the Company with
the intention of avoiding payment of the premium that the Company would have had
to pay if the Company then had elected to redeem the Notes pursuant to the
optional redemption provisions of the Indenture, an equivalent premium shall
also become and be immediately due and payable upon the acceleration of the
Notes. If an Event of Default occurs prior to March 1, 2002 by reason of any
such willful action (or inaction), by or on behalf of the Company with the
intention of avoiding the prohibition on redemption of the Notes prior to March
1, 2002, then the premium specified in the Indenture shall also become
immediately due and payable to the extent permitted by law upon the acceleration
of the Notes.
 
     The holders of a majority in aggregate principal amount of the Notes then
outstanding by notice to the Trustee may on behalf of the holders of all of the
Notes waive any existing Default or Event of Default and its consequences under
the Indenture, except a continuing Default or Event of Default in the payment of
interest on, or the principal of, the Notes.
 
     The Company is required to deliver to the Trustee annually a statement
regarding compliance with the Indenture, and the Company is required, upon
becoming aware of any Default or Event of Default, to deliver to the Trustee a
statement specifying such Default or Event of Default.
 
NO PERSONAL LIABILITY OF DIRECTORS, PARTNERS, OFFICERS, EMPLOYEES, INCORPORATORS
AND STOCKHOLDERS
 
     No director, officer, employee, incorporator, stockholder or authorized
representative of the Company, as such, shall have any liability for any
obligations of the Company under the Notes, the Indenture or the Pledge
Agreement or for any claim based on, in respect of, or by reason of, such
obligations or their creation. Each holder of Notes, by accepting a Note, waives
and releases all such liability. The waiver and release are part of the
consideration for issuance of the Notes. Such waiver may not be effective to
waive liabilities under the federal securities laws and it is the view of the
Commission that such a waiver is against public policy.
 
LEGAL DEFEASANCE AND COVENANT DEFEASANCE
 
     The Company may, at its option and at any time, elect to have all of their
obligations discharged with respect to the outstanding Notes ("Legal
Defeasance") except for:
 
          (i) the rights of holders of outstanding Notes to receive payments in
     respect of the principal of, and premium (if any), interest and Liquidated
     Damages (if any) on, such Notes when such payments are due from the trust
     referred to below;
 
          (ii) the Company's obligations with respect to the Notes concerning
     issuing temporary Notes, registration of Notes, mutilated, destroyed, lost
     or stolen Notes and the maintenance of an office or agency for payment and
     money for security payments held in trust;
 
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<PAGE>   94
 
          (iii) the rights, powers, trusts, duties and immunities of the
     Trustee, and the Company's obligations in connection therewith; and
 
          (iv) the Legal Defeasance provisions of the Indenture.
 
     In addition, the Company may, at its option and at any time, elect to have
the obligations of the Company released with respect to certain covenants that
are described in the Indenture ("Covenant Defeasance") and thereafter any
omission to comply with such obligations shall not constitute a Default or Event
of Default with respect to the Notes. In the event Covenant Defeasance occurs,
certain events (other than non-payment, bankruptcy, receivership, rehabilitation
and insolvency events) described under "--Events of Default" will no longer
constitute an Event of Default with respect to the Notes.
 
     In order to exercise either Legal Defeasance or Covenant Defeasance with
respect to the Notes:
 
          (i) the Company must irrevocably deposit with the Trustee, in trust
     for the benefit of the holders of the Notes, cash in U.S. dollars,
     non-callable Government Securities or a combination thereof, in such
     amounts as will be sufficient, in the opinion of a nationally recognized
     firm of independent certified public accountants, to pay the principal of,
     and premium if any, interest and Liquidated Damages, if any, on, the
     outstanding Notes on the Stated Maturity or on the applicable redemption
     date, as the case may be, and the Company must specify whether the Notes
     are being defeased to maturity or to a particular redemption date;
 
          (ii) in the case of Legal Defeasance, the Company shall have delivered
     to the Trustee an opinion of counsel in the United States reasonably
     acceptable to the Trustee confirming that:
 
             (A) the Company has received from, or there has been published by,
        the Internal Revenue Service a ruling, or
 
             (B) since the date of the Indenture, there has been a change in the
        applicable federal income tax law,
 
in either case to the effect, and based thereon such opinion of counsel shall
confirm, that the holders of the outstanding Notes will not recognize income,
gain or loss for federal income tax purposes as a result of such Legal
Defeasance and will be subject to federal income tax on the same amounts, in the
same manner and at the same times as would have been the case if such Legal
Defeasance had not occurred;
 
          (iii) in the case of Covenant Defeasance, the Company shall have
     delivered to the Trustee an opinion of counsel in the United States
     reasonably acceptable to the Trustee confirming that the holders of the
     outstanding Notes will not recognize income, gain or loss for federal
     income tax purposes as a result of such Covenant Defeasance and will be
     subject to federal income tax on the same amounts, in the same manner and
     at the same times as would have been the case if such Covenant Defeasance
     had not occurred;
 
          (iv) no Default or Event of Default shall have occurred and be
     continuing on the date of such deposit (other than a Default or Event of
     Default resulting from the borrowing of funds to be applied to such
     deposit) or insofar as Events of Default from bankruptcy or insolvency
     events are concerned, at any time in the period ending on the 91st day
     after the date of deposit;
 
          (v) such Legal Defeasance or Covenant Defeasance will not result in a
     breach or violation of, or constitute default under any material agreement
     or instrument (other than the Indenture) to which the Company or any of its
     Restricted Subsidiaries is a party or by which the Company or any of its
     Restricted Subsidiaries is bound;
 
          (vi) the Company shall have delivered to the Trustee an opinion of
     counsel to the effect that after the 91st day (or such other applicable
     date) following the deposit, the trust funds will not be subject to the
     effect of any applicable bankruptcy, insolvency, reorganization or similar
     laws affecting creditors' rights generally;
 
                                       88
<PAGE>   95
 
          (vii) the Company shall have delivered to the Trustee an Officers'
     Certificate stating that the deposit was not made by the Company with the
     intent of preferring the holders of Notes over the other creditors of the
     Company with the intent of defeating, hindering, delaying or defrauding
     creditors of the Company or others; and
 
          (viii) the Company shall have delivered to the Trustee an Officers'
     Certificate and an opinion of counsel, each stating that all conditions
     precedent provided for relating to the Legal Defeasance or the Covenant
     Defeasance have been complied with.
 
TRANSFER AND EXCHANGE
 
     A holder may transfer or exchange Notes in accordance with the Indenture.
The Registrar and the Trustee may require a holder, among other things, to
furnish appropriate endorsements and transfer documents and the Company may
require a holder to pay any taxes and fees required by law or permitted by the
Indenture. The Company is not required to transfer or exchange any Notes
selected for redemption. Also, the Company is not required to transfer or
exchange any Notes for a period of 15 days before a selection of Notes to be
redeemed.
 
     The registered holder of a Note will be treated as the owner of such Note
for all purposes.
 
AMENDMENT, SUPPLEMENT AND WAIVER
 
     Except as provided in the next succeeding paragraph, the Indenture, the
Notes and the Pledge Agreement may be amended or supplemented with the consent
of the holders of at least a majority in principal amount of the Notes then
outstanding (including consents obtained in connection with a purchase of, or
tender offer or exchange offer for, Notes), and any existing default or
compliance with any provision of the Indenture, the Notes or the Pledge
Agreement may be waived with the consent of the holders of a majority in
principal amount of the then outstanding Notes (including consents obtained in
connection with a purchase of, or tender offer or exchange offer for Notes).
 
     Without the consent of each holder affected, an amendment or waiver may not
(with respect to any Note held by a non-consenting holder):
 
          (i) reduce the principal amount of Notes whose holders must consent to
     an amendment, supplement or waiver;
 
          (ii) reduce the principal of or change the fixed maturity of any Note
     or alter the provisions with respect to the redemption of the Notes (other
     than provisions relating to the covenants described above under the caption
     "Repurchase at the Option of Holders--Change in Control" and "Limitation on
     Sales of Assets and Subsidiary Interests");
 
          (iii) reduce the rate of or change the time for payment of interest on
     any Note;
 
          (iv) waive a Default or Event of Default in the payment of principal
     of, premium (if any), interest or Liquidated Damages (if any) on, the Notes
     (except a rescission of acceleration of the Notes by the holders of at
     least a majority in aggregate principal amount of the Notes and a waiver of
     the payment default that resulted from such acceleration);
 
          (v) make any Note payable in money other than that stated in the
     Notes;
 
          (vi) make any change in the provisions of the Indenture relating to
     waivers of past Defaults or the rights of holders of Notes to receive
     payments of principal of, premium (if any), interest or Liquidated Damages
     on, the Notes;
 
          (vii) waive a redemption payment with respect to any Note (other than
     a payment required by one of the covenants described above under the
     caption "--Repurchase at the Option of holders"); or
 
          (viii) make any change in the foregoing amendment and waiver
     provisions.
 
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<PAGE>   96
 
     Notwithstanding the foregoing, without the consent of any holder of Notes,
the Company and the Trustee may amend or supplement the Indenture, the Notes or
the Pledge Agreement to cure any ambiguity, defect or inconsistency, to provide
for uncertificated Notes in addition to or in place of certificated Notes, to
provide for the assumption of the Company's obligations to holders of Notes in
the case of a merger or consolidation, to make any change that would provide any
additional rights or benefits to the holders of Notes or that does not adversely
affect the legal rights under the Indenture of any such holder, or to comply
with requirements of the Commission in order to effect or maintain the
qualification of the Indenture under the Trust Indenture Act.
 
CONCERNING THE TRUSTEE
 
     The Indenture contains certain limitations on the rights of the Trustee,
should it become a creditor of the Company, to obtain payment of claims in
certain cases, or to realize on certain property received in respect of any such
claim as security or otherwise. The Trustee will be permitted to engage in other
transactions; however, if the Trustee acquires any conflicting interest, it must
eliminate such conflict within 90 days, apply to the Commission for permission
to continue or resign.
 
     The holders of a majority in principal amount of the then outstanding Notes
will have the right to direct the time, method and place of conducting any
proceeding for exercising any remedy available to the Trustee, subject to
certain exceptions. The Indenture provides that in case an Event of Default
shall occur (which shall not be cured), the Trustee will be required, in the
exercise of its power, to use the degree of care of a prudent man in the conduct
of his own affairs. Subject to such provisions, the Trustee will be under no
obligation to exercise any of its rights or powers under the Indenture at the
request of any holder of Notes, unless such holder shall have offered to the
Trustee security and indemnity satisfactory to it against any loss, liability or
expense.
 
REGISTRATION RIGHTS; LIQUIDATED DAMAGES
 
     The Company entered into the Registration Rights Agreement with the Initial
Purchasers pursuant to which the Company will, at its expense, for the benefit
of the holders of the Original Notes, (i) use its best efforts to file within 45
days after the Closing Date, this Exchange Offer Registration Statement with the
Commission with respect to a registered offer to exchange the Original Notes for
the Exchange Notes, which will have terms identical in all material respects to
the Original Notes (except that the Exchange Notes will not contain terms with
respect to transfer restrictions) and (ii) unless the Exchange Offer would not
be permitted by applicable law or Commission policy, use its best efforts to
cause the Exchange Offer Registration Statement to be declared effective under
the Securities Act within 150 days after the Closing Date. Upon the Exchange
Offer Registration Statement being declared effective, the Company will offer
the Exchange Notes in exchange for surrender of the Original Notes. The Company
will keep the Exchange Offer open for not less than 30 days (or longer if
required by applicable law) after the date notice of the Exchange Offer is
mailed to the holders of the Original Notes. For each Original Note surrendered
to the Company pursuant to the Exchange Offer, the holder of such Original Note
will receive an Exchange Note having a principal amount equal to that of the
surrendered Original Note, which shall be canceled. Under existing
interpretations by the staff of the Commission, the Exchange Notes would in
general be freely transferable after the Exchange Offer without further
registration under the Securities Act; provided that broker-dealers
("Participating Broker-Dealers") receiving Exchange Notes in the Exchange Offer
will have a prospectus delivery requirement with respect to resales of such
Exchange Notes. The Commission has taken the position that Participating
Broker-Dealers may fulfill their prospectus delivery requirements with respect
to the Exchange Notes (other than a resale of an unsold allotment from the
original sale of the Original Notes) with the prospectus contained in the
Exchange Offer Registration Statement. Under the Registration Rights Agreement,
the Company is required to allow Participating Broker-Dealers and other persons,
if any, with similar prospectus delivery requirements to use the prospectus
contained in the Exchange Offer Registration Statement in connection with the
resale of such Exchange Notes. The Company will agree for a period of at least
180 days after the consummation of the Exchange Offer to make available a
prospectus meeting the requirements of the Securities Act to any Participating
Broker-Dealer for use in connection with any resale of any such Exchange Notes.
 
                                       90
<PAGE>   97
 
     Each holder of Original Notes (other than certain specified holders) who
wishes to exchange such Original Notes for Exchange Notes in the Exchange Offer
will be required to make certain representations, including representations that
any Exchange Notes to be received by it will be acquired in the ordinary course
of its business and that at the time of the commencement of the Exchange Offer
it has no arrangement with any person to participate in a distribution (within
the meaning of the Securities Act) with respect to the Exchange Notes.
 
     The Company has agreed to pay all reasonable expenses incident to the
Exchange Offer (excluding the fees of counsel to the Initial Purchasers) and
will indemnify the Initial Purchasers against certain liabilities, including
liabilities under the Securities Act.
 
     In the event that, based upon applicable interpretations of the Securities
Act by the staff of the Commission, the Company concludes that it cannot effect
the Exchange Offer, or if for any other reason the Exchange Offer is not
consummated within 180 days of the Closing Date, or if a holder of the Original
Notes is not permitted by applicable law to participate in the Exchange Offer,
the Company will use its best efforts to file a shelf registration statement
(the "Shelf Registration Statement") with the Commission on or prior to 45 days
after such filing obligation arises, cause the Shelf Registration Statement to
be declared effective by the Commission on or prior to 150 days after such
obligation arises and use their best efforts to keep such Shelf Registration
Statement continuously effective until two years after the Closing Date.
 
     In the event that either: (i) the Exchange Offer Registration Statement or
the Shelf Registration Statement is not filed with the Commission on or prior to
the date specified for such filing; (ii) the Exchange Offer Registration
Statement or the Shelf Registration Statement has not been declared effective by
the Commission on or prior to the date specified for such effectiveness; (iii)
the Exchange Offer is not consummated on or prior to the date specified for such
consummation; or (iv) following the date such Exchange Offer Registration
Statement or Shelf Registration Statement is declared effective by the
Commission, it shall cease to be effective without being restored to
effectiveness by amendment or otherwise within the time period specified in the
Registration Rights Agreement, (each such event referred to in clauses (i)
through (iv), a "Registration Default"), the Company shall pay as liquidated
damages ("Liquidated Damages") to each holder of the Original Notes an amount
(the "Damage Amount") equal to 0.25% per annum of the face amount of the
Original Notes during the first 90-day period or any portion thereof immediately
following the occurrence of such Registration Default. The Damage Amount will be
increased by an additional 0.25% per annum of the face amount of the Original
Notes for each subsequent 90-day period that any such Damage Amount continues to
accrue, and the Damage Amount will accrue at the rate specified above until such
Registration Default is cured; provided that in no event shall the Damage Amount
be increased by more than 1% of the face amount of the Original Notes. In
certain circumstances, if the Shelf Registration Statement ceases to be
effective for certain periods, then Liquidated Damages shall be payable.
 
     The Original Notes and the Exchange Notes will be considered collectively
to be a single class for all purposes under the Indenture, including, without
limitation, waivers, amendments, redemptions and offers to repurchase under the
circumstances described herein.
 
CERTAIN DEFINITIONS
 
     Set forth below are certain defined terms used in the Indenture. Reference
is made to the Indenture for a full disclosure of all such terms, as well as any
other capitalized terms used herein for which no definition is provided.
 
     "Attributable Debt" means, with respect to any sale and leaseback
transaction, the present value at the time of determination (discounted at a
rate consistent with accounting guidelines, as determined in good faith by the
Company) of the payments during the remaining term of the lease (including any
period for which such lease has been extended or may, at the option of the
lessor, be extended) or until the earliest date on which the lessee may
terminate such lease without penalty or upon payment of a penalty (in which case
the rental payments shall include such penalty, after excluding all amounts
required to be paid on account of maintenance and repairs, insurance, taxes,
assessments, water, utilities and similar charges).
 
                                       91
<PAGE>   98
 
     "Acquired Debt" means, with respect to any specified Person:
 
          (i) Indebtedness of any other Person existing at the time such other
     Person is merged with or into or became a Restricted Subsidiary of such
     specified Person, including, without limitation, Indebtedness incurred in
     connection with, or in contemplation of, such other Person merging with or
     into or becoming a Restricted Subsidiary of such specified Person; and
 
          (ii) Indebtedness secured by a Lien encumbering any asset acquired by
     such specified Person.
 
     "Affiliate" of any specified Person means any other Person directly or
indirectly controlling or controlled by or under direct or indirect common
control with such specified Person. For purposes of this definition, "control"
(including, with correlative meanings, the terms "controlling controlled by" and
"under common control with"), as used with respect to any Person, shall mean the
possession, directly or indirectly, of the power to direct or cause the
direction of the management or policies of such Person, whether through the
ownership of Voting Equity Interests, by agreement or otherwise; provided that
beneficial ownership of 10% or more of the Voting Equity Interests (or the
equivalent) of a Person shall be deemed to be control.
 
     "Asset Sale" means:
 
          (i) the sale, lease, license, conveyance or other disposition of any
     assets or rights (including, without limitation, by way of a Sale and
     Leaseback or similar arrangement) by the Company or a Restricted Subsidiary
     (a "disposition"), provided that the disposition of all or substantially
     all of the assets of the Company and its Restricted Subsidiaries taken as a
     whole will be governed by the provisions of the Indenture described above
     under the caption "--Repurchase at the Option of Holders--Change of
     Control" and/or the provisions described above under the caption "--Certain
     Covenants--Merger, Consolidation or Sale of Assets" and not by the
     provisions of the Asset Sale covenant); and
 
          (ii) except to the extent excluded by clause (i) above, the issuance
     or disposition by the Company or any of its Restricted Subsidiaries of
     Equity Interests of the Company's Restricted Subsidiaries,
 
in the case of either clause (i) or (ii) above, whether in a single transaction
or a series of related transactions: (a) that have a Fair Market Value in excess
of $2.5 million; or (b) for net proceeds in excess of $2.5 million.
 
     Notwithstanding the foregoing: (i) sales of imagery, imagery distribution
or satellite tasking rights, software or rights in software for processing and
storing imagery, license grants to imagery value-added resellers or distributors
and other associated rights, and sales of services, products or inventory in the
ordinary course of business; (ii) a transfer of assets by the Company to any of
its Restricted Subsidiaries or by a Restricted Subsidiary to the Company; (iii)
an issuance of Equity Interests by a Restricted Subsidiary to the Company or to
a Wholly Owned Restricted Subsidiary of the Company; (iv) an exchange of an
asset held by the Company or a Restricted Subsidiary for an asset of a third
party upon a determination by the disinterested members of the Board of
Directors of the Company made in good faith (evidenced by a resolution approved
by a majority of the disinterested members of the Board of Directors of the
Company and set forth in an Officers' Certificate delivered to the Trustee) that
the asset received by the Company or a Restricted Subsidiary in such exchange
(x) is a Related Asset, (y) has a Fair Market Value at least equal to the fair
market value of the asset transferred by the Company or such Restricted
Subsidiary and (z) is usable in the ordinary course of the Company's business to
at least the same extent as the asset transferred by the Company or such
Restricted Subsidiary; (v) sales or dispositions of damaged, worn out or other
obsolete property in the ordinary course of business so long as such property is
no longer necessary for the proper conduct of the business of the Company or any
of its Restricted Subsidiaries; and (vi) a Restricted Payment that is permitted
by the covenant entitled "Restricted Payments" will not be deemed to be Asset
Sales.
 
     "Business Assets" means any hardware, software, technology, intellectual
property, or other rights in or assets (or, in the case of clause (vi),
inventory) relating to (i) the remote imaging satellites owned and/or operated
by ORBIMAGE on the Issue Date, (ii) the OrbView Satellites, (iii) the
Replacement Satellites, (iv) any other remote imaging satellites developed,
constructed or acquired by ORBIMAGE, (v) the ground segment (or any components
thereof) related to the operation of, and processing of data from, the
satellites described in clauses (i)-(v) above, and (vi) the Company's imagery
catalogue and archive.
 
                                       92
<PAGE>   99
 
     "Capital Lease Obligation" means, at the time any determination thereof is
to be made, the amount of the liability in respect of a capital lease that would
at such time be required to be capitalized on a balance sheet in accordance with
GAAP.
 
     "Capital Stock" means:
 
          (i) in the case of a corporation, corporate stock;
 
          (ii) in the case of an association or business entity, any and all
     shares, interests, participations, rights or other equivalents (however
     designated) of corporate stock;
 
          (iii) in the case of a partnership, partnership interests (whether
     general or limited); and
 
          (iv) any other interest or participation that confers on a Person the
     right to receive a share of the profits and losses of, or distributions of
     assets of, the issuing Person.
 
     "Cash Consideration" means any consideration received from an Asset Sale in
the form of cash or Cash Equivalents, in either case in U.S. dollars or freely
convertible into U.S. dollars.
 
     "Cash Equivalents" means:
 
          (i) United States dollars;
 
          (ii) Government Securities;
 
          (iii) certificates of deposit and eurodollar time deposits with
     maturities of six months or less from the date of acquisition, bankers'
     acceptances or money market deposit accounts with maturities not exceeding
     six months and overnight bank deposits, in each case with any Eligible
     Institution;
 
          (iv) repurchase obligations with a term of not more than seven days
     for underlying securities of the types described in clauses (ii) and (iii)
     above entered into with any Eligible Institution;
 
          (v) commercial paper having the highest rating obtainable from Moody's
     or S&P and in each case maturing within six months after the date of
     acquisition; and
 
          (vi) mutual funds or other pooled investment vehicles investing solely
     in investments of the types described in (i) through (v) above.
 
     "Change of Control" means:
 
          (i) the failure by Orbital to hold at least 12,600,000 shares of
     Common Stock of the Company (being 50% of the shares of Common Stock held
     by Orbital on May 8, 1997), adjusted for stock splits, stock combinations
     and the like;
 
          (ii) the failure by Orbital to hold at least thirty percent (30%) of
     the Common Stock of the Company on a fully diluted basis, without giving
     effect to the conversion of Capital Stock of the Company issued as a
     dividend paid-in-kind with respect to shares of Series A Preferred Stock or
     Capital Stock of the Company issued pursuant to options granted under the
     Stock Option Plan or any other option plan adopted for the benefit of the
     Company's employees or directors;
 
          (iii) the direct or indirect acquisition of beneficial ownership of
     Voting Equity Interests of the Company by any Person or group of Persons
     acting in concert, in an amount greater than the amount of Voting Equity
     Interests held contemporaneously by Orbital except (x) purchases by record
     holders of Series A Preferred Stock as of the Issue Date (and their
     affiliates, to the extent that such holders are permitted to transfer their
     shares of Series A Preferred Stock to affiliates under the Amended and
     Restated Stock Purchase Agreement, dated February 25, 1998 ("Series A
     Affiliates")) from other holders of Series A Preferred Stock and their
     Series A Affiliates and (y) purchases permitted pursuant to the Series A
     Holders' subscription rights under Section 4.1 of the Stockholders'
     Agreement;
 
          (iv) the acquisition of the Company, or the sale, lease, transfer,
     conveyance or other disposition, in one transaction or a series of related
     transactions, directly or indirectly, including through a liquidation or
     dissolution, of all or substantially all of the assets of the Company and
     its Restricted Subsidiaries or the
                                       93
<PAGE>   100
 
     combination of the Company or all or substantially all its assets with
     another Person (other than any such transfer to any Wholly Owned Restricted
     Subsidiary of the Company), unless the acquiring or surviving Person shall
     be a corporation more than fifty percent (50%) of the combined voting power
     of which corporation's then outstanding Voting Equity Interests, after
     giving effect to such acquisition or combination, are owned, immediately
     after such acquisition or combination, by the owners of the Voting Equity
     Interests of the Company outstanding immediately prior to such acquisition
     or combination;
 
          (v) the adoption of a plan relating to the liquidation or dissolution
     of the Company (other than any such liquidation or dissolution to or for
     the benefit of any Wholly Owned Restricted Subsidiary of the Company);
 
          (vi) the failure by the Company to obtain any applicable License (or
     License amendment, as applicable) so that it is in full force and effect
     within thirty (30) days prior to the scheduled launch of any of the OrbView
     Satellites;
 
          (vii) the revocation of any License necessary to operate OrbView-2 or
     the OrbView Satellites consistent with the Company's current and planned
     commercial operations and which revocation is not cured within thirty (30)
     days of the occurrence thereof or such later date when all applicable
     appeals have been finally determined, if during such appeal period the
     Company has received regulatory approval to continue operations under the
     License pending the outcome of such appeals; or
 
          (viii) at any time prior to the latest to occur of (a) the successful
     in-orbit checkout of the imaging satellite known as OrbView-3, (b) a
     Qualifying Public Offering or (c) the business day next following the end
     of a 180 consecutive day period during which the average closing price per
     share of the Company's Common Stock shall have exceeded the Threshold Price
     (as defined in the definition of "Qualifying Public Offering" below) then
     in effect, and unless consented to in writing by the holders of at least
     fifty percent (50%) of the shares of Series A Preferred Stock then
     outstanding, the acquisition by any Person or group of Persons acting in
     concert of beneficial ownership, direct or indirect, of securities of
     Orbital representing thirty-five percent (35%) or more of the combined
     voting power of Orbital's then outstanding equity securities and at any
     time thereafter either (x) less than a majority of Orbital's board of
     directors shall be Continuing Directors or (y) there shall be an
     announcement by Orbital or such acquiring Person or group of Persons or the
     approval of a business plan by Orbital's Board of Directors, in either case
     that indicates an intention to de-emphasize or curtail the relationship
     between the Company and Orbital.
 
     "Collateral Agent" means the collateral agent under the Pledge Agreement.
 
     "Consolidated Cash Flow" means, with respect to any Person for any period,
the Consolidated Net Income of such Person for such period,
 
     (a) plus, to the extent deducted or otherwise excluded in computing such
Consolidated Net Income:
 
          (i) an amount equal to any extraordinary loss plus any net loss
     realized in connection with a sale of assets;
 
          (ii) provision for taxes based on income or profits of such Person and
     its Restricted Subsidiaries for such period;
 
          (iii) Consolidated Interest Expense; and
 
          (iv) depreciation, amortization (including amortization of goodwill
     and other intangibles but excluding amortization of prepaid cash expenses
     that were paid in a prior period) and other non-cash charges (excluding any
     such non-cash charge to the extent that it represents an accrual of or
     reserve for cash charges in any future period or amortization of a prepaid
     cash expense that was paid in a prior period) of such Person and its
     Restricted Subsidiaries for such period;
 
     (b) minus, to the extent added or otherwise included in computing
Consolidated Net Income, consolidated interest income of such Person and its
Restricted Subsidiaries for such period and non-cash items increasing such
Consolidated Net Income (including, without limitation, (x) unrealized currency
exchange
                                       94
<PAGE>   101
 
gains and (y) amortized non-cash contract revenues related to (i) cash received
prior to the Issue Date and (ii) cash received subsequent to the date hereof
that is specifically intended to fund capital expenditures, including, but not
limited to that certain contract between Orbital and the U.S. Air Force with
respect to hyperspectral imagery, in each case, on a consolidated basis and
determined in accordance with GAAP). Notwithstanding the foregoing, the
provision for taxes on the income or profits of, and the depreciation and
amortization and other non-cash charges of, a Restricted Subsidiary of any such
Person shall be added to Consolidated Net Income to compute Consolidated Cash
Flow only to the extent (and in the same proportion) that the Net Income of such
Restricted Subsidiary was included in calculating the Consolidated Net Income of
such Person and only if a corresponding amount would be permitted at the date of
determination to be distributed by dividend to such Person by such Restricted
Subsidiary without prior approval (that has not been obtained), pursuant to the
terms of its charter and all agreements, instruments, judgments, decrees,
orders, statutes, rules and governmental regulations applicable to such
Restricted Subsidiary or its stockholders.
 
     "Consolidated Interest Expense" means, with respect to any Person for any
period, (a) the consolidated interest expense of such Person and its Restricted
Subsidiaries for such period, on a consolidated basis, determined in accordance
with GAAP, whether paid or accrued and whether or not capitalized (including,
without limitation, amortization of original issue discount, non-cash interest
payments, the interest component of any deferred payment obligations, the
interest component of all payments associated with Capital Lease Obligations,
commissions, discounts and other fees and charges incurred in respect of letter
of credit or bankers' acceptance financing, and net payments (if any) pursuant
to Hedging Obligations) plus (b) the aggregate amount for such period of cash or
non-cash dividends on any Disqualified Stock of the Company and its
Subsidiaries.
 
     "Consolidated Net Income" means, with respect to any Person for any period,
the aggregate of the Net Income of such Person and its Restricted Subsidiaries
for such period, on a consolidated basis, determined in accordance with GAAP;
provided that:
 
          (i) the Net Income of any Person that is not a Subsidiary Guarantor or
     that is accounted for by the equity method of accounting shall be included
     only to the extent of the amount of dividends or distributions actually
     paid in cash to the referent Person or a Wholly Owned Restricted Subsidiary
     thereof;
 
          (ii) the Net Income of any Restricted Subsidiary that is not a
     Subsidiary Guarantor shall be excluded to the extent that the declaration
     or payment of dividends or similar distributions by such Restricted
     Subsidiary of such Net Income is not at the date of determination permitted
     without any prior governmental approval (which has not been obtained) or,
     directly or indirectly, by operation of the terms of its charter or any
     agreement, instrument, judgment, decree, order, statute, rule or
     governmental regulation applicable to such Restricted Subsidiary or its
     stockholders;
 
          (iii) the Net Income of any Person acquired in a pooling of interests
     transaction for any period prior to the date of such acquisition shall be
     excluded;
 
          (iv) the cumulative effect of a change in accounting principles shall
     be excluded; and
 
          (v) the Net Income of any Unrestricted Subsidiary shall be included
     only to the extent of the amount of dividends or distributions actually
     paid in cash to the referent Person or a Restricted Subsidiary thereof.
 
     "Consolidated Net Worth" means, with respect to any Person as of any date:
 
          (i) the consolidated equity of the equity holders of such Person and
     its consolidated Restricted Subsidiaries as of such date; plus
 
          (ii) the respective amounts reported on such Person's balance sheet as
     of such date with respect to any series of preferred Equity Interests
     (other than Disqualified Stock) that by its terms is not entitled to the
     payment of dividends unless such dividends may be declared and paid only
     out of net earnings in
 
                                       95
<PAGE>   102
 
     respect of the year of such declaration and payment, but only to the extent
     of any cash received by such Person upon issuance of such preferred stock;
     minus
 
          (iii) all write-ups (other than write-ups resulting from foreign
     currency translations and write-ups of tangible assets of a going-concern
     business made within 12 months after the acquisition of such business)
     subsequent to the date of the Indenture in the book value of any asset
     owned by such Person or a consolidated Subsidiary of such Person; minus
 
          (iv) all investments as of such date in unconsolidated Subsidiaries
     and in Persons that are not Restricted Subsidiaries; minus
 
          (v) all unamortized debt discount and expense and unamortized deferred
     charges as of such date.
 
     "Consolidated Tangible Net Assets" means, with respect to any Person, the
Consolidated Net Worth of such Person less goodwill and any other intangible
assets shown on the consolidated balance sheet of such Person and its Restricted
Subsidiaries.
 
     "Continuing Director" means a director of Orbital that is a director on the
Issue Date or is nominated as a director by a majority of Orbital's Board of
Directors, which majority consists of directors in place for at least 12 months
(other than in connection with replacements or vacancies occurring in the
ordinary course) prior to the acquisition representing 35% or more of the
combined voting power of Orbital's outstanding equity securities.
 
     "Credit Facilities" means, with respect to the Company, one or more debt
facilities or commercial paper facilities with banks or other institutional
lenders providing for revolving credit loans, term loans, receivables financing
(including through the sale of receivables to such lenders or to special purpose
entities formed to borrow from such lenders against such receivables) or letters
of credit, in each case, as amended, restated, modified, renewed, refunded,
replaced or refinanced in whole or in part from time to time.
 
     "Default" means any event that is or with the passage of time or the giving
of notice or both would be an Event of Default.
 
     "Disqualified Stock" means any Capital Stock that, by its terms (or by the
terms of any security into which it is convertible, or for which it is
exchangeable, at the option of the holder thereof), or upon the happening of any
event: (i) matures or is mandatorily redeemable, pursuant to a sinking fund
obligation or otherwise at the option of the holder thereof; or (ii) is
redeemable or is convertible or exchangeable for Indebtedness at the option of
the holder thereof, in whole or in part, on or prior to the date on which the
Notes are repaid, redeemed or retired in full; provided however, that
Disqualified Stock shall not include any Capital Stock that would constitute
Disqualified Stock solely because the holders thereof have the right to require
the Company to repurchase such Capital Stock if the terms of such Capital Stock
provide that the Company may not repurchase or redeem any such Capital Stock
pursuant to such provisions unless such repurchase or redemption complies with
the covenant described above under the caption "--Certain Covenants--Restricted
Payments." The Series A Preferred Stock shall not be Disqualified Stock.
 
     "Eligible Institution" means a domestic commercial banking institution that
has combined capital and surplus of not less than $500 million or its equivalent
in foreign currency, whose debt is rated "A" or higher according to S&P or
Moody's at the time as of which any investment or rollover therein is made.
 
     "Eligible Receivables" means the accounts receivable of the Company (net of
accounts more than 90 days past due and reserves and allowances for doubtful
accounts determined in accordance with GAAP).
 
     "Equity Interests" means Capital Stock and all warrants, options or other
rights to acquire Capital Stock (but excluding any debt security that is
convertible into, or exchangeable for, Capital Stock).
 
     "Existing Indebtedness" means Indebtedness of the Company in existence on
the Issue Date, until such amounts are repaid.
 
     "Fair Market Value" means, with respect to any asset, the sale value that
would be obtained in an arm's-length free market transaction, between a willing
seller and a willing buyer, neither of which is under pressure
 
                                       96
<PAGE>   103
 
or compulsion to complete the transaction; provided that the Fair Market Value
of any such asset or assets shall be determined by the Board of Directors of the
Company, acting in good faith and by unanimous resolution, and which
determination shall be evidenced by an Officers' Certificate delivered to the
Trustee.
 
     "Fixed Asset Financing" means Indebtedness that is secured by ground-based
equipment and other tangible assets of the Company or a sale and leaseback
transaction with respect to such assets, in which case the Attributable Debt
shall be treated as Indebtedness for purposes of this definition.
 
     "GAAP" means generally accepted accounting principles set forth in the
opinions and pronouncements of the Accounting Principles Board of the American
Institute of Certified Public Accountants and statements and pronouncements of
the Financial Accounting Standards Board or in such other statements by such
other entity as have been approved by a significant segment of the accounting
profession and which are in effect on the Issue Date.
 
     "Government Securities" means direct obligations of, or obligations
guaranteed by, the United States of America for the payment of which guarantee
or obligations the full faith and credit of the United States is pledged.
 
     "Guarantee" or "guarantee" means a guarantee (other than by endorsement of
negotiable instruments for collection in the ordinary course of business),
direct or indirect, in any manner (including, without limitation, letters of
credit and reimbursement agreements in respect thereof), of all or any part of
any Indebtedness.
 
     "Hedging Obligations" means, with respect to any Person, the obligations of
such Person under: (i) interest rate swap agreements, interest rate cap
agreements and interest rate collar agreements; (ii) foreign currency hedge
obligations; and (iii) other agreements or arrangements designed to protect such
Person against fluctuations in interest and foreign currency rates.
 
     "Indebtedness" means, with respect to any Person, any indebtedness of such
Person, whether or not contingent, in respect of borrowed money or evidenced by
bonds, notes, debentures or similar instruments or letters of credit (or
reimbursement agreements in respect thereof) or bankers' acceptances or
representing Capital Lease Obligations or the balance deferred and unpaid of the
purchase price of any property or representing any Hedging Obligations, except
any such balance that constitutes an accrued expense or trade payable to the
extent that any such accrued expense or trade payable is not more than 90 days
overdue or is otherwise being contested in good faith by appropriate proceedings
promptly instituted and diligently conducted, if and to the extent any of the
foregoing indebtedness (other than letters of credit and Hedging Obligations)
would appear as a liability upon a balance sheet of such Person prepared in
accordance with GAAP, as well as all indebtedness of others secured by a Lien on
any asset of such Person (whether or not such indebtedness is assumed by such
Person and, in the event such indebtedness is not assumed by, and is otherwise
non-recourse to, such Person, the amount of such indebtedness shall be deemed to
equal the greater of book value or Fair Market Value), all obligations to
purchase, redeem, retire, defease or otherwise acquire for value any
Disqualified Stock or any warrants, rights or options to acquire such
Disqualified Stock valued, in the case of Disqualified Stock, at the greatest
amount payable in respect thereof on a liquidation (whether voluntary or
involuntary) plus accrued and unpaid dividends, the liquidation value of any
preferred stock issued by Subsidiaries of such Person, plus accrued and unpaid
dividends, and, to the extent not otherwise included, the Guarantee by such
Person of any indebtedness of any other Person; and provided, that
"Indebtedness" shall be calculated without duplication and after elimination of
Intercompany Indebtedness (as defined in clause (vi) of the covenant entitled
"Incurrence of Indebtedness or Issuance of Disqualified Stock").
 
     "Indebtedness to Capital Ratio" means, on any date of determination for the
Company and its Restricted Subsidiaries, on a consolidated basis, the ratio
(expressed as a percentage) of Indebtedness on such date to Total Invested
Capital on such date.
 
                                       97
<PAGE>   104
 
     "Indebtedness to Cash Flow Ratio" means, with respect to any Person as of
any date of determination, the ratio of:
 
          (i) total Indebtedness of such Person and its Restricted Subsidiaries
     as of such date; to
 
          (ii) two times Consolidated Cash Flow of such Person and its
     Restricted Subsidiaries for the two most recently ended fiscal quarters for
     which financial statements of such Person are available (the "Measurement
     Period");
 
provided, however, that: (a) in making such computation, the total Indebtedness
of such Person and its Restricted Subsidiaries shall include the total amount of
funds outstanding under any credit facilities; and (b) in the event such Person
or any of its Restricted Subsidiaries consummates a material acquisition or sale
of assets, or issues or redeems Disqualified Stock subsequent to the
commencement of the Measurement Period, then the Indebtedness to Cash Flow Ratio
shall be calculated giving pro forma effect to such material acquisition, sale
of assets or issuance or redemption of Disqualified Stock as if the same had
occurred at the beginning of the Measurement Period. For purposes of this
definition, whenever the pro forma effect is to be given to a transaction, the
pro forma calculations shall be made in good faith by a responsible financial or
accounting officer of the Company.
 
     "Independent Financial Advisor" means an accounting, appraisal or
investment banking firm of nationally recognized standing that is, in the good
faith judgment of the Board of Directors of the Company (evidenced by a
resolution of the majority of the Board of Directors of the Company as set forth
in an Officers' Certificate delivered to the Trustee), qualified to perform the
task for which it has been engaged and is disinterested and independent with
respect to the Company and its Affiliates.
 
     "Investments" means, with respect to any Person, all investments by such
Person in other Persons (including Affiliates) in the forms of direct or
indirect loans, guarantees, advances or capital contributions (excluding
commission, travel and similar advances to officers and employees made in the
ordinary course of business), purchases or other acquisitions for consideration
of Indebtedness, Equity Interests or other securities and all other items that
are or would be classified as investments on a balance sheet prepared in
accordance with GAAP; provided that an acquisition of assets, Equity Interests
or other securities by the Company for consideration consisting of common Equity
Interests (other than Disqualified Stock) of the Company shall not be deemed to
be an Investment. Notwithstanding the foregoing, Investments shall not include
advance payments for satellite capacity or imagery related services or products
in the ordinary course of business.
 
     "Joint Venture" means a Person in a Related Business in which the Company
or one of its Subsidiaries holds 50% or less of the Voting Equity Interests.
 
     "License" means any Federal Communications Commission license or Department
of Commerce license issued to the Company relating to the operation of OrbView-2
or the OrbView Satellites (including the Department of Commerce license and the
Federal Communications Commission license currently owned by Orbital relating to
the operation of OrbView-2).
 
     "Lien" means, with respect to any asset, any mortgage, lien, pledge,
charge, security interest or encumbrance of any kind in respect of such asset,
whether or not filed, recorded or otherwise perfected under applicable law
(including any conditional sale or other title retention agreement, any lease in
the nature thereof, any option or other agreement to sell or give a security
interest in and any filing of or agreement to give any financing statement under
the Uniform Commercial Code (or equivalent statutes) of any jurisdiction).
 
     "Marketable Securities" means: (i) Government Securities or, for purpose of
determining whether such Government Securities may serve as substitute Pledged
Securities, Government Securities having a maturity date on or before the date
on which the payments of interest (or principal) on the Notes to which such
Government Securities are pledged occur; (ii) any certificate of deposit
maturing not more than 270 days after the date of acquisition issued by, or time
deposit of, an Eligible Institution; (iii) commercial paper maturing not more
than 270 days after the date of acquisition issued by a corporation (other than
an Affiliate of the
 
                                       98
<PAGE>   105
 
Company) with a rating at the time as of which any investment therein is made,
of "A-1" (or higher) according to S&P or "P-1" (or higher) according to Moody's;
(iv) any banker's acceptances or money market deposit accounts issued or offered
by an Eligible Institution; and (v) any fund investing exclusively in
investments of the types described in clauses (i) through (iv) above.
 
     "Moody's" means Moody's Investors Service, Inc.
 
     "Net Income" means, with respect to any Person, the net income (or loss) of
such Person, determined in accordance with GAAP and before any reduction in
respect of preferred stock dividends, excluding, however,
 
          (i) any gain (but not loss), together with any related provision for
     taxes on such gain (but not loss), realized in connection with:
 
             (a) any sale of assets (including, without limitation, dispositions
        pursuant to Sale and Leaseback Transactions); or
 
             (b) the disposition of any securities by such Person or any of its
        Restricted Subsidiaries or the extinguishment of any Indebtedness of
        such Person or any of its Restricted Subsidiaries; and
 
          (ii) any extraordinary or nonrecurring gain (but not loss), together
     with any related provision for taxes on such extraordinary or nonrecurring
     gain (but not loss).
 
     "Net Proceeds" means (a) with respect to any Asset Sale, the aggregate cash
proceeds received by the Company or any of its Restricted Subsidiaries in
respect of such Asset Sale (including, without limitation, any cash received
upon the sale or other disposition of any non-cash consideration received in any
Asset Sale), net of the direct costs relating to such Asset Sale (including,
without limitation, legal, accounting and investment banking fees, and sales
commissions) and any relocation expenses incurred as a result thereof, taxes
paid or payable as a result thereof (after taking into account any available tax
credits or deductions and any tax sharing arrangements and provided that any
such amount not so required to be paid for taxes shall be deemed to constitute
Net Proceeds at the time such amount is not retained for such purpose), amounts
required to be applied to the repayment of Indebtedness secured by a Lien on the
asset or assets (including Equity Interests) that were the subject of such Asset
Sale and any reserve for adjustment in respect of the sale price of such asset
or assets (including Equity Interests) established in accordance with GAAP
(provided that the amount of any such reserve shall be deemed to constitute Net
Proceeds at the time such reserve shall have been released or is not otherwise
required to be retained for such purpose) and (b) with respect to any issuance
or sale of Capital Stock, the proceeds of such issuance or sale in the form of
cash or Cash Equivalents, including payments in respect of deferred payment
obligations (to the extent corresponding to the principal, but not interest,
component thereof) when received in the form of cash or Cash Equivalents (except
to the extent such obligations are financed or sold with recourse to the Company
or any Restricted Subsidiary of the Company) and proceeds from the conversion of
other property received when converted to cash or Cash Equivalents, net of
legal, accounting and investment banking fees, discounts and sales commissions
and net of taxes paid or payable as a result thereof.
 
     "Non-Recourse Debt" means Indebtedness:
 
          (i) as to which neither the Company nor any of its Restricted
     Subsidiaries:
 
             (a) provides credit support of any kind (including any undertaking,
        agreement or instrument that would constitute Indebtedness);
 
             (b) is directly or indirectly liable (as a guarantor or otherwise);
        or
 
             (c) constitutes the lender;
 
          (ii) no default with respect to which (including any rights that the
     holders thereof may have to take enforcement action against an Unrestricted
     Subsidiary) would permit (upon notice, lapse of time or both) any holder of
     any other Indebtedness of the Company or any of its Restricted Subsidiaries
     to declare a default on such other Indebtedness or cause the payment
     thereof to be accelerated or payable prior to its Stated Maturity; and
 
                                       99
<PAGE>   106
 
          (iii) as to which the lenders have been notified in writing that they
     will not have any recourse to the stock or assets of any of the Company or
     any of its Restricted Subsidiaries.
 
     "Obligations" means any principal, interest, penalties, fees,
indemnifications, reimbursements, damages and other liabilities payable under
the documentation governing any Indebtedness.
 
     "Officers' Certificate" means, with respect to any Person, a certificate
signed by the Chief Executive Officer or President and the chief financial and
accounting officer of such Person.
 
     "Orbital" means Orbital Sciences Corporation, a Delaware corporation, or
any successor entity whether by merger, sale of all or substantially all its
assets or otherwise.
 
     "Orbital Agreements" means each of the Procurement Agreement between the
Company and Orbital, dated as of November 18, 1996, as amended on May 8, 1997
and December 31, 1997, the Amended and Restated ORBIMAGE Services Agreement
between Orbital and the Company, dated as of December 31, 1997; the Non-Compete
and Teaming Agreement between the Company and Orbital, dated as of May 8, 1997;
the OrbView-2 License Agreement between the Company and Orbital, dated as of May
8, 1997; the Software License Agreement between the Company and Earth
Observation Sciences dated March 14, 1996, as amended; and the Software
Maintenance and Support Agreement between the Company and Earth Observation
Sciences, dated as of October 1, 1997; each agreement as in effect as of the
Issue Date and as amended from time to time if such amendment is not prohibited
by the Indenture.
 
     "OrbView Satellites" means each of the high-resolution satellites currently
designated as OrbView-3 and OrbView-4 under the Procurement Agreement, and any
Replacement Satellite.
 
     "Permitted Investment" means:
 
          (i) any Investments in the Company or any Wholly Owned Restricted
     Subsidiary of the Company;
 
          (ii) any Investments in cash or Cash Equivalents;
 
          (iii) Investments by the Company or any of its Restricted Subsidiaries
     in a Person if, as a result of such Investment:
 
             (a) such Person becomes a Restricted Subsidiary of the Company; or
 
             (b) such Person is merged, consolidated or amalgamated with or
        into, or transfers or conveys substantially all of its assets to, or is
        liquidated into, the Company or any Restricted Subsidiary of the
        Company;
 
          (iv) any Investment made as a result of the receipt of non-Cash
     Consideration from an Asset Sale that was made pursuant to and in
     compliance with the covenant described above under the caption "Repurchase
     at the Option of Holders--Limitation on Sales of Assets and Subsidiary
     Interests";
 
          (v) any Investment made with Excess Proceeds remaining after the
     consummation of an Asset Sale Offer as described above under the caption
     "Repurchase at the Option of Holders--Limitation on Sales of Assets and
     Subsidiary Interests;"
 
          (vi) any Investment made by the Company or any of its Restricted
     Subsidiaries in any Unrestricted Subsidiary using the proceeds of a
     substantially concurrent contribution to the equity capital of the Company;
     and
 
          (vii) any Investment made by the Company or any of its Restricted
     Subsidiaries in a Related Business, Related Satellite Business or a Joint
     Venture; provided that at the time any such Investment is made, such
     Investment will not cause the aggregate amount of Investments at any one
     time outstanding (x) $10 million or (y) 7.5% of the Consolidated Net Worth
     of the Company.
 
     "Permitted Liens" means:
 
          (i) Liens securing the Notes;
 
          (ii) Liens in favor of the Company;
                                       100
<PAGE>   107
 
          (iii) Liens on property of a Person existing at the time such Person
     is merged into or consolidated with the Company or any of its Restricted
     Subsidiaries; provided that such Liens were in existence prior to the
     contemplation of such merger or consolidation and do not extend to any
     assets other than those of the Person merged into or consolidated with the
     Company or its Restricted Subsidiary;
 
          (iv) Liens on property existing at the time of acquisition thereof by
     the Company or any of its Restricted Subsidiaries, provided that such Liens
     were in existence prior to the contemplation of such acquisition;
 
          (v) Liens to secure the performance of statutory obligations, surety,
     appeal or performance bonds or other obligations of a like nature or
     mechanics' or purchase money Liens incurred in the ordinary course of
     business;
 
          (vi) Liens existing on the Issue Date;
 
          (vii) Liens on inventory, accounts receivable or domestic and/or
     international ground operation centers and related systems securing
     Indebtedness incurred under clause (i), (vii), (x) or (xi) of the covenant
     entitled "Incurrence of Indebtedness or Issuance of Disqualified Stock", or
     securing Permitted Refinancing Indebtedness incurred pursuant to the
     Indenture to refinance Indebtedness incurred under clause (i), (viii), (x)
     or (xi) of the covenant entitled "Incurrence of Indebtedness or Issuance of
     Disqualified Stock";
 
          (viii) Liens for taxes, assessments or governmental charges or claims
     that are not yet delinquent or that are being contested in good faith by
     appropriate proceedings promptly instituted and diligently concluded,
     provided that any reserve or other appropriate provision as shall be
     required in conformity with GAAP shall have been made therefor;
 
          (ix) Liens incurred in the ordinary course of business of the Company
     or any Subsidiary of the Company with respect to obligations that do not
     exceed $5 million at any one time outstanding and that (a) are not incurred
     in connection with the borrowing of money or the obtaining of advances or
     credit (other than trade credit in the ordinary course of business), (b) do
     not in the aggregate materially detract from the value of the property or
     materially impair the use thereof in the operation of business by the
     Company or its Subsidiaries and (c) are not for the benefit of an Affiliate
     of the Company; and
 
          (x) Liens on assets of Unrestricted Subsidiaries that secure
     Non-Recourse Debt of Unrestricted Subsidiaries.
 
     "Person" means any individual, corporation, limited liability company,
partnership, joint venture, association, joint stock company, trust,
unincorporated organization, government or any agency or political subdivision
thereof or any other entity.
 
     "Pledge Account" means the account established with the Collateral Agent
pursuant to the terms of the Pledge Agreement for the deposit of the Pledged
Securities.
 
     "Pledge Agreement" means the Pledge Agreement dated as of the date of the
Indenture by and between the Company and the Collateral Agent governing the
Pledge Account.
 
     "Pledged Securities" means the U.S. government securities purchased by the
Company with a portion of the net proceeds from the Units Offering to be
deposited in the Pledge Account and pledged as security for the Notes.
 
     "Qualifying Public Offering" means a public offering of Common Stock
registered under the Securities Act (i)(a) that shall have resulted in an
aggregate price to the public of not less than $30 million or (b) that involves
the sale to the public of Common Stock constituting at least twenty percent
(20%) of the Common Stock immediately outstanding after the offering, in either
case at a price per share of Common Stock equal to or greater than the Threshold
Price and (ii) that shall have resulted in listing or admission to trading of
the Common Stock on the New York Stock Exchange, a national securities exchange,
the NASDAQ National Market System or NASDAQ over-the-counter market. For the
purposes of this definition, Threshold Price means (i) as of any date through
May 1, 1999, 100% of the then current Conversion Price, (ii) from May 2,
                                       101
<PAGE>   108
 
1999 through May 1, 2000, the then current Conversion Price, multiplied by the
amount (expressed as a percentage) equal to 100% plus the result of 30% times a
fraction, the numerator of which is the number of days after May 1, 1999 the
calculation of the Threshold Price occurs and the denominator of which is 365,
(iii) from May 2, 2000 through May 1, 2001, the then current Conversion Price,
multiplied by the amount (expressed as a percentage) equal to 130% plus the
result of 20% times a fraction, the numerator of which is the number of days
after May 1, 2000, the calculation of the Threshold Price occurs and the
denominator of which is 365, and (iv) from May 2, 2001 forward, 150% of the then
current Conversion Price.
 
     "Related Asset" means any asset used in connection with a Related Business
or Related Satellite Business.
 
     "Related Business" means any Related Satellite Business and any business
relating to the worldwide acquisition, marketing, processing and sales of remote
imagery-based products and services.
 
     "Related Satellite Business" means any business relating to the design,
development, and operation of remote imaging satellites and the worldwide
marketing and sales of satellite-based remote imagery-based products and
services.
 
     "Replacement Satellite" means any satellite constructed to replace an
OrbView Satellite in the event of a failure of such OrbView Satellite; provided,
however, that any such Replacement Satellite shall not include hyperspectral
imagery capacity, if it is determined in good faith by the Board of Directors of
the Company (evidenced by a resolution approved by at least a majority of the
Board of Directors of the Company and set forth in an Officers' Certificate
delivered to the Trustee) that hyperspectral imagery is not required to maintain
the competitiveness of the Company's satellites.
 
     "Restricted Investment" means an Investment other than a Permitted
Investment.
 
     "Restricted Subsidiary" of a Person means any Subsidiary of such Person
that is not an Unrestricted Subsidiary.
 
     "Sale and Leaseback Transaction" means any direct or indirect arrangement
pursuant to which any property (other than Capital Stock) or assets is sold by a
Person or a Subsidiary and is thereafter leased back from the purchaser or
transferee thereof by such Person or one or more of its Subsidiaries, except a
Fixed Asset Financing.
 
     "S&P" means Standard & Poor's Ratings Services.
 
     "Securities Act" means the Securities Act of 1933, as amended.
 
     "Series A Preferred Stock" means the Series A Cumulative Convertible
Preferred Stock, $.01 par value, of the Company.
 
     "Series A Offering" means the sale of additional shares of Series A
Preferred Stock that will be consummated concurrent with the closing of the
Units Offering.
 
     "Significant Subsidiary" means any Subsidiary that would be a "significant
subsidiary" as defined in Article I, Rule 1-02 of Regulation S-X, promulgated
pursuant to the Securities Act, as such Regulation is in effect on the date
hereof.
 
     "Stated Maturity" means, when used with respect to any Note, March 1, 2005.
 
     "Stock Purchase Agreement" means the Series A Preferred Stock Purchase
Agreement, dated May 7, 1997, as amended, by and among the Company and the
purchasers of Series A Preferred Stock, as in effect on the Issue Date.
 
     "Stockholders' Agreement" means the agreement by and among the Company and
its stockholders, dated May 8, 1997, as amended, as in effect on the Issue Date.
 
     "Stock Option Plan" means the Orbital Imaging Corporation 1996 Stock Option
Plan, adopted as of November 15, 1996 and any successor stock option plan
adopted for the benefit of the Company's directors and/or employees.
                                       102
<PAGE>   109
 
     "Subsidiary" means, with respect to any Person:
 
          (i) any corporation, association or other business entity of which
     more than 50% of the total voting power of shares of Capital Stock entitled
     (without regard to the occurrence of any contingency) to vote in the
     election of directors, managers or trustees thereof is at the time owned or
     controlled, directly or indirectly, by such Person or one or more of the
     other Subsidiaries of such Person (or a combination thereof); and
 
          (ii) any partnership (a) the sole general partner or the managing
     general partner of which is such Person or a Subsidiary of such Person or
     (b) the only general partners of which are such Person or one or more
     Subsidiaries of such Person (or any combination thereof).
 
     "Subsidiary Guarantee" means any Guarantee of the Company's obligations
under the Indenture and the Notes given by a Subsidiary Guarantor.
 
     "Subsidiary Guarantor" means any Person that becomes a Restricted
Subsidiary after the date of the Indenture.
 
     "Total Invested Capital" means, as of any date of determination, the sum of
(a) total Indebtedness as of such date and (b) $88 million plus the aggregate
proceeds received by the Company or any Restricted Subsidiary in respect of the
issuance of Capital Stock (other than Disqualified Stock) of the Company or such
Restricted Subsidiary, including the fair value of property other than cash (as
determined in good faith by the Board of Directors of the Company (evidenced by
a resolution approved by at least a majority of the Board of Directors of the
Company and set forth in an Officers' Certificate delivered to the Trustee),
less any redemptions of, or dividends or other distributions on, Capital Stock
of the Company made after the Issue Date and on or prior to the date of
determination.
 
     "Unrestricted Subsidiary" of a Person means any Subsidiary of such Person
that is designated by such Person as an Unrestricted Subsidiary, but only if and
for so long as such Subsidiary:
 
          (i) has no Indebtedness other than Non-Recourse Debt;
 
          (ii) is not party to any agreement, contract, arrangement or
     understanding with the Company or any Restricted Subsidiary unless the
     terms of any such agreement, contract, arrangement or understanding are no
     less favorable to the Company or such Restricted Subsidiary than those that
     might be obtained at the time from Persons who are not Affiliates of the
     Company;
 
          (iii) is a Person with respect to which neither the Company nor any of
     its Restricted Subsidiaries has any direct or indirect obligation:
 
             (1) to subscribe for additional Equity Interests; or
 
             (2) to maintain or preserve such Person's financial condition or to
        cause such Person to achieve any specified levels of operating results;
 
          (iv) has not guaranteed or otherwise directly or indirectly provided
     credit support for any Indebtedness of any of the Company or any of its
     Restricted Subsidiaries; and
 
          (v) in the case of a corporate entity or limited liability company,
     has at least one director on its board of directors and at least one
     executive officer, in each case who is not a director or executive officer
     of the Company or any of its Restricted Subsidiaries.
 
     "Voting Equity Interests" means the Equity Interest in a corporation or
other Person with voting power under ordinary circumstances entitling the
holders thereof to elect or appoint the board of directors, executive committee
or other governing body of such corporation or Person, whether at all times or
only so long as no senior class of securities has such voting power by reason of
any contingency.
 
     "Weighted Average Life to Maturity" means, when applied to any Indebtedness
at any date, the number of years obtained by dividing:
 
          (i) the sum of the products obtained by multiplying: (a) the amount of
     each then remaining installment, sinking fund, serial maturity or other
     required payments of principal, including payment at final maturity, in
     respect thereof, by (b) the number of years (calculated to the nearest
     one-twelfth) that will elapse between such date and the making of such
     payment; by
 
                                       103
<PAGE>   110
 
          (ii) the then outstanding principal of such Indebtedness.
 
     "Wholly Owned Restricted Subsidiary" of any Person means a Restricted
Subsidiary of such Person all of the outstanding Capital Stock or other
ownership interests of which (other than directors' qualifying shares) shall at
the time be owned by such Person and one or more other Wholly Owned Restricted
Subsidiaries of such Person.
 
                    PROVISIONS APPLICABLE TO ALL SECURITIES
 
BOOK-ENTRY, DELIVERY AND FORM
 
     Except as set forth in the next paragraph, the Exchange Notes will
initially be issued in the form of one or more Global Notes (the "Global
Notes"). The Global Notes will be deposited on the date of the closing of the
sale of the Exchange Notes offered hereby (the "Exchange Closing Date") with, or
on behalf of, the Depositary and registered in the name of Cede & Co., as
nominee for the Depositary (such nominee being referred to herein as the "Global
Note Holder").
 
     Exchange Notes that are issued as described below under "--Certificated
Securities" will be issued in registered form (the "Certificated Securities").
Upon the transfer of Certificated Securities, such Certificated Securities may,
unless the Global Notes have previously been exchanged for Certificated
Securities, be exchanged for an interest in a Global Note representing the
principal amount of Notes being transferred.
 
     The Depositary is a limited-purpose trust company which was created to hold
securities for its participating organizations (collectively, the "Participants"
or the "Depositary's Participants") and to facilitate the clearance and
settlement of transactions in such securities between Participants through
electronic book-entry changes in accounts of its Participants. The Depositary's
Participants include securities brokers and dealers (including the Initial
Purchaser), banks and trust companies, clearing corporations and certain other
organizations. Access to the Depositary's system is also available to other
entities such as banks, brokers, dealers and trust companies (collectively, the
"Indirect Participants" or the "Depositary's Indirect Participants") that clear
through or maintain a custodial relationship with a Participant, either directly
or indirectly. Persons who are not Participants may beneficially own securities
held by or on behalf of the Depositary only through the Depositary's
Participants or the Depositary's Indirect Participants.
 
     The Company expects that pursuant to procedures established by the
Depositary (i) upon deposit of the Global Notes, the Depositary will credit the
accounts of Participants with portions of the principal amount of the Global
Notes and (ii) ownership of the Exchange Notes evidenced by the Global Notes
will be shown on, and the transfer of ownership thereof will be effected only
through, records maintained by the Depositary (with respect to the interests of
the Depositary's Participants), the Depositary' Participants and the
Depositary's Indirect Participants. Prospective purchasers are advised that the
laws of some states require that certain Persons take physical delivery in
definitive form of securities that they own. Consequently, the ability to
transfer Exchange Notes evidenced by the Global Notes will be limited to such
extent.
 
     So long as the Global Note Holder is the registered owner of any Exchange
Notes, the Global Note Holder will be considered the sole owner or holder of
such Exchange Notes outstanding under the Indenture. Beneficial owners of
Exchange Notes evidenced by the Global Note will not be considered the owners or
holders thereof under the Indenture for any purpose, including with respect to
the giving of any directions, instructions or approvals to the Trustee
thereunder. The ability of a Person having a beneficial interest in Exchange
Notes represented by a Global Note to pledge such interest to Persons or
entities that do not participate in the Depositary's system or to otherwise take
actions in respect of such interest, may be affected by the lack of a physical
certificate evidencing such interest.
 
     None of the Company nor the Trustee will have any responsibility or
liability for any aspect of the records relating to or payments made on account
of Exchange Notes by the Depositary, or for maintaining, supervising or
reviewing any records of the Depositary relating to such Exchange Notes.
 
     Payments in respect of the principal of, premium, if any, interest and
Liquidated Damages, if any, on any Exchange Notes registered in the name of a
Global Note Holder on the applicable record date will be payable by the Trustee
to or at the direction of such Global Note Holder in its capacity as the
registered holder under
 
                                       104
<PAGE>   111
 
the Indenture. Under the terms of the Indenture, the Company and the Trustee may
treat the Persons in whose names the Exchange Notes, including the Global Notes,
are registered as the owners thereof for the purpose of receiving such payments
and for any and all other purposes whatsoever. Consequently, none of the Company
nor the Trustee has or will have any responsibility or liability for the payment
of such amounts to beneficial owners of Exchange Notes (including principal,
premium, if any, interest and Liquidated Damages, if any).
 
     The Company believes, however, that it is currently the policy of the
Depositary to immediately credit the accounts of the relevant Participants with
such payment, in amounts proportionate to their respective holdings in principal
amount of beneficial interests in the relevant security as shown on the records
of the Depositary. Payments by the Depositary's Participants and the
Depositary's Indirect Participants to the beneficial owners of Exchange Notes
will be governed by standing instructions and customary practice and will be the
responsibility of the Depositary's Participants or the Depositary's Indirect
Participants.
 
CERTIFICATED SECURITIES
 
     Subject to certain conditions, any Person having a beneficial interest in a
Global Note may, upon request to the Company or the Trustee, exchange such
beneficial interest for Exchange Notes in the form of Definitive Notes. Upon any
such issuance, the Trustee is required to register such Exchange Notes in the
name of, and cause the same to be delivered to, such Person or Persons. In
addition, if (i) the Company notifies the Trustee in writing that the Depositary
is no longer willing or able to act as a depositary and the Company is unable to
appoint a qualified successor within 90 days or (ii) the Company, at its option,
notifies the Trustee in writing that it elects to cause the issuance of Exchange
Notes in the form of Definitive Notes under the Indenture, then, upon surrender
by the relevant Global Note Holder of its Global Note, Exchange Notes in such
form will be issued to each Person that the Depositary identifies as the
beneficial owner of the related Exchange Notes.
 
     Neither the Company nor the Trustee shall be liable for any delay by the
Depositary in identifying the beneficial owners of the related Exchange Notes
and each such Person may conclusively rely on, and shall be protected in relying
on, instructions from the Depositary for all purposes (including with respect to
the registration and delivery, and the respective principal amounts, of the
Exchange Notes to be issued).
 
SAME DAY SETTLEMENT AND PAYMENT
 
     The Indenture requires that payments in respect of the Exchange Notes
represented by the Global Securities (including principal, premium, if any,
interest and Liquidated Damages, if any) be made by wire transfer of immediately
available funds to the accounts specified by the Global Security Holder. With
respect to Certificated Securities, the Company will make all payments of
principal, premium, if any, interest and Liquidated Damages, if any, by wire
transfer of immediately available funds to the accounts specified by the holders
thereof or, if no such account is specified, by mailing a check to each such
holder's registered address. The Exchange Notes represented by the Global Notes
are expected to trade in the Depositary's Same Day Funds Settlement System, and
any permitted secondary market trading activity in such Exchange Notes will
therefore be required by the Depositary to be settled in immediately available
funds. The Company expects that secondary trading in the Certificated Securities
will also be settled in immediately available funds.
 
                                       105
<PAGE>   112
 
   
                      U.S. FEDERAL INCOME TAX CONSEQUENCES
    
 
   
     Latham & Watkins, counsel to the Company, has advised the Company that the
following discussion is its opinion as to the material U.S. federal tax
consequences relevant to the exchange of Original Notes for Exchange Notes and
the ownership and disposition of Exchange Notes by persons who (a) acquired
Original Notes on original issue for cash and (b) hold Original Notes and
Exchange Notes as capital assets (generally, property held for investment)
within the meaning of Section 1221 of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as
amended (the "Code"). Such opinion is based upon the Code, Treasury Regulations,
Internal Revenue Service ("IRS") rulings and pronouncements, and judicial
decisions now in effect, all of which are subject to change at any time by
legislative, administrative, or judicial action, possibly with retroactive
effect. The discussion does not discuss every aspect of U.S. federal taxation
that may be relevant to a particular taxpayer in light of their personal
circumstances or to persons who are otherwise subject to a special tax treatment
(including, without limitation, banks, broker-dealers, insurance companies,
pension and other employee benefit plans, tax exempt organizations and entities,
persons holding Notes as a part of a hedging or conversion transaction or a
straddle, certain hybrid entities and owners of interests therein and holders
whose functional currency is not the U.S. dollar) and it does not discuss the
effect of any applicable U.S. state and local or non-U.S. tax laws. The Company
has not sought and will not seek any rulings from the IRS concerning the tax
consequences of the exchange of Original Notes for Exchange Notes and the
ownership and disposition of Exchange Notes and, accordingly, there can be no
assurance that the IRS will not successfully challenge the tax consequences
described below. EACH HOLDER IS URGED TO CONSULT SUCH HOLDER'S OWN TAX ADVISOR
WITH RESPECT TO THE U.S. FEDERAL INCOME TAX CONSEQUENCES OF EXCHANGING ORIGINAL
NOTES FOR EXCHANGE NOTES AND OWNING AND DISPOSING EXCHANGE NOTES, AS WELL AS ANY
TAX CONSEQUENCES APPLICABLE UNDER THE LAWS OF ANY U.S. STATE, LOCAL, OR NON-U.S.
TAXING JURISDICTION.
    
 
U.S. HOLDERS
 
   
     This Section states the material U.S. federal income tax consequences of
the exchange of Original Notes for Exchange Notes and the ownership and
disposition of Exchange Notes by "U.S. Holders." The term "U.S. Holder" refers
to a person that is classified for U.S. federal tax purposes as a United States
person. For this purpose, a United States person includes (i) a citizen or
resident of the United States, (ii) a corporation, limited liability company, or
partnership created or organized in the United States or under the laws of the
United States or of any state or political subdivision thereof, unless in the
case of a partnership, Treasury Regulations provide otherwise, (iii) an estate
whose income is includible in gross income for U.S. federal income tax purposes
regardless of its source, or (iv) a trust whose administration is subject to the
primary supervision of a United States court and which has one or more United
States persons who have the authority to control all substantial decisions of
the trust. Notwithstanding the preceding sentence, to the extent provided in
Treasury Regulations, certain trusts in existence on August 20, 1996, and
treated as United States persons prior to such date that elect to continue to be
treated as United States persons, shall also be considered U.S. Holders.
    
 
     Exchange of Notes.  The exchange of Original Notes for the Exchange Notes
pursuant to the Exchange Offer will not be treated as an "exchange" for federal
income tax purposes, because the Exchange Notes will not be considered to differ
materially in kind or extent from the Original Notes. Accordingly, the exchange
of Original Notes for Exchange Notes will not be a taxable event to holders for
federal income tax purposes. Moreover, the Exchange Notes will have the same tax
attributes and tax consequences to holders as the Original Notes had to holders,
including, without limitation, the same issue price, adjusted issue price,
original issue discount ("OID"), adjusted tax basis and holding period. The tax
attributes and tax consequences of ownership and disposition of the Original
Notes and, thus, of the Exchange Notes (collectively, the "Notes"), are
summarized below.
 
     Stated Interest.  Stated interest paid or accrued on the Notes will be
taxable to a U.S. Holder as ordinary income in accordance with the holder's
method of accounting for federal income tax purposes.
 
                                       106
<PAGE>   113
 
     Original Issue Discount.  The Original Notes were issued with OID for U.S.
federal income tax purposes. The amount of OID on an Original Note equals the
excess of the "stated redemption price at maturity" of an Original Note over its
"issue price." The "stated redemption price at maturity" of an Original Note
will equal the sum of its principal amount plus all other payments thereunder,
other than payments of "qualified stated interest" (defined generally as stated
interest that is unconditionally payable in cash or other property (other than
debt instruments of the Company) at least annually at a single fixed rate). The
Company has determined that the portion of the purchase price originally paid
for each Unit which was properly allocable to each Original Note and, thus, the
"issue price" of each $1,000 Original Notes, equaled $940. Although this
allocation is not binding on the IRS, each U.S. Holder is bound by the Company's
allocation, unless a disclosure statement is attached to the timely filed U.S.
federal income tax return of the U.S. Holder for its taxable year in which it
acquired the Original Notes.
 
     Each U.S. Holder (whether reporting on the cash or accrual basis of
accounting for tax purposes) will be required to include in taxable income for
any particular taxable year the daily portion of the OID described in the
preceding paragraph that accrues on the Note for each day during the taxable
year on which such U.S. Holder holds the Note. Thus, a U.S. Holder will be
required to include OID in income in advance of the receipt of the cash to which
such OID is attributable. The daily portion is determined by allocating to each
day of an accrual period (generally, the period between interest payments or
compounding dates) a pro rata portion of the OID allocable to such accrual
period. The amount of OID that will accrue during an accrual period is the
product of the "adjusted issue price" of the Note at the beginning of the
accrual period multiplied by the yield to maturity of the Note less the amount
of any qualified stated interest allocable to such accrual period. The "adjusted
issue price" of a Note at the beginning of an accrual period will equal its
issue price, increased by the aggregate amount of OID that has accrued on the
Note in all prior accrual periods, and decreased by any payments made during all
prior accrual periods of amounts included in the stated redemption price at
maturity of the Note.
 
   
     Sale, Retirement, or Other Taxable Disposition of Notes.  Upon the sale,
retirement or other taxable disposition of a Note, a U.S. Holder will recognize
gain or loss to the extent of the difference between the sum of the cash and the
fair market value of any property received in exchange therefor (except to the
extent attributable to the payment of accrued and unpaid interest on the Notes,
which generally will be taxed as ordinary income), and the U.S. Holder's
adjusted tax basis in the Notes. A U.S. Holder's tax basis in a Note will
initially equal the price paid for such Note and will subsequently be increased
by the OID includible in such U.S. Holder's taxable income under the rules
described in "--Original Issue Discount," above, and will be reduced by any
payments received on the Note of amounts included in the stated redemption price
at maturity of the Note. Any such gain or loss recognized by a U.S. Holder upon
the sale, retirement or other taxable disposition of a Note will be capital gain
or loss. In the case of a non-corporate U.S. Holder, such capital gain will be
subject to tax at a reduced rate of 28% if the Note is held for more than one
year, and will be eligible for a further reduced rate of 20% if the Note is held
more than 18 months. See "-- Recently Enacted Legislation" for changes to the
capital gain rate.
    
 
     Holders of Notes should be aware that the market discount rules may affect
resale of the Notes. If a subsequent purchaser of a Note purchases the Note at a
"market discount" and thereafter recognizes gain upon its disposition, such gain
will be taxable as ordinary interest income (rather than capital gain) to the
extent of the "market discount" that has accrued (and has not otherwise been
included in income pursuant to an election made by such subsequent purchaser)
during the period the subsequent purchaser held such Note. Generally, "market
discount" will exist on the purchase of a Note if the purchase price is less
than the adjusted issue price of the Note and any such market discount will
accrue over the remaining term of the Note on a straight line basis or, at the
election of the subsequent purchaser, on a constant yield to maturity basis.
 
     Liquidated Damages.  The Company intends to take the position that the
Liquidated Damages described above under "Description of the Notes and
Description of Warrants--Registration Rights; Liquidated Damages" are taxable to
U.S. Holders as ordinary income in accordance with the U.S. Holder's usual
method of income tax accounting. The IRS may take a different position, however,
which could affect the timing of a U.S. Holder's income with respect to the
Liquidated Damages.
 
                                       107
<PAGE>   114
 
     Information Reporting; Backup Withholding.  The Company is required to
furnish to record holders of the Notes, other than corporations and other exempt
holders, and to the IRS, information with respect to interest paid and the
amount of OID accrued on the Notes.
 
     Certain U.S. Holders may be subject to backup withholding at the rate of
31% with respect to interest and OID paid on the Notes or with respect to
proceeds received from a disposition of the Notes. Generally, backup withholding
applies only if (i) the payee fails to furnish a correct taxpayer identification
number ("TIN") to the payor in the manner required or fails to demonstrate that
it otherwise qualifies for an exemption, (ii) the IRS notifies the payor that
the TIN furnished by the payee is incorrect, (iii) the payee has failed to
report properly the receipt of a "reportable payment" on one or more occasions
and the IRS has notified the payor that withholding is required, or (iv) the
payee fails (in certain circumstances) to provide a certified statement, signed
under penalties of perjury, that the TIN furnished is the correct number and
that such holder is not subject to backup withholding. Backup withholding is not
an additional tax but, rather, is a method of tax collection. U.S. Holders will
be entitled to credit any amounts withheld under the backup withholding rules
against their actual tax liabilities provided the required information is
furnished to the IRS.
 
   
     Recently Enacted Legislation.  The IRS Restructuring and Reform Act of
1998, which was signed into law on July 22, 1998, reduces the period that a
non-corporate U.S. Holder must hold a Note in order to qualify for the reduced
20% capital gain rate from more than 18 months to more than 12 months. This
change effectively eliminates the 28% capital gains rate, causing gains from the
sale, redemption, retirement or other taxable disposition of a Note held by a
non-corporate U.S. Holder for more than twelve months to be taxed at a 20% rate.
This change is generally effective for Notes sold or exchanged on or after
January 1, 1998.
    
 
NON-U.S. HOLDERS
 
   
     The following states the material United States federal income and estate
tax consequences of the exchange of Original Notes for Exchange Notes and the
ownership and disposition of Exchange Notes by "Non-U.S. Holders." The term
"Non-U.S. Holder" refers to a person that is not classified for U.S. federal tax
purposes as a "United States person," as defined in "--U.S. Holders," above.
Prospective investors who are Non-U.S. Holders are urged to consult their tax
advisors regarding the United States federal income tax consequences that may
arise under the laws of any foreign, state, local or other taxing jurisdiction.
    
 
   
     Exchange of Notes.  The exchange of Original Notes for the Exchange Notes
pursuant to the Exchange Offer will not be a taxable event to Non-U.S. Holders
for U.S. federal income tax purposes.
    
 
     Interest and OID.  In general, a Non-U.S. Holder will not be subject to
U.S. federal income tax or regular withholding tax with respect to stated
interest or OID received or accrued on the Notes so long as (a) the interest and
OID is not effectively connected with the conduct of a trade or business within
the United States, (b) the Non-U.S. Holder does not actually or constructively
own 10% or more of the total combined voting power of all classes of stock of
the Company entitled to vote, (c) the Non-U.S. Holder is not a controlled
foreign corporation that is related to the Company actually or constructively
through stock ownership, and (d) the Non-U.S. Holder certifies, under penalties
of perjury that such Holder is not a U.S. Holder and provides such Holder's name
and address.
 
     Gain on Disposition of Notes.  Non-U.S. Holders generally will not be
subject to U.S. federal income taxation on gain recognized on a disposition of
Notes so long as (i) the gain is not effectively connected with the conduct by
the Non-U.S. Holder of a trade or business within the United States and (ii) in
the case of a Non-U.S. Holder who is an individual, such Non-U.S. Holder is not
present in the United States for 183 days or more in the taxable year of
disposition and certain other requirements are met.
 
     Federal Estate Taxes.  A Note held by an individual who, at the time of
death, is not a citizen or resident of the United States generally will not be
subject to U.S. federal estate tax as a result of such individual's death if (i)
the individual does not actually or constructively own 10% or more of the total
combined voting power of all classes of stock of the Company entitled to vote
and, (ii) at the time of the individual's death, interest payments with respect
to such Note would not have been effectively connected with the conduct by such
individual of a trade or business in the United States.
 
                                       108
<PAGE>   115
 
     U.S. Information Reporting Requirements and Backup Withholding
Tax.  Generally, payments of interest, OID, premium or principal on the Notes to
Non-U.S. Holders will not be subject to information reporting or backup
withholding if the Non-U.S. Holder certifies, under penalties of perjury, that
such Holder is not a U.S. Holder and provides such Holder's name and address.
 
     Non-U.S. Holders will not be subject to information reporting or backup
withholding with respect to the payment of proceeds from the disposition of
Notes effected by, to or through the foreign office of a broker; provided,
however, that if the broker is a U.S. person or a U.S.-related person,
information reporting (but not backup withholding) would apply unless the broker
has documentary evidence in its records as to the Non-U.S. Holder's foreign
status (and has no actual knowledge to the contrary), or the Non-U.S. Holder
certifies as to its non-U.S. status under penalty of perjury or otherwise
establishes an exemption. Non-U.S. Holders will be subject to information
reporting and backup withholding at a rate of 31% with respect to the payment of
proceeds from the disposition of Notes, effected by, to or through the U.S.
office of a broker, unless the Non-U.S. Holder certifies as to its non-U.S.
status under penalty of perjury or otherwise establishes an exemption.
 
     Amounts withheld under the backup withholding rules do not constitute a
separate U.S. federal income tax. Rather, amounts withheld under the backup
withholding rules from a payment to a Non-U.S. Holder will be allowed as a
credit against such Non-U.S. Holder's U.S. federal income tax liability and any
amounts withheld in excess of such Non-U.S. Holder's U.S. federal income tax
liability would be refunded, provided that the required information is furnished
to the IRS.
 
     Recently, the Treasury Department promulgated final regulations regarding
the withholding and information reporting rules discussed above. In general, the
final regulations do not significantly alter the substantive withholding and
information reporting requirements but unify certain certification procedures
and forms and clarify reliance standards. Under the final regulations, special
rules apply which permit the shifting of primary responsibility for withholding
to certain financial intermediaries acting on behalf of beneficial owners. The
final regulations would generally be effective for payments made after December
31, 1999, subject to certain transition rules.
 
                              PLAN OF DISTRIBUTION
 
     Each Participating Broker-Dealer that receives Exchange Notes for its own
account in connection with the Exchange Offer must acknowledge that it will
deliver a prospectus in connection with any resale of such Exchange Notes. This
Prospectus, as it may be amended or supplemented from time to time, may be used
by Participating Broker-Dealers during the period referred to below in
connection with resales of Exchange Notes received in exchange for Original
Notes where such Original Notes were acquired by such Participating
Broker-Dealers for their own accounts as a result of market-making activities or
other trading activities (other than a resale of an unsold allotment from the
original sale of Original Notes). The Company has agreed that this Prospectus,
as it may be amended or supplemented from time to time, may be used by a
Participating Broker-Dealer in connection with resales of such Exchange Notes
for a period ending 180 days from the date on which the Exchange Offer
Registration Statement is declared effective. However, a Participating Broker-
Dealer who intends to use this Prospectus in connection with the resale of
Exchange Notes received in exchange for Original Notes pursuant to the Exchange
Offer must notify the Company, or cause the Company to be notified, on or prior
to the Expiration Date, that it is a Participating Broker-Dealer. Such notice
may be given in the space provided for that purpose in the Letter of Transmittal
or may be delivered to the Exchange Agent at one of the addresses set forth in
the Letter of Transmittal. See "The Exchange Offer--Resales of Exchange Notes."
 
     The Company will not receive any proceeds from the issuance of the Exchange
Notes offered hereby. Exchange Notes received by Participating Broker-Dealers
for their own accounts in connection with the Exchange Offer may be sold from
time to time in one or more transactions in the over-the-counter market, in
negotiated transactions, through the writing of options on the Exchange Notes or
a combination of such methods of resale, at market prices prevailing at the time
of resale, at prices related to such prevailing market prices or at negotiated
prices. Any such resale may be made directly to purchasers or to or through
brokers or
                                       109
<PAGE>   116
 
dealers who may receive compensation in the form of commissions or concessions
from any such broker-dealer and/or the purchasers of any such Exchange Notes.
Any Participating Broker-Dealer that resells Exchange Notes that were received
by it for its own account in connection with the Exchange Offer and any broker
or dealer that participates in a distribution of such Exchange Notes may be
deemed to be an "underwriter" within the meaning of the Securities Act, and any
profit on any such resale of Exchange Notes and any commissions or concessions
received by any such persons may be deemed to be underwriting compensation under
the Securities Act. The Letter of Transmittal states that by acknowledging that
it will deliver and by delivering a prospectus, a Participating Broker-Dealer
will not be deemed to admit that it is an "underwriter" within the meaning of
the Securities Act.
 
     For a period ending 180 days from the date on which the Exchange Offer
Registration Statement is declared effective, the Company will promptly send
additional copies of this Prospectus and any amendment or supplement to this
Prospectus to any Participating Broker-Dealer that requests such documents in
the Letter of Transmittal.
 
                                 LEGAL MATTERS
 
     The validity of the Exchange Notes offered hereby will be passed upon for
the Company by Latham & Watkins, Washington, D.C.
 
                                    EXPERTS
 
     The financial statements of the Company as of December 31, 1997 and 1996,
and for each of the years in the three-year period ended December 31, 1997, have
been included herein and in the registration statement in reliance upon the
report of KPMG Peat Marwick LLP, independent certified public accountants,
appearing elsewhere herein, and upon the authority of said firm as experts in
accounting and auditing.
 
                                       110
<PAGE>   117
 
                         INDEX TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
 
                          ORBITAL IMAGING CORPORATION
 
<TABLE>
<S>                                                           <C>
Independent Auditors' Report................................  F-2
Statements of Operations....................................  F-3
Balance Sheets..............................................  F-4
Statements of Stockholders' Equity..........................  F-5
Statements of Cash Flows....................................  F-6
Notes to Financial Statements...............................  F-7
</TABLE>
 
                                       F-1
<PAGE>   118
 
                          INDEPENDENT AUDITORS' REPORT
 
The Board of Directors and Stockholders
Orbital Imaging Corporation:
 
     We have audited the accompanying balance sheets of Orbital Imaging
Corporation (the "Company") as of December 31, 1997 and 1996, and the related
statements of operations, stockholders' equity, and cash flows for each of the
years in the three-year period ended December 31, 1997. These financial
statements are the responsibility of the Company's management. Our
responsibility is to express an opinion on these financial statements based on
our audits.
 
     We conducted our audits in accordance with generally accepted auditing
standards. Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain
reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements are free of material
misstatement. An audit includes examining, on a test basis, evidence supporting
the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements. An audit also includes
assessing the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by
management, as well as evaluating the overall financial statement presentation.
We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis for our opinion.
 
     In our opinion, the financial statements referred to above present fairly,
in all material respects, the financial position of Orbital Imaging Corporation
as of December 31, 1997 and 1996, and the results of its operations and its cash
flows for each of the years in the three-year period ended December 31, 1997, in
conformity with generally accepted accounting principles.
 
                                                  KPMG Peat Marwick LLP
January 16, 1998
Washington, D.C.
 
                                       F-2
<PAGE>   119
 
                          ORBITAL IMAGING CORPORATION
 
                            STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                          YEARS ENDED                       THREE MONTHS ENDED
                                         DECEMBER 31,                           MARCH 31,
                           -----------------------------------------    --------------------------
                              1995           1996           1997           1997           1998
                           -----------    -----------    -----------    -----------   ------------
                                                                               (UNAUDITED)
<S>                        <C>            <C>            <C>            <C>           <C>
Revenues.................  $ 4,566,667    $ 1,055,000    $ 2,061,655    $   108,333   $ 2,416,725
Direct costs.............    7,997,741      4,319,914      6,311,816      1,137,014     4,188,934
                           -----------    -----------    -----------    -----------   -----------
Gross profit (loss)......   (3,431,074)    (3,264,914)    (4,250,161)    (1,028,681)   (1,772,209)
Selling, general and
  administrative
  expenses...............    2,370,899      1,629,874      2,844,355        614,421       987,032
                           -----------    -----------    -----------    -----------   -----------
Loss from operations.....   (5,801,973)    (4,894,788)    (7,094,516)    (1,643,102)   (2,759,241)
Interest income..........           --             --      1,260,762             --     1,043,275
                           -----------    -----------    -----------    -----------   -----------
Loss before benefit for
  income taxes...........   (5,801,973)    (4,894,788)    (5,833,754)    (1,643,102)   (1,715,966)
Benefit for income
  taxes..................           --             --      1,751,468             --     1,715,966
                           -----------    -----------    -----------    -----------   -----------
Net income (loss)........  $(5,801,973)   $(4,894,788)   $(4,082,286)   $(1,643,102)  $        --
                           ===========    ===========    ===========    ===========   ===========
</TABLE>
 
                See accompanying notes to financial statements.
                                       F-3
<PAGE>   120
 
                          ORBITAL IMAGING CORPORATION
 
                                 BALANCE SHEETS
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                              DECEMBER 31,    DECEMBER 31,    MARCH 31,
                                                                  1996            1997           1998
                                                              ------------    ------------   ------------
                                                                                             (UNAUDITED)
<S>                                                           <C>             <C>            <C>
                                          ASSETS
Current assets:
  Cash and cash equivalents.................................  $         --    $ 10,883,142   $128,612,710
  Short-term investments, at market, which approximates
    cost....................................................            --      11,336,751     31,222,549
  Receivables...............................................        50,000         134,163      1,084,773
                                                              ------------    ------------   ------------
    Total current assets....................................        50,000      22,354,056    160,920,032
Property, plant and equipment, at cost, less accumulated
  depreciation of $3,486,260, $5,144,194 and $5,702,972,
  respectively..............................................     9,506,629      11,053,898     10,852,378
Satellites and related rights, at cost, less accumulated
  depreciation and amortization of $9,070,578 and
  $12,947,213, and $15,709,234, respectively................    62,284,878     104,226,147    118,542,460
Long-term investment, at amortized cost.....................            --              --     16,653,508
Other assets................................................       486,468         115,416      4,381,121
                                                              ------------    ------------   ------------
    Total assets............................................  $ 72,327,975    $137,749,517   $311,349,499
                                                              ============    ============   ============
 
                           LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY
Current liabilities:
  Accounts payable and accrued expenses.....................  $         --    $  4,335,026   $  7,316,366
  Current portion of deferred revenue.......................     5,669,294       7,725,141      8,343,996
  Deferred tax liabilities, net.............................        53,275         467,550        467,550
                                                              ------------    ------------   ------------
    Total current liabilities...............................     5,722,569      12,527,717     16,127,912
Long-term obligations.......................................                                  141,074,270
Deferred revenue, net of current portion....................    29,717,769      29,667,469     29,990,949
Deferred tax liabilities, net...............................    10,607,953      10,193,678      8,477,712
                                                              ------------    ------------   ------------
    Total liabilities.......................................    46,048,291      52,388,864    195,670,843
 
Commitments and contingencies
Stockholders' equity:
  Preferred stock, par value $.01, 10,000,000 shares
    authorized;
    Series A $100 cumulative convertible, 2,000,000 shares
      authorized, 0 shares, 392,887 shares and 620,182
      issued and outstanding, respectively (liquidation
      value is $0, $40,074,474, and $64,248,518 at December
      31, 1996 and 1997 and March 31, 1998, respectively)...            --           3,929          6,202
    Series B cumulative, 2,000,000 shares authorized; no
      shares issued and outstanding.........................            --              --             --
    Series C cumulative convertible, 2,000,000 shares
      authorized; no shares issued and outstanding..........            --              --             --
  Common stock, par value $.01, 75,000,000 shares
    authorized; 25,214,000 shares issued and outstanding....            --         252,140        252,140
  Additional paid-in-capital................................    45,920,943     108,828,129    139,143,859
  Accumulated deficit.......................................   (19,641,259)    (23,723,545)   (23,723,545)
                                                              ------------    ------------   ------------
    Total stockholders' equity..............................    26,279,684      85,360,653    115,678,656
                                                              ------------    ------------   ------------
         Total liabilities and stockholders' equity.........  $ 72,327,975    $137,749,517   $311,349,499
                                                              ============    ============   ============
</TABLE>
 
                See accompanying notes to financial statements.
                                       F-4
<PAGE>   121
 
                          ORBITAL IMAGING CORPORATION
 
                       STATEMENTS OF STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                  SERIES A PREFERRED
                                        STOCK              COMMON STOCK         ADDITIONAL
                                  ------------------   ---------------------     PAID-IN      ACCUMULATED
                                   SHARES    AMOUNT      SHARES      AMOUNT      CAPITAL        DEFICIT         TOTAL
                                  --------   -------   ----------   --------   ------------   ------------   ------------
<S>                               <C>        <C>       <C>          <C>        <C>            <C>            <C>
BALANCE, DECEMBER 31, 1994......       --    $   --            --   $     --   $ 20,470,019   $ (8,944,498)  $ 11,525,521
  Capital contributed...........       --        --            --         --     19,180,785             --     19,180,785
  Tax-sharing charge............       --        --            --         --     (4,947,880)            --     (4,947,880)
  Net income (loss).............       --        --            --         --             --     (5,801,973)    (5,801,973)
                                  -------    ------    ----------   --------   ------------   ------------   ------------
BALANCE, DECEMBER 31, 1995......       --        --            --         --     34,702,924    (14,746,471)    19,956,453
  Capital contributed...........       --        --            --         --     13,624,941             --     13,624,941
  Tax-sharing charge............       --        --            --         --     (2,406,922)            --     (2,406,922)
  Net income (loss).............       --        --            --         --             --     (4,894,788)    (4,894,788)
                                  -------    ------    ----------   --------   ------------   ------------   ------------
BALANCE, DECEMBER 31, 1996......       --        --            --         --     45,920,943    (19,641,259)    26,279,684
  Shares issued in private
    offering, net...............  372,705     3,727            --         --     33,542,767             --     33,546,494
  Issuance of common stock to
    Orbital.....................       --        --    25,200,000    252,000     31,065,829             --     31,317,829
  Issuance of common stock to
    director....................       --        --        14,000        140         50,260             --         50,400
  Preferred stock dividends paid
    in shares...................   20,182       202            --         --           (202)            --             --
  Tax-sharing charge............       --        --            --         --     (1,751,468)            --     (1,751,468)
  Net loss......................       --        --            --         --             --     (4,082,286)    (4,082,286)
                                  -------    ------    ----------   --------   ------------   ------------   ------------
BALANCE, DECEMBER 31, 1997......  392,887    $3,929    25,214,000   $252,140   $108,828,129   $(23,723,545)  $ 85,360,653
  Shares issued in private
    offering, net (unaudited)...  227,295     2,273            --         --     21,315,730             --     21,318,003
  Proceeds from issuance of
    common stock warrants
    (unaudited).................       --        --            --         --      9,000,000             --      9,000,000
  Net income (loss)
    (unaudited).................       --        --            --         --             --             --             --
                                  -------    ------    ----------   --------   ------------   ------------   ------------
BALANCE, MARCH 31, 1998
  (UNAUDITED)...................  620,182    $6,202    25,214,000   $252,140   $139,143,859   $(23,723,545)  $115,678,656
                                  =======    ======    ==========   ========   ============   ============   ============
</TABLE>
 
                See accompanying notes to financial statements.
                                       F-5
<PAGE>   122
 
                          ORBITAL IMAGING CORPORATION
 
                            STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                                 THREE MONTHS ENDED
                                                        YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31,                     MARCH 31,
                                               -------------------------------------------   --------------------------
                                                   1995            1996           1997          1997           1998
                                               -------------   ------------   ------------   -----------   ------------
                                                                                                    (UNAUDITED)
<S>                                            <C>             <C>            <C>            <C>           <C>
CASH FLOWS FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES:
  NET INCOME (LOSS)..........................  $  (5,801,973)  $ (4,894,788)  $ (4,082,286)  $(1,643,102)  $         --
  ADJUSTMENTS TO RECONCILE NET INCOME (LOSS)
    TO NET CASH PROVIDED BY (USED IN)
    OPERATING ACTIVITIES:
    Depreciation and amortization expense....      7,777,282      3,981,176      5,536,108     1,050,476      3,451,427
    Loss on disposal of fixed assets.........             --             --          4,244            --             --
    Deferred tax benefit.....................             --             --     (1,751,468)           --     (1,715,966)
    Other non-cash items.....................             --             --             --            --         10,513
  CHANGES IN ASSETS AND LIABILITIES:
    (Increase) decrease in receivables.......       (200,000)       150,000        (84,163)           --       (525,732)
    (Increase) decrease in other assets......        (67,513)      (418,955)       371,052      (149,653)      (264,448)
    Increase in accounts payable and accrued
      expenses...............................             --             --      4,335,026        99,985      2,981,340
    Increase (decrease) in deferred
      revenue................................     (1,900,018)       175,000      2,005,547      (158,333)       942,335
                                               -------------   ------------   ------------   -----------   ------------
        NET CASH PROVIDED BY (USED IN)
          OPERATING ACTIVITIES...............       (192,222)    (1,007,567)     6,334,060      (800,627)     4,879,469
                                               -------------   ------------   ------------   -----------   ------------
 
CASH FLOWS FROM INVESTING ACTIVITIES:
  Capital expenditures.......................     (9,869,134)    (4,657,403)   (40,837,560)   (1,816,180)   (17,435,592)
  Purchase of OrbView-2 license..............     (9,119,429)    (7,959,971)    (8,191,330)   (2,459,047)            --
  Purchases of held-to-maturity investment
    securities...............................             --             --             --                  (32,896,191)
  Purchases of available-for-sale investment
    securities...............................             --             --   (115,750,801)           --     (9,801,017)
  Maturities of available-for-sale investment
    securities...............................             --             --    102,441,541            --      5,400,000
  Sales of available-for-sale investment
    securities...............................             --             --      1,972,509            --        998,780
                                               -------------   ------------   ------------   -----------   ------------
        NET CASH USED IN INVESTING
          ACTIVITIES.........................    (18,988,563)   (12,617,374)   (60,365,641)   (4,275,227)   (53,734,020)
                                               -------------   ------------   ------------   -----------   ------------
 
CASH FLOWS FROM FINANCING ACTIVITIES:
    Proceeds from issuance of long-term
      obligations, net.......................             --             --             --            --    141,000,000
    Fees paid to issue long-term
      obligations............................             --             --             --            --     (4,733,884)
    Issuance of preferred stock in private
      offering, net of offering expenses.....             --             --     33,546,494            --     21,318,003
    Issuance of common stock.................     19,180,785     13,624,941     31,368,229     5,075,854             --
                                               -------------   ------------   ------------   -----------   ------------
    Proceeds from issuance of common stock
      warrants...............................             --             --             --            --      9,000,000
                                               -------------   ------------   ------------   -----------   ------------
        NET CASH PROVIDED BY FINANCING
          ACTIVITIES.........................     19,180,785     13,624,941     64,914,723     5,075,854    166,584,119
                                               -------------   ------------   ------------   -----------   ------------
NET INCREASE IN CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS....             --             --     10,883,142            --    117,729,568
 
CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS, BEGINNING OF
  PERIOD.....................................             --             --             --            --     10,883,142
                                               -------------   ------------   ------------   -----------   ------------
 
CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS, END OF PERIOD.....  $          --   $         --   $ 10,883,142   $        --   $128,612,710
                                               =============   ============   ============   ===========   ============
</TABLE>
 
                See accompanying notes to financial statements.
                                       F-6
<PAGE>   123
 
                          ORBITAL IMAGING CORPORATION
 
                         NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
 
(1)  NATURE OF OPERATIONS
 
     In 1991, the ORBIMAGE operating division of Orbital Sciences Corporation
("Orbital") was established to manage the development of remote imaging
satellites that would collect, process, and distribute digital imagery of land
areas, oceans and the atmosphere. In 1992, Orbital Imaging Corporation
("ORBIMAGE" or the "Company") was incorporated in Delaware as a wholly-owned
subsidiary of Orbital. On May 8, 1997 and July 3, 1997, ORBIMAGE issued
preferred stock to private investors to fund a significant portion of the
remaining costs of existing projects (the "Private Placement"). Orbital
purchased additional common stock, bringing its total common equity invested to
approximately $88 million. Also on May 8, 1997, ORBIMAGE executed certain
contracts with Orbital whereby all assets and liabilities of Orbital's operating
division, ORBIMAGE, were sold to the Company at the historical cost.
Accordingly, the accompanying financial statements incorporate the historical
accounts and operations of the operating division prior to May 8, 1997, as
predecessor financial statements of ORBIMAGE.
 
     ORBIMAGE has three contracts with Orbital: the ORBIMAGE System Procurement
Agreement dated November 18, 1996, as amended (the "System Procurement
Agreement"), the OrbView-2 License Agreement dated May 8, 1997 (the "License
Agreement"), and the Amended and Restated Administrative Services Agreement
dated May 8, 1997 (the "Administrative Services Agreement"). Under the System
Procurement Agreement, ORBIMAGE is purchasing (i) the OrbView-1 satellite, (ii)
an exclusive license entitling ORBIMAGE to all of the economic rights and
benefits of the OrbView-2 satellite, (iii) the OrbView-3 satellite and launch
service, (iv) the OrbView-4 satellite and launch service, and (v) the ground
segment assets used to command and control the satellites as well as receive and
process imagery. Under the License Agreement, Orbital has granted an exclusive
worldwide license to ORBIMAGE to use and sell OrbView-2 imagery. Pursuant to the
terms of the License Agreement, Orbital has assigned to ORBIMAGE all amounts
that are due or which become due to Orbital under a contract Orbital has with
NASA to deliver OrbView-2 imagery, and ORBIMAGE has sole responsibility for
operating and controlling the satellite. Under the Administrative Services
Agreement, ORBIMAGE is reimbursing Orbital for all management, accounting,
legal, and financial services, office space, and other administrative services,
as well as certain direct operating services provided by Orbital.
 
     The OrbView-1 satellite was launched in 1995 and provides severe weather
and atmospheric images, including global lightning information and measurements
used in analyzing atmospheric temperature information. The OrbView-2 satellite
was launched on August 1, 1997 and completed its on-orbit checkout in October
1997. The satellite provides multispectral imagery to detect changes in the
coloration of Earth's oceans and land areas. The OrbView-3 satellite is
currently scheduled to begin operations in the second half of 1999 and will
provide 1-meter panchromatic and 4-meter multispectral imagery of the Earth. The
OrbView-4 satellite will provide 1-meter and 2-meter panchromatic, 4-meter
multispectral, and 8-meter hyperspectral imagery of the Earth and is expected to
be operational in mid-2000. The imagery provided by both OrbView-3 and OrbView-4
will have a broad range of applications for U.S. and foreign national security
and many commercial and scientific markets.
 
(2)  SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES
 
  Basis of Presentation
 
     The preparation of financial statements in conformity with generally
accepted accounting principles requires management to make estimates and
assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and
disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financial
statements, and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the period.
Actual results could differ from those estimates.
 
                                       F-7
<PAGE>   124
                          ORBITAL IMAGING CORPORATION
 
                  NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS -- (CONTINUED)
 
     Certain reclassifications have been made to the 1996 and 1995 financial
statements to conform to the 1997 financial statement presentation.
 
  Revenue Recognition
 
     ORBIMAGE's principal source of revenue is the sale of satellite imagery to
customers, value-added resellers, and distributors. Such sales often require
ORBIMAGE to provide imagery over the term of a multi-year sales contract.
Accordingly, ORBIMAGE recognizes revenues on imagery contracts on a
straight-line basis over the delivery term of the contract. Deferred revenue
represents contract receipts in advance of the delivery of imagery.
 
  Unaudited Interim Information
 
     The unaudited interim information as of March 31, 1998 and for the three
months ended March 31, 1998 and 1997, has been prepared in accordance with
generally accepted accounting principles for interim financial information. In
the opinion of management, such information contains all adjustments, consisting
only of normal recurring adjustments, considered necessary for a fair
presentation of such periods. Operating results for the three months ended March
31, 1998 are not necessarily indicative of the results expected for the full
year.
 
  Services Provided by Orbital
 
     A substantial part of ORBIMAGE's administrative services, including legal,
accounting, human resources, and purchasing is provided to ORBIMAGE at cost by
Orbital. Such costs include both specifically identifiable services and certain
pooled costs allocated by Orbital based on ORBIMAGE's proportional use. ORBIMAGE
believes that the cost of these services, as provided for in the accompanying
statements of operations, is reasonable and approximates the cost of similar
services if obtained directly by ORBIMAGE.
 
  Income Taxes
 
     ORBIMAGE recognizes income taxes using the asset and liability method, on a
stand alone basis. Under the asset and liability method, deferred tax assets and
liabilities are recognized for the future tax consequences attributable to
differences between the financial statement carrying amounts of existing assets
and liabilities and their respective tax bases. Deferred tax assets and
liabilities are measured using enacted tax rates expected to apply to taxable
income in the years in which those temporary differences are expected to be
recovered or settled. The effect on deferred tax assets and liabilities of a
change in tax rates is recognized in income in the period that includes the
enactment date.
 
  Stock Based Compensation
 
     On January 1, 1996, ORBIMAGE adopted Statement of Financial Accounting
Standards 123, "Accounting for Stock-Based Compensation" ("SFAS 123"), which
requires companies to (i) recognize as expense the fair value of all stock-based
awards on the date of grant, or (ii) continue to apply the provisions of
Accounting Principles Board Opinion No. 25 "Accounting for Stock Issued to
Employees" ("APB 25") and provide pro forma net income (loss) disclosures for
employee stock option grants made in 1995 and future years as if the
fair-value-based method defined in SFAS 123 had been applied. ORBIMAGE has
elected to continue to apply the provisions of APB 25 and provide the pro forma
disclosure provisions of SFAS 123 (See Note 9).
 
                                       F-8
<PAGE>   125
                          ORBITAL IMAGING CORPORATION
 
                  NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS -- (CONTINUED)
 
  Cash and Cash Equivalents and Short-Term Investments
 
     ORBIMAGE considers all highly liquid investments with original maturities
of three months or less to be cash equivalents. Investments in securities with
original maturities of more than three months but not more than one year are
classified as short-term investments and those with original maturities of more
than one year are classified as long-term investments. ORBIMAGE does not intend
to hold its investments in debt and equity securities until maturity and does
not actively trade the securities to maximize trading gains and classifies these
securities as "available for sale" and, accordingly, reports such securities at
fair value plus accrued interest. Any temporary excess (deficiency) of market
value over (under) the underlying cost of the short-term investment is excluded
from current period earnings and is reported as unrealized gains (losses) as a
separate component of stockholders' equity.
 
  Satellites and Related Rights and Property, Plant and Equipment
 
     ORBIMAGE is purchasing the OrbView-1, OrbView-3, and OrbView-4 satellites,
the OrbView-2 license, and the ground segment assets pursuant to the System
Procurement Agreement. ORBIMAGE is self-constructing a digital imagery archive
and processing system, which supports OrbView-2 and will support OrbView-3 and
OrbView-4 imagery processing and distribution. ORBIMAGE capitalizes certain
direct and indirect costs incurred in the construction of this system.
Amortization of the capitalized costs will begin when the system is placed in
service.
 
  Depreciation, Amortization, and Recoverability of Long-Lived Assets
 
     Depreciation and amortization are provided using the straight-line method
over the estimated useful lives of the satellites (three years for OrbView-1 and
seven and one-half years for OrbView-2), and generally over eight years for
ground segment assets.
 
     In 1995, ORBIMAGE adopted the provisions of the Financial Accounting
Standards Board's Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 121,
"Accounting for the Impairment of Long-Lived Assets and for Long-Lived Assets to
be Disposed Of" ("SFAS 121"), which (i) requires that assets "to be held and
used" be reviewed for impairment whenever events or changes in circumstances
indicate that the carrying amount of an asset may not be recoverable, (ii)
requires that long-lived assets "to be disposed of" be reported at the lower of
carrying amount or fair value less cost to sell, and (iii) provides guidelines
and procedures for measuring an impairment loss that are significantly different
from previous guidelines and procedures. In 1995, ORBIMAGE recorded $5,000,000
of additional depreciation expense, which is included in direct expenses in the
accompanying statement of operations, related to the estimated fair value of the
OrbView-1 satellite.
 
  Interest Capitalization
 
     Interest incurred on the Notes as of March 31, 1998 in the amount of
approximately $1,698,000 (unaudited) has been capitalized in connection with the
construction of the OrbView-3 and OrbView-4 satellites and related ground
segments. The capitalized interest is recorded as a part of the historical cost
of the assets to which it relates and will be amortized over the assets' useful
lives when placed in service.
 
(3)  RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS
 
     Pursuant to the System Procurement Agreement, ORBIMAGE has committed to
purchase various satellites, rights, and ground systems for approximately $295
million over approximately three years. ORBIMAGE incurred costs of approximately
$18,989,000, $12,617,000, and $47,604,000 for the years ended December 31, 1995,
1996, and 1997, respectively, under the System Procurement Agreement. ORBIMAGE
incurred costs of approximately $2,591,000, $1,969,000, and $3,168,000 for the
years ended December 31, 1995, 1996, and 1997, respectively, under the
Administrative Services Agreement.
 
                                       F-9
<PAGE>   126
                          ORBITAL IMAGING CORPORATION
 
                  NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS -- (CONTINUED)
 
(4)  INVESTMENTS
 
     The following table sets forth the aggregate cost and fair value and gross
unrealized gains (losses) of available-for-sale investments as of December 31,
1997 and March 31, 1998 (unaudited):
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                             DECEMBER 31, 1997
                                                   --------------------------------------
                                                                 UNREALIZED
                                                                   GAINS
                                                      COST        (LOSSES)    FAIR VALUE
                                                   -----------   ----------   -----------
<S>                                                <C>           <C>          <C>
SHORT-TERM
Commercial Paper.................................  $11,336,751   $   --       $11,336,751
                                                   -----------   ----------   -----------
  Total available-for-sale investments             $11,336,751   $   --       $11,336,751
                                                   ===========   ==========   ===========
</TABLE>
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                         MARCH 31, 1998 (UNAUDITED)
                                                   --------------------------------------
                                                                 UNREALIZED
                                                                   GAINS
                                                      COST        (LOSSES)    FAIR VALUE
                                                   -----------   ----------   -----------
<S>                                                <C>           <C>          <C>
SHORT-TERM
Commercial Paper.................................  $14,819,679   $   --       $14,819,679
                                                   -----------   ----------   -----------
  Total available-for-sale investments             $14,819,679   $   --       $14,819,679
                                                   ===========   ==========   ===========
</TABLE>
 
     The following table sets forth the aggregate cost and fair value of
held-to-maturity investments as of March 31, 1998 (unaudited) (none in 1997 or
prior periods):
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                 UNREALIZED
                                                    AMORTIZED      GAINS
                                                      COST        (LOSSES)    FAIR VALUE
                                                   -----------   ----------   -----------
<S>                                                <C>           <C>          <C>
SHORT-TERM
U.S. Treasury Notes..............................  $16,402,870   $   --       $16,402,870
 
LONG-TERM
U.S. Treasury Notes, maturing 18-24 months.......  $16,653,508   $   --       $16,653,508
                                                   -----------   ----------   -----------
     Total held-to-maturity investments..........  $33,056,378   $   --       $33,056,378
                                                   ===========   ==========   ===========
</TABLE>
 
     Included in cash and cash equivalents at December 31, 1997 and March 31,
1998 were approximately $8,887,000 of commercial paper, and $76,431,000
(unaudited) of commercial paper and taxable municipal bonds, respectively.
 
(5)  MAJOR CUSTOMER
 
     Pursuant to imagery contracts with NASA, ORBIMAGE recognized revenues of
approximately $4,070,000, $800,000, and $1,957,000 for the years ended December
31, 1995, 1996, and 1997, respectively, representing approximately 89%, 76%, and
95%, respectively, of total revenues recognized during those periods.
 
                                      F-10
<PAGE>   127
                          ORBITAL IMAGING CORPORATION
 
                  NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS -- (CONTINUED)
 
(6)  PROPERTY, PLANT AND EQUIPMENT
 
     Property, plant and equipment consisted of the following:
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                          DECEMBER 31,
                                                  ----------------------------
                                                     1996             1997
                                                  -----------      -----------
<S>                                               <C>              <C>
Land............................................  $   212,684      $   212,684
Ground segment assets...........................   12,780,205       15,985,408
Accumulated depreciation........................   (3,486,260)      (5,144,194)
                                                  -----------      -----------
          Total.................................  $ 9,506,629      $11,053,898
                                                  ===========      ===========
</TABLE>
 
(7)  SATELLITES AND RELATED RIGHTS
 
     Satellites and related rights consisted of the following:
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                         DECEMBER 31,
                                                 -----------------------------
                                                    1996              1997
                                                 -----------      ------------
<S>                                              <C>              <C>
In service:
  OrbView-1....................................  $12,327,040      $ 12,327,002
  Accumulated depreciation.....................   (9,070,578)      (11,512,924)
                                                 -----------      ------------
                                                   3,256,462           814,078
                                                 -----------      ------------
  OrbView-2 license............................   56,351,670        64,543,000
  Accumulated amortization.....................           --        (1,434,289)
                                                 -----------      ------------
                                                  56,351,670        63,108,711
                                                 -----------      ------------
Satellites in process..........................    2,676,746        40,303,358
                                                 -----------      ------------
          Total................................  $62,284,878      $104,226,147
                                                 ===========      ============
</TABLE>
 
(8)  INCOME TAXES
 
     ORBIMAGE recorded a deferred benefit for income taxes of $1,751,468 and
$1,715,966 (unaudited) for the year ended December 31, 1997 and for the three
months ended March 31, 1998, respectively and had no current or deferred
provision or benefit for income taxes in prior periods. ORBIMAGE's losses for
income tax purposes for the period January 1 through May 7, 1997 and for the
years 1996 and 1995 (during which ORBIMAGE was an operating division, and was
included in the consolidated tax return, of Orbital) were significantly greater
than pre-tax financial statement losses, primarily due to expenses associated
with satellites and related rights deducted currently for income tax purposes.
Prior to May 8, 1997, the Company had a tax-sharing arrangement with Orbital
under which tax deductions for satellites and related rights, and the associated
net operating loss carryforwards, remained with Orbital. As a result, the
Company recorded a tax-sharing charge of $4,947,880, $2,406,922, and $1,751,468
for the years ended December 31, 1995, 1996, and 1997, respectively, as a direct
charge to additional paid-in capital.
 
                                      F-11
<PAGE>   128
                          ORBITAL IMAGING CORPORATION
 
                  NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS -- (CONTINUED)
 
     The tax effects of significant temporary differences at December 31, 1996
and 1997 are as follows:
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                          DECEMBER 31,
                                                  ----------------------------
                                                     1996             1997
                                                  -----------      -----------
<S>                                               <C>              <C>
Deferred tax assets:
  Revenue recognition...........................  $14,154,825      $14,949,332
  Net operating loss carryforward...............           --          584,905
  Other.........................................           --           62,367
                                                  -----------      -----------
  Deferred tax assets, net......................  $14,154,825      $15,596,604
                                                  ===========      ===========
Deferred tax liabilities:
  Differences in the tax treatment of satellites
     and related rights.........................  $24,816,053      $26,257,832
                                                  ===========      ===========
</TABLE>
 
     The income tax provision (benefit) for the years ended December 31, 1995,
1996, and 1997, is different from that computed using statutory U.S. Federal
income tax rates solely due to differences associated with net operating loss
carry-forwards generated prior to May 8, 1997 and state tax benefits. As of
December 31, 1997, the Company has a net operating loss carryforward for income
tax purposes of approximately $1,500,000, which will be used to offset future
taxable income over the next 15 years.
 
(9)  LONG-TERM OBLIGATIONS (UNAUDITED)
 
     On February 25, 1998, the Company issued 150,000 units consisting of the
Notes and 1,312,746 warrants for common stock, raising net proceedings of
approximately $145,000,000 (unaudited). Interest is payable semi-annually,
commencing September 1, 1998. ORBIMAGE purchased U.S. Treasury securities in an
amount sufficient to pay the interest on the Notes for the first four periods.
These investments have maturities ranging from six months to two years and are
pledged as security for repayment of interest on the Notes.
 
(10)  COMMON AND PREFERRED STOCK
 
     In 1997, ORBIMAGE consummated the Private Placement in which it sold
372,705 shares of Series A cumulative convertible preferred stock (the
"Preferred Stock") generating gross proceeds of approximately $37,000,000. In
February 1998, the Company issued an additional 227,295 shares of Preferred
Stock in a private placement, generating gross proceeds of approximately
$23,000,000 (unaudited). Each share of Preferred Stock entitles its holder to
receive annual cumulative dividends of 12% per annum. The Preferred Stock is
convertible into ORBIMAGE common stock in an amount equal to $100 per share of
Preferred Stock, divided by the Series A Conversion Price, which is $4.17 per
share of Preferred Stock. The Series A Conversion Price is subject to adjustment
under certain circumstances. Each holder of Series A Preferred Stock is entitled
to voting rights equal to that of a common stockholder; for this purpose each
share of Preferred Stock is treated as if converted to common stock (rounded to
the nearest whole number) immediately prior to a vote.
 
     Dividends on the Preferred Stock are cumulative, have priority over
dividends on common stock, Series B preferred stock, and Series C preferred
stock, and must be paid in the event of liquidation and before any distribution
to holders of common stock or Series B preferred stock and Series C preferred
stock. Dividends are payable on a semi-annual basis in May and November, and can
be paid in either cash or additional shares of Preferred Stock. In 1997, the
Company issued 20,182 shares of Preferred Stock as dividends. At December 31,
1997, cumulative Preferred Stock dividends in arrears amounted to approximately
8,000 shares.
 
     In addition, in 1997, Orbital increased its common equity investment in
ORBIMAGE, bringing its total equity invested to approximately $87,900,000 and
its ownership of common stock to 25,200,000 shares.
 
                                      F-12
<PAGE>   129
                          ORBITAL IMAGING CORPORATION
 
                  NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS -- (CONTINUED)
 
(11)  STOCK OPTION PLAN
 
     In 1996, ORBIMAGE adopted the 1996 Stock Option Plan (the "ORBIMAGE Plan")
pursuant to which incentive or non-qualified options to purchase up to 2,800,000
shares of ORBIMAGE common stock may be granted to ORBIMAGE and Orbital
employees, consultants or advisors. Under the ORBIMAGE Plan, stock options may
not be granted with an exercise price less than 85% of the stock's fair market
value at the date of grant as determined by the Board of Directors. The ORBIMAGE
options generally vest ratably over a three-year period. The following table
summarizes the activity relating to the ORBIMAGE Plan:
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                        WEIGHTED
                                       NUMBER OF    OPTION PRICE        AVERAGE        OUTSTANDING AND
                                        SHARES        PER SHARE      EXERCISE PRICE      EXERCISABLE
                                       ---------    -------------    --------------    ---------------
<S>                                    <C>          <C>              <C>               <C>
OUTSTANDING AT DECEMBER 31, 1995.....         --         --                 --                  --
  Granted............................  1,408,000        $3.60            $3.60
  Exercised..........................         --         --                 --
  Cancelled or Expired...............         --         --                 --
                                       ---------
OUTSTANDING AT DECEMBER 31, 1996.....  1,408,000        $3.60            $3.60             352,000
  Granted............................    498,000        $4.17            $4.17
  Exercised..........................    (14,000)       $3.60            $3.60
  Cancelled or Expired...............     (8,000)       $3.60            $3.60
                                       ---------
OUTSTANDING AT DECEMBER 31, 1997.....  1,884,000    $3.60 -- $4.17       $3.75             707,250
                                       =========    =============        =====             =======
</TABLE>
 
     ORBIMAGE applies APB No. 25 and related interpretations in accounting for
its plans. No compensation cost has been recognized in connection with stock
option grants in the accompanying statements of operations. To the extent that
the Company grants stock options to non-employee consultants or advisors, the
Company records expense equal to the fair value of the options granted as
determined by the Black-Scholes option pricing model.
 
  Stock Based Compensation
 
     On January 1, 1996, ORBIMAGE adopted SFAS 123 (see Note 2). ORBIMAGE uses
the Black-Scholes option-pricing model to determine the pro forma impact to its
net income. The model utilizes certain information, such as the interest rate on
a risk-free security maturing generally at the same time as the option being
valued, and requires certain assumptions, such as the expected amount of time an
option will be outstanding until it is exercised or it expires, to calculate the
weighted-average fair value per share of stock options granted. This information
and the assumptions used in the option-pricing model for 1996 and 1997,
respectively, are as follows: volatility, 30% and 30%; dividend yield, 0% and
0%; risk-free interest rate, 5.8% and 6.0%; average expected life, 4.5 years and
4.5 years; additional shares available, 1,392,000 and 902,000; and
weighted-average exercise price per share, $3.60 and $3.75.
 
     Had ORBIMAGE determined compensation cost based on the fair value at the
grant date for its stock options in accordance with the fair value method
prescribed by SFAS 123, ORBIMAGE's net loss would have been approximately
$5,305,000 and $5,031,000 for the years ended December 31, 1996 and 1997,
respectively. The pro forma net loss reflects only options granted in 1996 and
1997 and therefore may not be representative of the effects for future periods.
 
(12)  SUPPLEMENTAL DISCLOSURES
 
     At December 31, 1997, ORBIMAGE employees were participating in the Deferred
Salary Profit Sharing Plan for Employees of Orbital Imaging Corporation, a
defined contribution plan (the "Plan") in accordance with Section 401(k) of the
Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended. Company contributions to the Plan
 
                                      F-13
<PAGE>   130
                          ORBITAL IMAGING CORPORATION
 
                  NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS -- (CONTINUED)
 
are made based on certain plan provisions and at the discretion of the Board of
Directors, and in 1997, were approximately $28,000.
 
(13)  SUBSEQUENT EVENTS (UNAUDITED)
 
     On April 30, 1998, the Company acquired substantially all the assets of
TRIFID Corporation ("TRIFID") for approximately $4,000,000. Under the terms of
the acquisition agreement, an additional $1,000,000 earn-out is payable if
certain revenue targets are achieved during the third quarter of 1998. The
acquisition will provide ORBIMAGE with the technical personnel and production
capability required to generate high resolution imagery products. The
acquisition resulted in excess of purchase price over net assets acquired of
approximately $2,000,000, which amount will be amortized over 10 years.
 
                                      F-14
<PAGE>   131
 
                               GLOSSARY OF TERMS
 
CHECK-OUT INSURANCE -- Insurance placed into effect following the deployment of
the satellite which remains in effect until the satellite is placed into
commercial service.
 
COMMON STOCK -- The common stock of the Company, par value $.01 per share.
 
COMPANY -- Orbital Imaging Corporation, a Delaware corporation.
 
DESIGN LIFE -- The expected functional life of a satellite based on the specific
design employed.
 
DoC -- The U.S. Department of Commerce.
 
DoD -- The U.S. Department of Defense.
 
EESS -- Earth Exploration-Satellite Service, a radio-communication service
between ground stations and one or more satellites which obtains information on
the Earth and its natural phenomena from active sensors or passive sensors on
satellites.
 
EARTHWATCH -- EarthWatch Incorporated, a commercial remote sensing company
sponsored by Ball Aerospace and Technologies Corporation, CTA Incorporated, and
Hitachi, Ltd.
 
FCC -- The Federal Communications Commission, an independent government agency
charged with regulating interstate and international communications by radio,
television, wire, satellite, and cable.
 
HIGH-RESOLUTION ORBVIEW SATELLITES -- the OrbView-3 and OrbView-4 satellites
 
INMARSAT -- International Maritime Satellite Organization, an organization
responsible for providing international maritime telephony via communication
satellites.
 
IN-ORBIT INSURANCE -- Insurance covering the period following the date a
satellite has been placed into commercial service.
 
INTELSAT AND INMARSAT AGREEMENT -- An international agreement requiring
coordination to the extent that any party or signatory or person within the
jurisdiction of a party intends to establish, acquire, or utilize space segment
facilities separate from the Intelsat space segment facilities to meet its
domestic public telecommunications services requirements.
 
IRS-1C -- India Remote Sensing Satellite.
 
ITU -- International Telecommunications Union, which is the telecommunications
agency of the United Nations established to provide standardized communications
procedures and practices including frequency allocation and radio regulations on
a worldwide basis.
 
NASA -- National Aeronautics and Space Administration.
 
NIMA -- National Imagery and Mapping Agency.
 
NOAA -- National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, an agency of the DoC.
 
NRO -- The U.S. National Reconnaissance Office.
 
NTIA -- National Telecommunications and Information Administration, an agency of
the DoC.
 
ORBIMAGE -- Orbital Imaging Corporation, a Delaware corporation (the "Company").
 
ORBITAL -- Orbital Sciences Corporation, a Delaware corporation.
 
ORBVIEW-1 -- The satellite launched in April 1995 that is providing
meteorological data on severe weather lightning strikes and measurements of
other atmospheric properties.
 
ORBVIEW-2 -- The satellite launched in the second quarter of 1997, that is
providing 1-kilometer resolution imagery of the Earth's surface in eight
spectral bans.
 
                                       G-1
<PAGE>   132
 
ORBVIEW-2 LICENSE -- The OrbView-2 License Agreement between Orbital and
ORBIMAGE, which provides ORBIMAGE with the economic equivalent of ownership of
the OrbView-2 satellite.
 
ORBVIEW-3 -- The satellite scheduled for launch in 1999, that is designed to
provide for both one-meter resolution panchromatic imagery, and four-meter
resolution multispectral imagery in 4 spectral bands of the Earth's surface.
 
ORBVIEW-4 -- The satellite scheduled for launch in the second quarter of 2000,
that is designed to provide for one-meter resolution panchromatic imagery,
four-meter resolution multispectral imagery and eight-meter resolution
hyperspectral imagery.
 
PEGASUS -- Orbital's air-launched rocket designed to launch small satellites
into low-Earth orbit.
 
RADARSAT -- Radarsat International Inc., a Canadian company operating a
commercial radar imaging satellite.
 
SAMSUNG AEROSPACE -- Samsung Aerospace Industries, Ltd..
 
SPACE IMAGING EOSAT -- Space Imaging EOSAT, a commercial remote sensing company
sponsored by Lockheed Martin, Raytheon and Mitsubishi.
 
STOCK OPTION PLAN -- The Company's 1996 Stock Option Plan, which provides for
grants of incentive or non-qualified stock options to officers, directors and
employees of the Company.
 
TAURUS -- Orbital's ground launched rocket designed for launching small to
medium satellites into space.
 
UCAR -- University Corporation for Atmospheric Research.
 
VARS -- Value added resellers.
 
                                       G-2
<PAGE>   133
 
                          ORBITAL IMAGING CORPORATION
 
     All tendered Original Notes, executed Letters of Transmittal, and other
related documents should be directed to the Exchange Agent. Requests for
assistance and for additional copies of the Prospectus, the Letter of
Transmittal and other related documents should be directed to the Exchange
Agent.
 
                  THE EXCHANGE AGENT FOR THE EXCHANGE OFFER IS
 
                              MARINE MIDLAND BANK
 
                                 by Facsimile:
                                 (212) 658-6425
                           Attention: Frank J. Godino
                              Confirm by telephone
                                 (212) 658-6044
 
                        By Registered or Certified Mail:
                              Marine Midland Bank
                                  140 Broadway
                                   12th Floor
                         New York, New York 10005-1180
                         Att: Corporate Trust Services
 
                                    By Hand:
                              Marine Midland Bank
                                  140 Broadway
                                   12th Floor
                         New York, New York 10005-1180
                         Att: Corporate Trust Services
 
                             By Overnight Courier:
                              Marine Midland Bank
                                  140 Broadway
                                   12th Floor
                         New York, New York 10005-1180
                         Att: Corporate Trust Services
                                 (212) 658-6084
<PAGE>   134
 
                                    PART II
 
                   INFORMATION NOT REQUIRED IN THE PROSPECTUS
 
ITEM 20.  INDEMNIFICATION OF DIRECTORS AND OFFICERS
 
     The Company is a Delaware corporation and its Second Amended and Restated
Certificate of Incorporation and Bylaws provide for indemnification of its
officers and directors to the fullest extent permitted by law. Section 102(b)(7)
of the Delaware General Corporation Law (the "DGCL") permits a corporation in
its certificate of incorporation to eliminate the liability of a cooperation's
directors to a corporation or its stockholders, except for liabilities related
to breach of duty of loyalty, actions not in good faith and certain other
liabilities.
 
     Section 145 of the DGCL provides that a corporation may indemnify directors
and officers as well as other employees and individuals against expenses
(including attorneys' fees), judgments, fines and amounts paid in settlement in
connection with specified actions, suits or proceedings, whether civil,
criminal, administrative or investigative (other than an action by or in the
right of the corporation, a "derivative action") if they acted in good faith and
in a manner they reasonably believed to be in or not opposed to the best
interests of the corporation, and, with respect to any criminal action or
proceeding, if they had no reasonable cause to believe their conduct was
unlawful. A similar standard is applicable in the case of derivative actions,
except that indemnification only extends to expenses (including attorneys' fees)
incurred in connection with the defense or settlement of such actions, and the
status requires court approval before there can be any indemnification where the
person seeking indemnification has been found liable to the corporation. The
statute provides that it is not exclusive of other indemnification that may be
granted by a corporation's bylaws, disinterested director vote, stockholder
vote, agreement or otherwise.
 
     Delaware law also permits a corporation to purchase and maintain insurance
on behalf of any person who is or was a director or officer against any
liability asserted against him and incurred by him in such capacity or arising
out of his status as such, whether or not the corporation has the power to
indemnify him against that liability under Section 145 of the DGCL.
 
     The above discussion of the Company's Second Amended and Restated
Certificate of Incorporation and Bylaws is not intended to be exhaustive and is
respectively qualified in its entirety by such documents.
 
ITEM 21.  EXHIBITS AND FINANCIAL STATEMENT SCHEDULES
 
     (a) Exhibits
 
   
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
EXHIBIT
NUMBER                                DESCRIPTION
- -------                               -----------
<C>           <S>
    3.1       Second Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation of
              the Company.
    3.2       Bylaws of the Company
    4.1       Specimen certificate of 11 5/8% Series A Senior Note due
              2005 (included in Exhibit 4.3 hereto).
    4.2       Specimen certificate of 11 5/8% Series B Senior Note due
              2005 (substantially in the same form as Exhibit 4.1)
    4.3       Indenture dated as of February 25, 1998, by and among the
              Company and Marine Midland Bank, as Trustee, with respect to
              the 11 5/8% Senior Notes due 2005 of the Company.
    4.4       Warrant Agreement dated as of February 25, 1998, by and
              between the Company and Marine Midland Bank as Warrant Agent
    4.5       Registration Rights Agreement, dated as of February 25, 1998
              by and among the Company, Bear, Stearns & Co. Inc., Merrill
              Lynch & Co. and NationsBanc Montgomery Securities LLC as the
              Initial Purchasers.
    4.6       Warrant Registration Rights Agreement, dated as of February
              25, 1998 by and among the Company, Bear, Stearns & Co. Inc.,
              Merrill Lynch & Co. and NationsBanc Montgomery Securities
              LLC as the Initial Purchasers.
    4.7       Pledge Agreement dated February 25, 1998, by and between the
              Company and Marine Midland Bank as Collateral Agent.
</TABLE>
    
 
                                      II-1
<PAGE>   135
 
   
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
EXHIBIT
NUMBER                                DESCRIPTION
- -------                               -----------
<C>           <S>
    4.8       Amended and Restated Stock Purchase Agreement dated as of
              February 25, 1998, by and among the Company, Orbital
              Sciences Corporation and the holders of Series A Preferred
              Stock named therein
    4.9       Amended and Restated Stockholders' Agreement dated as of
              February 25, 1998, by and among the Company, Orbital
              Sciences Corporation and the holders of Series A Preferred
              Stock named therein
   5.1+       Opinion of Latham & Watkins regarding the validity of the
              Exchange Notes, including consent.
   8.1+       Opinion of Latham & Watkins regarding certain federal income
              tax matters, including consent.
   10.1       Purchase Agreement, dated as of February 20, 1998 by and
              among the Company, Bear, Stearns & Co. Inc., Merrill Lynch &
              Co. and NationsBanc Montgomery Securities LLC as the Initial
              Purchasers.
10.2+**       Amended and Restated Procurement Agreement dated February
              26, 1998 by and between the Company and Orbital
   10.3       Amended and Restated Administrative Services Agreement dated
              December 31, 1997 by and between the Company and Orbital.
   10.4       NonCompetition and Teaming Agreement dated as of May 8, 1997
              by and between the Company and Orbital.
   10.5       OrbView-2 License Agreement dated as of May 8, 1997 by and
              between the Company and Orbital.
10.6+**       Distributor Licensee Agreement dated as of January 31, 1997,
              as amended from time to time, by and between the Company and
              Samsung Aerospace Industries, Ltd.
   10.7       Form of Indemnification Agreement between the Company and
              its directors and officers.
   10.8       ORBIMAGE 1996 Stock Option Plan.
  10.9+       Agreement between National Aeronautics and Space
              Administration and Orbital Sciences Corporation, dated March
              29, 1991, as amended.
   12         Statements re Computations of Ratios
  23.1+       Consent of KPMG Peat Marwick, LLP, independent certified
              public accountants.
   23.2       Consent of Latham & Watkins (included in Exhibit 5.1)
   24         Powers of Attorney of directors and officers of the Company
              (included on signature page to their Registration
              Statement).
   25.1       Statement of Eligibility of Trustee on Form T-1.
   27         Financial Data Schedule
   99.1       Form of Letter of Transmittal
   99.2       Form of Notice of Guaranteed Delivery
</TABLE>
    
 
- ---------------
   
 + Filed herewith.
    
** Confidential treatment requested pursuant to Rule 406 under the Securities
   Act of 1933, as amended. Certain portions of the exhibit have been omitted.
   The omitted portions of such exhibits have been separately filed with the
   Securities and Exchange Commission.
 
     (b) Financial Statements
 
ITEM 22.  UNDERTAKINGS
 
     The undersigned registrant hereby undertakes:
 
          (1) To file, during any period in which offers or sales are being
     made, a post-effective amendment to this registration statement:
 
             (i) To include any prospectus required by Section 10(a)(3) of the
        Securities Act of 1933;
 
             (ii) To reflect in the prospectus any facts or events arising after
        the effective date of the registration statement (or the most recent
        post-effective amendment thereof) which, individually or in the
        aggregate, represent a fundamental change in the information set forth
        in the registration statement. Notwithstanding the foregoing, any
        increase or decrease in volume of securities offered (if the total
        dollar value of securities offered would not exceed that which was
        registered) and any deviation from the low or high end of the estimated
        maximum offering range may be reflected in the form of prospectus filed
        with the Commission pursuant to Rule 424(b) if, in the aggregate, the
 
                                      II-2
<PAGE>   136
 
        changes in volume and price represent no more than 20 percent change in
        the maximum aggregate offering price set forth in the "Calculation of
        Registration Fee" table in the effective registration statement.
 
             (iii) To include any material with respect to the plan of
        distribution not previously disclosed in the registration statement or
        any material change to such information in the registration statement;
 
          (2) That, for the purpose of determining any liability under the
     Securities Act of 1933, each such post-effective amendment shall be deemed
     to be a new registration statement relating to the securities offered
     therein, and the offering of such securities at that time shall be deemed
     to be the initial bona fide offering thereof.
 
          (3) To remove from registration by means of a post-effective amendment
     any of the securities being registered which remain unsold at the
     termination of the offering.
 
The undersigned registrant hereby undertakes as follows: that prior to any
public reoffering of the securities registered hereunder through use of a
prospectus which is a part of this registration statement, by any person or
party who is deemed to be an underwriter within the meaning of Rule 145(c), the
registrant undertakes that such reoffering prospectus will contain the
information called for by the applicable registration form with respect to
reofferings by persons who may be deemed underwriters, in addition to the
information called for by the other items of the applicable form.
 
     The registrant undertakes that every prospectus: (i) that is filed pursuant
to the immediately preceding paragraph, or (ii) that purports to meet the
requirements of Section 10(a)(3) of the Securities Act of 1933, and is used in
connection with an offering of securities subject to Rule 415, will be filed as
a part of an amendment to the registration statement and will not be used until
such amendment is effective, and that, for purposes of determining any liability
under the Securities Act of 1933, each such post-effective amendment shall be
deemed to be a new registration statement relating to the securities offered
therein, and the offering of such securities at the time shall be deemed to be
the initial bona fide offering thereof.
 
     The undersigned registrant hereby undertakes to respond to requests for
information that is incorporated by reference into the prospectus pursuant to
Item 4, 10(b), 11 or 13 of this form, within one business day of receipt of such
request, and to send the incorporated documents by first class mail or other
equally prompt means. This includes information contained in documents filed
subsequent to the effective date of the registration statement through the date
of responding to the request.
 
     The undersigned registrant hereby undertakes to supply by means of a
post-effective amendment all information concerning a transaction, and the
company being acquired involved therein, that was not the subject of and
included in the registration statement when it became effective.
 
     Insofar as indemnification for liabilities arising under the Securities Act
may be permitted to directors, officers and controlling persons of the
registrant pursuant to the provision described under Item 20 or otherwise, the
registrant has been advised that in the opinion of the Securities and Exchange
Commission such indemnification is against public policy as expressed in the
Securities Act and is, therefore, unenforceable. In the event that a claim for
indemnification against such liabilities (other than the payment by the
registrant of expenses incurred or paid by a director, officer or controlling
person of the registrant in the successful defense of any action, suit or
proceeding) is asserted by such director, officer or controlling person in
connection with the securities being registered, the registrant will, unless in
the opinion of its counsel the matter has been settled by controlling precedent,
submit to a court of appropriate jurisdiction the question whether such
indemnification by it is against public policy as expressed in the Securities
Act and will be governed by the final adjudication of such issue.
 
                                      II-3
<PAGE>   137
 
                                   SIGNATURES
 
   
     Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Act of 1933, the Company
certifies that it has reasonable grounds to believe that it meets all of the
requirements for filing on Form S-4 and has duly caused this Registration
Statement to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly
authorized, in the County of Loudoun, Commonwealth of Virginia, on July 24,
1998.
    
 
                                          ORBITAL IMAGING CORPORATION
 
                                          By:                  *
                                            ------------------------------------
                                                       Gilbert D. Rye
                                               President and Chief Operating
                                                           Officer
 
     Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended,
this registration statement has been signed below by the following persons in
the capacities and on the dates indicated.
 
   
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                   SIGNATURE                                      TITLE                      DATE
                   ---------                                      -----                      ----
<S>                                               <C>                                    <C>
                       *                          President and Chief Operating Officer  July 24, 1998
- ------------------------------------------------      (Principal Executive Officer)
                 GILBERT D. RYE
 
               ARMAND D. MANCINI                   Vice President, Finance (Principal    July 24, 1998
- ------------------------------------------------    Financial and Accounting Officer)
               ARMAND D. MANCINI
 
                       *                                        Director                 July 24, 1998
- ------------------------------------------------
               BRUCE W. FERGUSON
 
                       *                                        Director                 July 24, 1998
- ------------------------------------------------
               RICHARD REISS, JR.
 
                       *                                        Director                 July 24, 1998
- ------------------------------------------------
               WILLIAM W. SPRAGUE
 
                       *                                        Director                 July 24, 1998
- ------------------------------------------------
               DAVID W. THOMPSON
 
                                                                Director                 July 24, 1998
- ------------------------------------------------
              JAMES A. ABRAHAMSON
 
           *By: /s/ ARMAND D. MANCINI
   ------------------------------------------
               ARMAND D. MANCINI
               POWER OF ATTORNEY
</TABLE>
    
 
                                      II-4
<PAGE>   138
 
                               INDEX TO EXHIBITS
 
   
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
EXHIBIT
NUMBER                                DESCRIPTION
- -------                               -----------
<C>           <S>
    3.1       Second Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation of
              the Company.
    3.2       Bylaws of the Company
    4.1       Specimen certificate of 11 5/8% Series A Senior Note due
              2005 (included in Exhibit 4.3 hereto)
    4.2       Specimen certificate of 11 5/8% Series B Senior Note due
              2005 (substantially in the form as Exhibit 4.1)
    4.3       Indenture dated as of February 25, 1998, by and among the
              Company and Marine Midland Bank, as Trustee, with respect to
              the 11 5/8% Senior Notes due 2005 of the Company.
    4.4       Warrant Agreement, dated as of February 25, 1998, by and
              between the Company and Marine Midland Bank as Warrant
              Agent.
    4.5       Registration Rights Agreement, dated as of February 25, 1998
              by and among the Company, Bear, Stearns & Co. Inc., Merrill
              Lynch & Co. and NationsBanc Montgomery Securities LLC as the
              Initial Purchasers.
    4.6       Warrant Registration Rights Agreement, dated as of February
              25, 1998 by and among the Company, Bear, Stearns & Co. Inc.,
              Merrill Lynch & Co. and NationsBanc Montgomery Securities
              LLC as the Initial Purchasers.
    4.7       Pledge Agreement dated February 25, 1998, by and between the
              Company and Marine Midland Bank as Collateral Agent.
    4.8       Amended and Restated Stock Purchase Agreement dated as of
              February 25, 1998, by and among the Company, Orbital
              Sciences Corporation and the holders of Series A Preferred
              Stock named therein
    4.9       Amended and Restated Stockholders' Agreement dated as of
              February 25, 1998, by and among the Company, Orbital
              Sciences Corporation and the holders of Series A Preferred
              Stock named therein
   5.1+       Opinion of Latham & Watkins regarding the validity of the
              Exchange Notes, including consent.
   8.1+       Opinion of Latham & Watkins regarding certain federal income
              tax matters, including consent.
   10.1       Purchase Agreement, dated as of February 20, 1998 by and
              among the Company, Bear, Stearns & Co. Inc., Merrill Lynch &
              Co. and NationsBanc Montgomery Securities LLC as the Initial
              Purchasers.
10.2+**       Amended and Restated Procurement Agreement dated February
              26, 1998 by and between the Company and Orbital
   10.3       Amended and Restated Administrative Services Agreement dated
              May 8, 1997 by and between the Company and Orbital.
   10.4       NonCompetition and Teaming Agreement dated as of May 8, 1997
              by and between the Company and Orbital.
   10.5       OrbView-2 License Agreement dated as of May 8, 1997 by and
              between the Company and Orbital.
10.6+**       Distributor Licensee Agreement dated as of January 31, 1997,
              as amended from time to time, by and between the Company and
              Samsung Aerospace Industries, Ltd.
   10.7       Form of Indemnification Agreement between the Company and
              its directors and officers.
   10.8       ORBIMAGE 1996 Stock Option Plan.
  10.9+       Agreement between National Aeronautics and Space
              Administration and Orbital Sciences Corporation, dated March
              29, 1991, as amended.
   12         Statements re Computations of Ratios
  23.1+       Consent of KPMG Peat Marwick, LLP, independent certified
              public accountants.
   23.2       Consent of Latham & Watkins (included in Exhibit 5.1)
   24         Powers of Attorney of directors and officers of the Company
              (included on signature page to this Registration Statement)
   25.1       Statement of Eligibility of Trustee on Form T-1.
   27         Financial Data Schedule
   99.1       Form of Letter of Transmittal
   99.2       Form of Notice of Guaranteed Delivery
</TABLE>
    
 
- ---------------
   
+  Filed herewith.
    
** Confidential treatment requested pursuant to Rule 406 under the Securities
   Act of 1933, as amended. Certain portions of the exhibit have been omitted.
   The omitted portions of such exhibits have been separately filed with the
   Securities and Exchange Commission.

<PAGE>   1
                                                                     Exhibit 5.1


<TABLE>
<S>                                                   <C>                            <C>  
                                                            LATHAM & WATKINS
                                                            ATTORNEYS AT LAW
          PAUL R. WATKINS (I899 - I973)               I00I PENNSYLVANIA AVE., N.W.
            DANA LATHAM (I898 - I974)                          SUITE I300                        NEW YORK OFFICE
                                                                                                 ---------------
                                                      WASHINGTON, D.C. 20004-2505          885 THIRD AVENUE, SUITE I000
                                                        TELEPHONE (202) 637-2200          NEW YORK, NEW YORK I0022-4802
                  CHICAGO OFFICE                           FAX (202) 637-220I           PHONE (2I2) 906-I200, FAX 75I-4864
             SEARS TOWER, SUITE 5800
             CHICAGO, ILLINOIS 60606                           __________                      ORANGE COUNTY OFFICE
        PHONE (3I2) 876-7700, FAX 993-9767                                              650 TOWN CENTER DRIVE, SUITE 2000
                                                                                        COSTA MESA, CALIFORNIA 92626-I925
                 HONG KONG OFFICE                                                       PHONE (7I4) 540-I235, FAX 755-8290
                    23RD FLOOR
         STANDARD CHARTERED BANK BUILDING                                                        SAN DIEGO OFFICE
       4 DES VOEUX ROAD CENTRAL, HONG KONG                                                  70I "B" STREET, SUITE 2I00
       PHONE + 852-2905-6400, FAX 2905-6940                                              SAN DIEGO, CALIFORNIA 92I0I-8I97
                                                                                        PHONE (6I9) 236-I234, FAX 696-74I9
                  LONDON OFFICE
                 ONE ANGEL COURT                                                               SAN FRANCISCO OFFICE
             LONDON EC2R 7HJ ENGLAND                                                    505 MONTGOMERY STREET, SUITE I900
      PHONE + 44-I7I-374 4444, FAX 374 4460                                            SAN FRANCISCO, CALIFORNIA 94III-2562
                                                                                        PHONE (4I5) 39I-0600, FAX 395-8095
                LOS ANGELES OFFICE
        633 WEST FIFTH STREET, SUITE 4000                                                     SILICON VALLEY OFFICE
        LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA 9007I-2007                                                        75 WILLOW ROAD
        PHONE (2I3) 485-I234, FAX 89I-8763                                              MENLO PARK, CALIFORNIA 94025-3656
                                                                                        PHONE (650) 328-4600, FAX 463-2600
                  MOSCOW OFFICE
          ULITSA GASHEKA, 7, 9th Floor                                                           SINGAPORE OFFICE
              MOSCOW I25047, RUSSIA                                                       20 CECIL STREET, #25-02/03/04
      PHONE + 7-095 785-I234, FAX 785-I235                                                 THE EXCHANGE, SINGAPORE 049705  
                                                                                           PHONE + 65-536-II6I, FAX 536-II7I
               NEW JERSEY OFFICE          
        ONE NEWARK CENTER, I6th FLOOR                                                              TOKYO OFFICE
        NEWARK, NEW JERSEY 07I0I-3I74                                                INFINI AKASAKA, 8-7-I5, AKASAKA, MINATO-KU
      PHONE (973) 639-I234, FAX 639-7298                                                         TOKYO I07, JAPAN
                                                                                       PHONE +8I3-3423-3970, FAX 3423-397I
</TABLE>
  


                                  July 24, 1998



Orbital Imaging Corporation
21700 Atlantic Boulevard
Dulles, VA 20166


             Re:    Offer to Exchange 11-5/8% Senior Notes due 2005, Series B
                    for All Outstanding 11-5/8% Senior Notes due 2005, Series A.



Ladies and Gentlemen:

                  In connection the registration of $150 million aggregate
principal amount of 11-5/8% Senior Notes due 2005, Series B (the "Exchange
Notes") of Orbital Imaging Corporation, a Delaware corporation (the "Company"),
on Form S-4 (Registration No. 333-49583) filed with Securities and Exchange
Commission (the "Commission") under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the
"Securities Act"), on April 7, 1998 (the "Registration Statement"), you have
requested our opinion with respect to the matters set forth below. Capitalized
terms used herein but not otherwise defined herein have the meanings ascribed to
them in the Registration Statement.

                  In our capacity as your counsel in connection with such
registration, we are familiar with the proceedings taken by the Company in
connection with the authorization of the Exchange Notes and the proceedings
proposed to be taken by the Company in connection with the issuance of the
Exchange Notes and, for the purposes of this opinion, have assumed such
proceedings will be timely completed in the manner presently proposed. In
addition, as such counsel, we have made such legal and factual examinations and
inquiries, including an examination of originals or copies certified or
otherwise identified to our satisfaction of such 
<PAGE>   2
LATHAM & WATKINS

July 24, 1998
Page 2


documents, corporate records and instruments, as we have deemed necessary or
appropriate for purposes of this opinion.

                  In our examination, we have assumed the genuineness of all
signatures, the authenticity of all documents submitted to us as originals, and
the conformity to authentic original documents of all documents submitted to us
as copies.

                  We are opining herein as to the effect on the subject
transaction only of the internal laws of the State of New York and we express no
opinion with respect to the applicability thereto, or the effect thereon, of the
laws of any other jurisdiction or as to the matters of municipal law or the laws
of any other local agencies within the state.

                  Subject to the foregoing and the other matters set forth
herein, it is our opinion that upon issuance thereof in the manner described in
the Registration Statement, the Exchange Notes will be legally valid and binding
obligations of the Company.

                  The opinion rendered above is subject to the following
exceptions, limitations and qualifications: (i) the effect of bankruptcy,
insolvency, reorganization, fraudulent conveyance, moratorium or other similar
laws now or hereafter in effect relating to or affecting the rights and
remedies of creditors; (ii) the effect of general principles of equity
(including whether the acceleration of the Exchange Notes may affect the
collectibility of that portion of the stated principal amount thereof which
might be determined to constitute unearned interest thereon), whether
enforcement is considered in a proceeding in equity or law, and the discretion
of the court before which any proceeding therefor may be brought; and (iii) the
unenforceability under certain circumstances under law or court decisions of
provisions providing for the indemnification of or contribution to a party with
respect to a liability where such indemnification or contribution is contrary
to public policy. 

                  To the extent that the obligations of the Company under the
Indenture may be dependent upon such matters, we assume for purposes of this
opinion that the Trustee under the Indenture is duly organized, validly existing
and in good standing under the laws of its jurisdiction of organization; that
the Trustee is duly qualified to engage in the activities contemplated by the
Indenture; that the Indenture has been duly authorized, executed and delivered
by the Trustee and constitutes a legally valid, binding and enforceable
obligation of the Trustee enforceable against the Trustee in accordance with its
terms; and the Trustee is in compliance, generally and with respect to acting as
trustee under the Indenture, with all applicable laws and regulations; and that
the Trustee has the requisite organizational and legal power and authority to
perform its obligations under the Indenture.
<PAGE>   3
LATHAM & WATKINS

July 24, 1998
Page 3



                  We hereby consent to the filing of this opinion with the
Commission as an exhibit to the Registration Statement and the reference to us
under the heading "Legal Matters" in the Registration Statement. In giving such
consent, we do not thereby admit that we are in the category of persons whose
consent is required under Section 7 of the Securities Act or the rules and
regulations of the Commission promulgated thereunder.

                                                     Very truly yours,


                                                     /s/ LATHAM & WATKINS

<PAGE>   1
                                                                     Exhibit 8.1

<TABLE>
<S>                                 <C>                                         <C>  

                                          LATHAM & WATKINS
                                          ATTORNEYS AT LAW
                                    I00I PENNSYLVANIA AVE., N.W.
  PAUL R. WATKINS (I899-I973)                SUITE I300                                   NEW JERSEY OFFICE
    DANA LATHAM (I898-I974)          WASHINGTON, D.C. 20004-2505                          ONE NEWARK CENTER
                                      TELEPHONE (202) 637-2200                      NEWARK, NEW JERSEY 07I0I-3I74
                                         FAX (202) 637-220I                           TELEPHONE (20I) 639-I234
         CHICAGO OFFICE                                                                  FAX (20I) 639-7298
         --------------
    SEARS TOWER, SUITE 5800          ----------------------------
    CHICAGO, ILLINOIS 60606                                                                NEW YORK OFFICE
                                                                                           ---------------
    TELEPHONE (3I2) 876-7700                                                        885 THIRD AVENUE, SUITE I000
       FAX (3I2) 993-9767                                                           NEW YORK, NEW YORK I0022-4802
                                                                                      TELEPHONE (2I2) 906-I200
        HONG KONG OFFICE                                                                 FAX (2I2) 75I-4864
           23RD FLOOR
    STANDARD CHARTERED BANK                                                             ORANGE COUNTY OFFICE
                                                                                        --------------------
            BUILDING                                                              650 TOWN CENTER DRIVE, SUITE 2000
   4 DES VOEUX ROAD CENTRAL,                                                      COSTA MESA, CALIFORNIA 92626-I925
           HONG KONG                                                                  TELEPHONE (7I4) 540-I235
   TELEPHONE + 852-2905-6400                                                             FAX (7I4) 755-8290
      FAX + 852-2905-6940
                                                                                          SAN DIEGO OFFICE
         LONDON OFFICE                                                               70I "B" STREET, SUITE 2I00
        ONE ANGEL COURT                                                           SAN DIEGO, CALIFORNIA 92I0I-8I97
    LONDON EC2R 7HJ ENGLAND                                                           TELEPHONE (6I9) 236-I234
  TELEPHONE + 44-I7I-374 4444                                                            FAX (6I9) 696-74I9
     FAX + 44-I7I-374 4460
                                                                                        SAN FRANCISCO OFFICE
       LOS ANGELES OFFICE                                                         505 MONTGOMERY STREET, SUITE I900
  633 WEST FIFTH STREET, SUITE                                                  SAN FRANCISCO, CALIFORNIA 94III-2562
              4000                                                                    TELEPHONE (4I5) 39I-0600
    LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA                                                              FAX (4I5) 395-8095
           9007I-2007
    TELEPHONE (2I3) 485-I234                                                                TOKYO OFFICE
       FAX (2I3) 89I-8763                                                             INFINI AKASAKA, MINATO-KU
                                                                                          TOKYO I07, JAPAN
         MOSCOW OFFICE                                                                TELEPHONE +8I3-3423-3970
    II3/I LENINSKY PROSPECT,                                                             FAX +8I3-3423-397I
           SUITE C200
     MOSCOW, RUSSIA II7I98
   TELEPHONE + 7-503 956-5555
      FAX + 7-503 956-5556
</TABLE>


                                  July 24, 1998



Orbital Imaging Corporation
21700 Atlantic Boulevard
Dulles, VA 20166


                  Re:      Registration Statement on Form S-4


Dear Sir or Madam:

                  You have requested our opinion concerning the material federal
income tax consequences of the exchange of 11 5/8% Senior Notes due 2005, Series
B of Orbital Imaging Corporation (the "Company") which have been registered
under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, for outstanding 11 5/8% Senior
Notes due 2005, Series A of the Company, in connection with the Registration
Statement on Form S-4 filed herewith (the "Registration Statement").

                  The facts, as we understand them, and upon which with your
permission we rely in rendering the opinion expressed herein, are set forth in
the Registration Statement. Based on such facts and subject to the limitations
set forth under the caption "U.S. Federal Income Tax Consequences," it is our
opinion that the statements in the Registration Statement set forth under the
caption "U.S.  Federal Income Tax Consequences," to the extent such statements
constitute matters of law, summaries of legal matters or legal conclusions, are
the material federal income tax consequences of the exchange, ownership and
disposition of the Notes, and we hereby confirm the opinions set forth therein.
No opinion is expressed as to any matter not discussed therein.

                  This opinion is based on various statutory provisions,
regulations promulgated thereunder and interpretations thereof by the Internal
Revenue Service and the courts having jurisdiction over such matters all of
which are subject to change either prospectively or 
<PAGE>   2
LATHAM & WATKINS

Orbital Imgaging Corporation
July 24, 1998
Page 2


retroactively. Also, any variation or difference in the facts from those set
forth in the Registration Statement may affect the conclusions stated herein.

                  This opinion is rendered to you solely for use in connection
with the Registration Statement. We consent to your filing this opinion as an
exhibit to the Registration Statement, and to the reference to our firm under
the headings "U.S. Federal Income Tax Consequences" and "Legal Matters."

                                Very truly yours,


                                /s/ LATHAM & WATKINS

<PAGE>   1
                                                                    EXHIBIT 10.2

Note: Confidential treatment has been requested pursuant to Rule 406 under the
Securities Act of 1933, as amended.  Certain portions of this exhibit have been
omitted.  The omitted portions of this exhibit have been separately filed with
the Securities and Exchange Commission.


                              AMENDED AND RESTATED
                      ORBIMAGE SYSTEM PROCUREMENT AGREEMENT

         This Orbimage System Procurement Agreement (this "Agreement") is made
and entered into as of the 26th day of February, 1998 between Orbital Imaging
Corporation, a Delaware corporation ("OIC"), and Orbital Sciences Corporation, a
Delaware Corporation ("Orbital").

                                   WITNESSETH

         WHEREAS, the parties have previously entered into the OIC System
Procurement Agreement dated as of November 18, 1996, as amended on May 8, 1997,
December 31, 1997 and February 25, 1998; and

         WHEREAS, the parties desire to amend and restate the OIC System
Procurement Agreement to reflect all the amendments thereto (including amended
or restated attachments thereto)

         NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of the mutual covenants and agreements
contained herein, and other valuable consideration, the receipt and sufficiency
of which is hereby acknowledged, the parties hereto agree as follows:

                                   ARTICLE 1.
                                   DEFINITIONS

         Except as otherwise specifically defined herein, capitalized terms
shall have the meanings ascribed to such terms in Appendix A attached hereto.

         [Confidential Treatment] means that certain Confidential information
has been deleted from this document and filed separately with the Securities
and Exchange Commission.

                                   ARTICLE 2.
                                  SCOPE OF WORK

         Consistent with the terms and conditions set forth herein, Orbital
shall furnish the management, labor, facilities, personnel and materials
required for the performance of the following work (collectively, the "Work"):

         Section 2.1. Orbital shall provide the OrbView-1 System as described in
OrbView-1 System Statement of Work (Exhibit A).

         Section 2.2. Orbital shall provide and OrbView-2 license as described
in OrbView-2 License Agreement (Exhibit B).

         Section 2.3. OrbView-3 System Design, Development and Integration.
Orbital shall have responsibility for overall design, development, and
integration of the OrbView-3 System in accordance with Exhibit C, OrbView
High Resolution Imagery System Mission Requirements Document and applicable
Statements of Work.

                  Section 2.3.1. Provision of OrbView-3 Satellite. Orbital shall
         design, construct and deliver the OrbView-3 Satellite in accordance
         with the OrbView-3 Mission Requirements Document (Exhibit C, Part 1A)
         and Statement of Work (Exhibit C, Part 1B).

                  Section 2.3.2. Provision of Launch. Orbital shall launch the
         OrbView-3 Satellite using a Launch Vehicle in accordance with the
         Launch Vehicle Statement of
<PAGE>   2
         Work and Specifications (Exhibit C, Part 2).

         Section 2.4. Provision of OrbView Command and Control Segment and
OrbView-3 Data Processing Segment. Orbital shall design, construct and deliver
the OrbView-3 and OrbView-4 Command and Control Segment ("CCS") and the Joint
OrbView-3 and OrbView-4 Data Processing Segment ("DPS") in accordance with the
Joint OrbView-3 and OrbView-4 Mission Requirements Document (Exhibit C, Part
1A), Statement of Work (Exhibit C, Part 1B) and the Joint OrbView-3 and
OrbView-4 Command and Control and Data Processing and Distribution Requirements
Specifications (Exhibit D, Part 1). Orbital shall design, construct and deliver
the OrbView-1 and OrbView-2 Command and Control Segment in accordance with the
OrbView-1 and OrbView-2 Command and Control Statement of Work (Exhibit D, Part
2).

         Section 2.5. OrbView-4 System Design, Development and Integration.
Orbital shall have responsibility for overall design, development, and
integration of the OrbView-4 System in accordance with Exhibit C, OrbView High
Resolution Imagery System Mission Requirements Document and applicable Statement
of Work.

                  Section 2.5.1. Provision of OrbView-4 Satellite. Orbital shall
         design, construct and deliver the OrbView-4 Satellite in accordance
         with the OrbView High Resolution Imagery System Mission Requirements 
         Document (Exhibit C, Part 1A) and Statement of Work (Exhibit C, 
         Part 1B).

                  Section 2.5.2. Provision of Launch. Orbital shall launch the
         OrbView-4 Satellite using a Launch Vehicle to be determined in
         accordance with the Launch Vehicle Statement of Work and Specifications
         (Exhibit C, Part 2). Any launch contract for OrbView-4, and subsequent
         major amendments thereto affecting price or schedule, shall be subject
         to OIC's prior approval, which shall not be unreasonably withheld.

         Section 2.6. Insurance. Orbital shall procure launch, satellite check
out and/or on-orbit operation insurance, at OIC's expense, as requested by OIC,
subject to availability of such insurance and OIC's agreement to the price,
terms and conditions of such insurance. Orbital shall maintain, at its expense,
insurance coverage of the type and level that is customarily carried by entities
engaged in similar businesses to Orbital's, to cover losses from damage to
personal property, such as the OrbView-3 and OrbView-4 satellites, until title
has passed to ORBIMAGE.

                                   ARTICLE 3.
                                  CONSIDERATION

         Section 3.1. The price for the work hereunder (collectively, the
"Price") is as follows:

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
   CLIN                                                                              FIXED PRICE
<S>         <C>                                                                 <C>        
0001        OrbView-1 System (2.1)                                              $[Confidential Treatment]
0002        OrbView-2 License (2.2)                                              [Confidential Treatment]
0003        OrbView-3 Satellite and Launch (2.3.1, 2.3.2)                        [Confidential Treatment]
0004        Data Processing Segment and Command and Control Segment (2.4)        [Confidential Treatment]
0005        OrbView-4 Satellite and Launch (2.5.1, 2.5.2)*                       [Confidential Treatment]
            TOTAL FIXED PRICE                                                   $262,600,000
</TABLE>


                                       2
<PAGE>   3
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
   CLIN                                                                                   FIXED PRICE
<S>         <C>                                                                      <C>        
0006        Insurance                                                                [Confidential Treatment]
0007        OrbView-4 Launch Vehicle costs in excess of $[Confidential Treatment]    [Confidential Treatment]
</TABLE>

         * If the launch for the OrbView-4 satellite costs less than
$[Confidential Treatment], then the fixed price shall be adjusted downward 
accordingly.

         Section 3.2. Taxes. (a) The Price does not include any federal, state
or local sales, use or excise taxes levied upon or measured by the sale, the
sales price, or the use of the items to be delivered or services required to be
performed hereunder. Orbital shall list separately on its invoice any such tax
lawfully applicable to the items to be delivered or services required to be
performed hereunder and payable by OIC. The Price shall not, however, include
any taxes on property owned by the United States Government, or any U.S. or
foreign federal, state or local income taxes imposed on Orbital.

         (b) In cases where Orbital and/or OIC are wholly or partially exempt
from such taxes and duties or otherwise entitled to relief by way of protest,
refund claims, litigation or other proceedings, Orbital shall take all necessary
steps to facilitate such exemption or relief by:

                  (i) Using reasonable efforts to bring about the exemption or
         relief before submitting the invoices to OIC; and

                  (ii) Complying with all formalities necessary to enable OIC to
         claim reimbursement with respect to taxes and duties that have been
         paid. For this purpose, Orbital shall comply with the reasonable
         instructions given to it by OIC and provide in due time the information
         that OIC reasonably requires.

If any such tax is determined to be legally due from either Orbital or OIC, OIC
shall pay it separately. OIC shall pay, or reimburse Orbital for all
out-of-pocket expenses incurred in connection with the activities contemplated
by this Section 3.2.

                                   ARTICLE 4.
                                   [RESERVED]

                                   ARTICLE 5.
                           PAYMENT TERMS AND INVOICING

         Section 5.1 Monthly Payments Schedule for CLINs 0001 through 0005.
Exhibit F sets forth a Monthly Payment Schedule for CLINs 0001 through 0005.
No later than May 28, 1997, OIC shall remit to Orbital the aggregate amount of
$23,100,000 in payment for January through April 1997. Beginning at the end of
May 1997 and in accordance with Section 5.3 hereof, Orbital shall invoice OIC
for work performed and costs incurred each month and any amounts previously
invoiced and unpaid. OIC shall pay each invoice, provided, however, that the
amount payable by OIC shall not exceed the lesser of (a) the amount of such
invoice and (b) the sum of (i) the amount set forth in Exhibit F for the month
invoiced plus (ii) for each preceding month for which an invoice was submitted
in an amount less than the amount set forth in Exhibit F for such month, the
excess of such amount set forth in Exhibit F over the amount of the invoice
submitted for such month, but only to the


                                       3
<PAGE>   4
extent not previously paid hereunder.

         Section 5.2 CLIN 006. Payment for CLIN 006 shall be made after
negotiation of the final premium for each insurance policy and prior to the
premium due date. Orbital shall provide OIC with prompt notice of the amount of
such payments and the date on which such payments are due.

         Section 5.3 Monthly Payment Schedule Invoices. Within 15 days after the
end of each month, Orbital shall submit certified invoices reflecting actual
incurred costs for the preceding month and any unpaid balance from prior months.
Orbital shall invoice OIC for payments due under CLIN 0007 as costs are incurred
by Orbital. OIC shall pay such invoices to the extent provided in Section 5.1
within 10 days from the date of receipt.

         Section 5.4 Milestone Schedule Payments. Exhibit F also sets forth a
Milestone Schedule Payment for CLINs 0003 through 0005. Orbital shall invoice
OIC for the Milestones set forth in Exhibit F upon achieving such milestone.
Such invoices shall be paid within 10 days of receipt.

         Section 5.5. On-Orbit Extended Performance Incentive. For both the
OrbView-3 and OrbView-4 Satellites, OIC agrees to pay Orbital an On-Orbit
Extended Performance Incentive at a fixed price of up to $1,000,000 per year per
satellite based on the level of satellite operation performance beyond the
contractual requirement of five (5) years. If in any year after the fifth year
the extended performance is for less than an entire additional year, the annual
incentive will be pro-rated for the number of days of extended operation. OIC
and Orbital shall negotiate in good faith the criteria for determining what
constitutes "satellite operation performance" for purposes of this Section 5.5.
If the parties are unable to agree on such criteria by the date three months
prior to the OrbView-3 Satellite launch, then either party shall have the right
to submit the issue for resolution by binding mediation.

                                   ARTICLE 6.
                           WORK SCHEDULE AND DELIVERY

         Section 6.1 Delivery.

         (a) Delivery of OrbView- I System shall occur at the time of closing a
private financing contemplated by OIC.

         (b) Delivery of OrbView-2 license shall occur at the time of closing a
private financing contemplated by OIC.

         (c) Delivery of the OrbView-3 Satellite and Launch Vehicle shall occur
on separation of the Launch Vehicle from the carrier aircraft on the launch
date.

         (d) Delivery of the OrbView Data Processing Segment required for
OrbView-3 shall coincide with the operational availability of the OrbView-3
Satellite. Delivery of the OrbView Data Processing Segment required for
OrbView-4 shall occur no later than ninety (90) days prior to the OrbView-4
Satellite's launch date.

         (e) Delivery of Command and Control Segment shall be as follows:

                  (1) Completed work for the OrbView- I and OrbView-2 Systems
         shall be delivered at the time of closing a private financing
         contemplated by OIC.

                  (2) Remaining work for OrbView-2 shall be delivered in April,
         1997.


                                       4
<PAGE>   5
                  (3) OrbView Command and Control Segment for OrbView-3 and
         OrbView-4 shall be delivered no later than sixty (60) days prior to
         each satellite's respective launch date.

         (f) Delivery of the OrbView-4 Satellite shall occur upon intentional
ignition of the launch vehicle.

         Section 6.2 Schedule Delays. OIC and Orbital recognize that under this
Agreement Orbital is engaged in a technology development program involving the
design, development, construction, and integration of sophisticated and complex
technical systems, management of a number of different suppliers, and inherent
schedule uncertainties of space launch operations, and that there may be
schedule delays. Orbital shall provide OIC with regular reports of its
performance with respect to the applicable schedules and shall promptly notify
OIC when it reasonably expects that there are delays that are likely to cause a
material deviation from such schedules. In the event of such delays likely to
cause a material deviation, Orbital shall meet with OIC to discuss the cause of
such delays, the consequences of such delays and possible courses of action to
mitigate the effect of such delays. Each party shall bear its own costs with
respect to any delays, except as provided in Section 14.3.

                                   ARTICLE 7.
                              ACCESS AND ACCEPTANCE

         Section 7.1. Access. Subject to the receipt of any and all required
governmental approvals, OIC's authorized representatives shall have the right,
on a not-to-interfere basis, at all reasonable times during the performance of
this Agreement, to monitor the OrbView-3 Satellite and the OrbView-4 Satellite,
Command and Control and OrbView-3 and OrbView-4 Data Processing work in progress
at the plant(s) of Orbital.

         Section 7.2. Progress Meetings. During the performance of this
Agreement, Orbital shall conduct reviews in accordance with the schedule
identified in the Statement of Work, as the case may be, at which Orbital shall
provide a review of milestones completed subsequent to the preceding review,
status of the upcoming milestones, and such other matters as may be mutually
agreed upon by the parties. Orbital shall also provide OIC at such meetings with
such reports and documentation as are required by such Statements of Work. The
parties may mutually agree to conduct additional interim meetings or reviews
from time to time with a mutually acceptable agenda. OIC shall determine its
appropriate manager and personnel to attend such meetings. Orbital shall be
represented by its applicable program manager and such other personnel as are
specifically required to support the particular presentation. All such meetings
shall be held at Orbital's facility in Germantown, Maryland or other mutually
agreeable location.

         Section 7.3. Inspection and Acceptance, (a) Subject to the receipt of
any and all required governmental approvals, OIC's authorized representatives
shall promptly conduct a final inspection of the OrbView-3 Satellite and
OrbView-4 Satellite in accordance with the System Requirements Compliance
Document and End-Item Data Package (Exhibit G) or, at OIC's option, witness such
inspection by Orbital, and shall either approve it for launch in writing or
promptly notify Orbital in writing of the particulars of nonconformance with the
applicable Specifications. If no objections have been sent by OIC within fifteen
(15) days of the inspection, the OrbView-3 Satellite and OrbView-4 Satellite
shall be deemed to have received approval for launch by OIC. Corrections
required to render the OrbView-3 Satellite and OrbView-4 Satellite in
conformance with the applicable Specification shall be made by Orbital at its
cost. The decision as to how to make the corrections shall be at Orbital's sole
discretion and an item found to be non-conforming during or after testing
performed


                                       5
<PAGE>   6
under this Agreement shall, at OIC's request and without charge to OIC, be
re-tested by Orbital after Orbital has remedied the nonconformance. OIC may be
assisted in all inspections by its consultants or advisors to the extent allowed
by law.

         (b) The remaining work to be performed on the Command and Control
Segment as specified in Section 2.4 shall be accepted in accordance with a
Command and Control Segment Acceptance Test Procedure ("CCS ATP"), a copy of
which shall be attached to this Agreement upon completion as Schedule 7.3(b).
The CCS ATP shall take place at the facilities of Orbital at Dulles, Virginia.
Such CCS ATP shall be scheduled at a mutually convenient time within fifteen
(15) days after Orbital notifies OIC that the work on the Command and Control
Segment have been completed. Within thirty (30) days after completion of the CCS
ATP, OIC shall give written notice of any claim that the work on the Command and
Control does not conform to such Specifications. Corrections required to render
the Command and Control Segment in conformance with the applicable Specification
shall be made by Orbital at its cost. The decision as to how to make the
corrections shall be at Orbital's sole discretion and an item found to be
nonconforming during or after testing performed under this Agreement shall, at
OIC's request and without charge to OIC, be re-tested by Orbital after Orbital
has remedied the non-conformance. If OIC fails to participate in the CCS ATP or
to notify Orbital as required, OIC agrees that the Command and Control Segment
work shall be deemed accepted with all faults that inspection and test would
have revealed and to have waived all rights to revoke acceptance after such a
thirty-day period. OIC may be assisted in all inspections by its consultants or
advisors to the extent allowed by law. OIC and Orbital acknowledge that the CCS
ATP may be performed incrementally as certain portions of the CCS related to
OrbView-3 and OrbView-4, respectively, are completed. The timing for testing and
corrections, and the remedies set forth above, shall apply with respect to each
incremental test.

         (c) The work to be performed on the OrbView-3 and OrbView-4 Data
Processing Segment as specified in Section 2.4 shall be accepted in accordance
with the OrbView-3 and OrbView-4 Data Processing Segment Acceptance Test
Procedure ("DPS ATP"), a copy of which shall be attached to this Agreement upon
completion as Schedule 7.3(c), The DPS ATP shall take place at the facilities of
Orbital at Dulles, Virginia. Such DPS ATP shall be scheduled at a mutually
convenient time within fifteen (15) days after Orbital notifies OIC that the
work on the OrbView-3 and OrbView-4 Data Processing Segment has been completed.
Within thirty (30) days after completion of the DPS ATP, OIC shall give written
notice of any claim that the work on the OrbView-3 and OrbView-4 Data Processing
Segment does not conform to such Specifications. Corrections required to render
the OrbView-3 and OrbView-4 Data Processing Segment in conformance with the
applicable Specification shall be made by Orbital at its cost. The decision as
to how to make the corrections shall be at Orbital's sole discretion and an item
found to be non-conforming during or after testing performed under this
Agreement shall, at OIC's request and without charge to OIC, be re-tested by
Orbital after Orbital has remedied the non-conformance. If OIC fails to
participate in the DPS ATP or to notify as required, OIC agrees that the
OrbView-3 and OrbView-4 Data Processing Segment work shall be deemed accepted
with all faults that inspection and test would have revealed and to have waived
all rights to revoke acceptance after such a thirty-day period. OIC may be
assisted in all inspections by its consultants or advisors to the extent allowed
by law. OIC and Orbital acknowledge that the DPS ATP may be performed
incrementally as certain portions of the DPS related to OrbView-3 and OrbView-4,
respectively, are completed. The timing for testing and corrections, and the
remedies set forth above, shall apply with respect to each incremental test.

         (d) Failure to agree on any conformance to Specification shall be a
dispute and settled in accordance with Section 15.4.


                                       6
<PAGE>   7
         Section 7.4. On-Orbit Checkout. Orbital shall perform, at its expense,
on-orbit satellite checkout activities for OrbView-3 and OrbView-4 for a period
of thirty (30) days from launch.

                                   ARTICLE 8.
                             TITLE AND RISK OF LOSS

         Unless otherwise provided in this Agreement, title to, beneficial
ownership of, and right to possession to and risk of loss of or damage shall
pass to OIC, as follows:

                  (a) with respect to the OrbView-1 System, at the time of
closing a private financing contemplated by OIC;

                  (b) with respect to the OrbView-2 license, at the time of
closing a private financing contemplated by OIC;

                  (c) with respect to the OrbView-3 Satellite and Launch
Vehicle, upon separation of the Launch Vehicle from the carrier aircraft;

                  (d) with respect to the Command and Control Segment, for
completed work at the time of closing a private financing contemplated by OIC,
and for remaining work on OrbView-2 upon successful completion of the CCS ATP in
accordance with the provisions of Section 7.3(b); and

                  (e) with respect to the CCS and DPS for OrbView-3 and
OrbView-4, upon successful completion of the entire CCS ATP and DPS ATP for
OrbView-3 and OrbView-4, respectively, each in accordance with the provisions of
Section 7.3(b) and 7.3(c).

                  (f) with respect to OrbView-4 Satellite, risk of loss shall
occur and title shall pass upon intentional ignition of the launch vehicle.

                                   ARTICLE 9.
                                     CHANGES

         Section 9.1. Changes. At any time and by written order, OIC may make
changes within the general scope of this Agreement in (a) the Specifications or
the Statement of Work, (b) the method of packing or shipment, (c) place or time
of delivery, or (d) the quantity or type of the items to be delivered or
services required to be performed hereunder.

         Section 9.2. Adjustments to Agreement. (a) If any change causes an
increase or decrease in the Price, or in the time required for performance of
any part of the Work, whether or not directly changed by the order, OIC and
Orbital shall negotiate an equitable adjustment to such Price, delivery schedule
or other provision of this Agreement. Orbital shall perform the Work as changed
pending resolution of any negotiation under this Article 9, provided that OIC
provides funding for the efforts.

                  (b) Failure to agree to any adjustment shall be a dispute and
settled in accordance with Section 15.4.


                                       7
<PAGE>   8
                                   ARTICLE 10.
                         REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES

         Section 10.1 Representations and Warranties. Orbital represents and
warrants that (a) it has, or will have, and it shall deliver to OIC at the time
of title passing pursuant to Article 8, sole and good legal and equitable title
to the items to be delivered pursuant to Article 2, free and clear of any and
all security interests, Liens, claims, charges, and encumbrances of any kind or
nature whatsoever, together with full power and lawful authority to sell,
deliver and perform the items to be delivered and to the extent applicable, the
services to be performed under Article 2, (b) subject to the provisions of 
Section 10.2(a), the items to be delivered or to the extent applicable, the
services required to be performed shall be free from defects in design, material
and workmanship and shall operate and conform to the performance capabilities,
specifications, functions and other descriptions set forth in the Specifications
(as such Specifications may be modified from time to time), (c) neither the
delivery of the items nor the performance of the services required to be
performed by Orbital shall in any way constitute an infringement or other
violation of any U.S. copyright, trademark or patent or other validly registered
enforceable intellectual property right of any third party in the U.S. and
Canada, which Orbital represents are the only jurisdictions in which such
services are to be performed, and (d) the items to be delivered and the services
required to be performed hereunder shall be in compliance with all applicable
United States laws, rules and regulations.

         Section 10.2. Remedies for Breach of Warranty and Warranty Period.

         (a) Notwithstanding acceptance by OIC of the OrbView-3 and OrbView-4
Command and Control Segment or the OrbView-3 and OrbView-4 Data Processing
Segment, or any part thereof, or any provision of this Agreement, to the extent
permitted by the terms thereof, Orbital shall assign to OIC any warranties it
has with respect to any part of any of the Command and Control Segment and the
OrbView-3 and OrbView-4 Data Processing Segment from third parties. Orbital
warrants, with respect to the remaining work to be performed with respect to the
OrbView-2 Command and Control, the OrbView-3 and OrbView-4 Command and Control
work and for the OrbView-3 and OrbView-4 Data Processing Segment, such work, or
any part thereof, shall be free from defects in design, material and workmanship
and shall operate and conform to the performance capabilities, specifications,
functions and other descriptions set forth in the Specifications that relate
thereto. The applicable warranty periods shall be:

                  (i) for the segment of the OrbView Command and control Segment
         relating to OrbView-3, for a period of one (1) year after the later to
         occur of (A) title passing for such OrbView-3 segment or (B) launch of
         the OrbView-3 Satellite.

                  (ii) for the segment of the OrbView Command and Control
         Segment specifically related to OrbView-4, for a period of one (1) year
         after the later to occur of (A) title passing for such OrbView-4
         segment or (B) launch of the OrbView-4 Satellite.

                  (iii) for the segment of the OrbView Data Processing Segment
         relating to OrbView-3, for a period of one (1) year after the later to
         occur of (A) title passing for such OrbView-3 segment or (B) launch of
         the OrbView-3 Satellite.


                                       8
<PAGE>   9
                  (iv) for the segment of the OrbView Data Processing Segment
         specifically related to OrbView-4, for a period of one (1) year after
         the later to occur of (A) title passing for such OrbView-4 segment or
         (B) launch of the OrbView-4 Satellite.

                  Orbital shall, at its expense, repair or replace such work, or
any part thereof, that do not conform to such warranty. Orbital's obligation
during the applicable Warranty Period shall be limited to repair or replacement
of the portion of the Command and Control Segment and the OrbView-3 and
OrbView-4 Data Processing Segment, or any part thereof, for which it has
provided a warranty. Notice of all claimed defects must be provided in writing
to Orbital within the applicable Warranty Period. The costs of inspection for
the Command and Control Segment and OrbView-3 and OrbView-4 Data Processing
Segment, or any part thereof, found to conform to the Specifications and
requirements of this Agreement and not defective shall be the responsibility of
OIC. Any product or part repaired or replaced shall be subject to a warranty
until the later of six months after repair or the original applicable warranty
period. The warranty set forth herein is OIC's exclusive remedy against Orbital
for any defect in the Command and Control Segment or the OrbView-3 and OrbView-4
Data Processing Segment, or any part thereof, and is in lieu of all other
warranties, express or implied.

                  (b) The Orbital warranty set forth herein shall not extend to
any of the Command and Control Segment or the OrbView-3 Data Processing Segment,
or any part thereof that is found, upon Orbital's or its subcontractor's
examination and not as a result of actions or omissions by Orbital or its
subcontractor, to have been (i) mishandled, misused, subjected to negligence,
accident or abuse, (ii) installed, operated or maintained contrary to Orbital's
specifications or instructions or otherwise used improperly, (iii) tampered with
or damaged, (iv) repaired or altered by anyone other than Orbital or its
subcontractors without Orbital's express advance written approval, or (v)
delivered to Orbital not in conformance with the notice requirements in the
warranty.

                  (c) Following the separation of the Launch Vehicle from the
carrier aircraft in the case of OrbView-3, and following intentional ignition of
the launch vehicle in the case of OrbView-4, OIC's sole remedy for launch
failure, defects, failure to conform with applicable Specifications or any other
requirements shall be limited to insurance proceeds.

         Section 10.3. Limitation of Liability. (a) ORBITAL SHALL NOT BE LIABLE
FOR INDIRECT, INCIDENTAL, CONSEQUENTIAL, OR OTHER DAMAGES RESULTING FROM THE USE
OF ANY OF THE GOODS OR SERVICES TO BE PROVIDED HEREUNDER, OTHER THAN THE
LIABILITY EXPRESSLY STATED HEREIN. THE WARRANTY SET FORTH HEREIN IS IN LIEU OF
ALL OTHER WARRANTIES, EXPRESSED OR IMPLIED, INCLUDING, BUT NOT LIMITED TO, THE
IMPLIED WARRANTIES OF MERCHANTABILITY OR FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE.

                  (b) Regardless of fault, under no circumstances shall Orbital
be liable for any damages greater than Ten Million Dollars ($10,000,000) for any
claim made of any nature whatsoever, whether arising from patent indemnification
claims (see Section 10.4 below), Orbital's breach of contract, breach of express
or implied warranty, arising in tort, at law or in equity including any law
giving rise to a claim of strict liability or for any other cause.
Notwithstanding the foregoing, Orbital, its affiliates and each of their
directors, officers and employees shall not be responsible, or have any
liability, for the accuracy, incompleteness or timeliness of any advice or
service or any report, filing or other document that it or any of them provides,
prepares or assists in preparing except to the extent that any inaccuracy,
incompleteness or untimeliness arises from the gross negligence or willful
misconduct of Orbital, its affiliates and each of their directors, officers and
employees.


                                       9
<PAGE>   10
         Section 10.4 Patent Indemnification.

         (a) In the event of a breach of the representation and warranty set
forth in Section 10. 1 (c) and subject to Section 10. 3 (b) above, Orbital
agrees to indemnify and hold Harmless OIC and its permitted successors and
assigns of its products from and against all loss, damages, claims, demands and
suits at law or in equity, for actual or alleged claims, demands and suits at
law or in equity, arising out of such breach or alleged breach.

         (b) Notwithstanding the provisions of Subsections 10.1(c) and 10.4(a),
and subject to Section 10.3(b) OIC agrees that Orbital shall be relieved of its
obligations referenced in Subsection 10.4(a), unless OIC notifies Orbital in
writing promptly, but in any event, no later than sixty (60) days after OIC
becomes aware of any such claim, suit or proceeding and, at Orbital's expense,
co-operates with and gives Orbital all necessary information and assistance to
mitigate, settle and/or defend any such claim, suit or proceeding. In the event
that the actual liability of Orbital as a consequence of any loss, damages,
claim, demands and, suits or proceeding, when aggregated with any other
liability, exceeds Ten Million Dollars ($10,000,000) then OIC shall release
Orbital from any obligation for liability for copyright, trademark and patent
infringement in excess of such limit.

                                   ARTICLE 11.

         (a) HSI Contract. Pursuant to that certain contract between Orbital and
the U.S. Air Force/Philips Laboratory ("USAF") awarded August 5, 1997, (Contract
No. F29601-97-C-0110) (the "HSI Contract"), Orbital has, among other things,
undertaken to design a hyperspectral imaging sensor to be integrated onto the
OrbView-4 camera, to supply a mission data center and mobile ground station, and
to provide related work and services including certain post-launch support, all
as are further detailed in the HSI Contract. Notwithstanding anything in this
Agreement to the contrary, the terms and conditions of this Article 11 are
subject to all rights of the USAF pursuant to the HSI Contract, as it may be
amended from time to time.

         (b) Orbital's Right to Modify OrbView-4. Orbital hereby agrees to pay
OIC for the right to modify the OrbView-4 Satellite in accordance with the HSI
Contract and to purchase from OIC hyperspectral data image sets that Orbital is
required to deliver under the HSI Contract. Except with the prior consent of
OIC, which shall not be unreasonably withheld, Orbital shall not make any use of
the hyperspectral data image sets delivered by OIC other than pursuant to the
HSI Contract.

                  (i) For the right to modify the OrbView-4 Satellite, Orbital
         agrees to pay OIC a price equal to the Total Item Amounts (as modified
         from time to time) set forth in CLIN 0001-0003, 0005-0006, 0008-0010,
         0012-0013 of the HSI Contract (currently $31 million). The price also
         shall include any award fees paid by USAF to Orbital under the HSI
         Contract. Orbital shall pay OIC within ten (10) days of receiving any
         payments under the HSI Contract.

                  (ii) For the purchase of data sets from OIC that Orbital is
         required to deliver to USAF under the HSI Contract, Orbital agrees to
         pay OIC a price equal to the price for Hyperspectral Data Set
         deliverables set forth in the HSI Contract.

         (c) OIC Procurement of HSI Modifications. OIC hereby agrees to procure
from Orbital modifications to the OrbView-4 Satellite to add hyperspectral
capability and the other work and


                                       10
<PAGE>   11
services set forth as Orbital obligations under the HSI Contract (other than
data set delivery or as set forth in subparagraph (d) below).

                  (i) In exchange for this work and services, OIC agrees to pay
         Orbital a price equal to the Total Item Amounts (as modified from time
         to time) set forth in CLIN 0001-0003, 0005-0006, 0008-0010, 0012-0013
         of the HSI Contract (currently $31 million). Items that are
         cost-reimbursable or fixed under the HSI Contract will likewise be
         cost-reimbursable or fixed to OIC. Payment for On-Orbit Support shall
         be pursuant to subparagraph (d) below.

                  (ii) OIC shall pay Orbital within ten (10) days of invoice,
         provided, however, that under no circumstances shall OIC be obligated
         to pay Orbital under this Section 11 unless OIC has been paid pursuant
         to subparagraph (b) above. Furthermore, under no circumstances shall
         OIC be obligated to pay Orbital under this Section 11 an amount greater
         than what OIC has been paid pursuant to subparagraph (b) above.

         (d) On-Orbit Support. Orbital may subcontract with OIC to provide
on-orbit support to the USAF contemplated by the HSI Contract. Orbital shall pay
OIC for such on-orbit support a price equal to the relevant Total Item Amount
set forth in the HSI Contract. If OIC declines to perform such work, then
Orbital shall perform such work at no cost to OIC, provided, however, that OIC
shall grant Orbital reasonable access to the OrbView-4 Satellite and ground
segment to enable Orbital to perform such work.

         (e) Hardware. Orbital agrees to deliver to OIC all hardware that is
produced or procured under the HSI Contract that is not otherwise deliverable to
USAF. Orbital shall also deliver one set of technical drawings, reports and
other documentation ("HSI Documentation") relating to such hardware. OIC shall
only be entitled to use such hardware and HSI Documentation for the purpose of
operating and maintaining the OrbView-4 Satellite system and any follow-on
systems that have similar hyperspectral capability.

         (f) Software. To the extent permitted under the HSI Contract, the
Federal Acquisition Regulations and all applicable subcontracts, Orbital hereby
grants to OIC a perpetual, royalty free, non-exclusive, non-transferable license
to use the software, algorithms, and all other intellectual property (including
but not limited to any code) to be developed or purchased by Orbital under the
HSI Contract ("HSI Software"). To the extent Orbital has possession of source
code, object code, and any other code and documentation relating to the HSI
Software ("HSI Code") and is not otherwise prohibited from doing so, Orbital
shall deliver to OIC one copy of the HSI Code in a form sufficient to enable OIC
to operate and maintain the OrbView-4 Satellite and any follow-on systems that
have similar hyperspectral capability. OIC shall only be entitled to use the HSI
Software and HSI Code for the purpose of operating and maintaining the OrbView-4
Satellite and any follow-on systems that have similar hyperspectral capability.
Orbital shall use commercially reasonable efforts to cause its subcontracts to
permit sublicensing of HSI Software and HSI Code to OIC consistent with the
terms of this Section 11(f).

         (g) OIC Obligations; Limitation of OIC Liability. OIC HAS NOT AND SHALL
NOT BE DEEMED TO HAVE MADE ANY REPRESENTATIONS OR WARRANTIES WHATSOEVER WITH
RESPECT TO THE HYPERSPECTRAL DATA SETS TO BE PROVIDED TO ORBITAL UNDER THIS
SECTION OF THE PROCUREMENT AGREEMENT. OIC SHALL NOT


                                       11
<PAGE>   12
BE LIABLE TO ORBITAL FOR ANY INDIRECT, INCIDENTAL OR CONSEQUENTIAL DAMAGES
ARISING UNDER OR RELATING TO THE HSI CONTRACT.

         (h) No Third Party Beneficiary Rights. Nothing herein shall be
construed to confer any third-party beneficiary rights in the USAF under this
Procurement Agreement. Orbital agrees to indemnify OIC for any damages arising
from any claims by the USAF against OIC relating to the HSI Contract.

         (i) Rights on HSI Contract Termination. In the event the HSI Contract
is terminated for any reason, whether for convenience or otherwise, then OIC
shall have the same rights with respect to the HSI Work as are set forth in
Section 12.2 of the Procurement Agreement.

         (j) Modifications to HSI Contract. Orbital shall consult with OIC
regarding changes to the HSI Contract and shall not agree to any material
modifications without OIC's prior written consent, which shall not be
unreasonably withheld.

         (k) Standards of Conduct. OIC agrees to use commercially reasonable
efforts to supply Orbital with data sets required to be delivered under the HSI
Contract and to ensure that such data sets conform with the specifications under
the HSI Contract (unless such failure to conform is attributable to work done by
Orbital). Orbital shall employ commercially reasonable standards of business
conduct in the performance of its obligations under the HSI Contract.

                                   ARTICLE 12.
                                   TERMINATION

         Section 12.1. Termination. OIC may, by written notice of termination to
Orbital, terminate this Agreement upon the failure of Orbital, except for
schedule delay which is addressed in Article 6.2, to comply in any material
respect with any of the provisions of this Agreement and to correct such
failure, within sixty (60) days from the date of Orbital's receipt thereof from
OIC's authorized representative, setting forth in detail OIC's basis for
termination of the Agreement.

         Section 12.2. Upon Termination. (a) In the event of termination of this
Agreement by OIC, as provided for in Section 12.1:

                  (i) To the extent it is permitted to do so by law, regulation
         and third parties, Orbital shall deliver to OIC all completed items to
         be delivered under Article 2, work-in-progress, drawings, and other
         technical data associated with the Work developed as part of the
         performance of the completed milestones of this Agreement along with
         appropriate licenses to the intellectual property embodied in all such
         items (excluding any Launch Vehicle Launch data), drawings and other
         technical data to use, make and have made such items (excluding any
         Launch Vehicle Launch data), provided, that such data and licenses
         shall be used exclusively for purposes related to the OrbView Systems
         and shall be subject to appropriate confidentiality obligations;

                  (ii) Orbital shall take all commercially reasonable steps to
         protect and preserve the property referred to in (i) above in the
         possession of Orbital until delivery to OIC;

                  (iii) OIC shall pay to Orbital such portion of the Price and
         Cost for all due monthly invoices; and


                                       12
<PAGE>   13
                  (iv) At OIC's request and to the fullest extent permitted by
         law, and subject to applicable laws and regulations, Orbital shall
         transfer the approvals, permits, and licenses relating to the OrbView
         System and held by Orbital.

         (b) In the event OIC terminates this Agreement because of a material
breach by Orbital of its obligations herein, Orbital shall be liable to OIC for
reasonable cost of reprocurement, subject to the limitations provided in Section
10.3 hereof.

         Section 12.3. Orbital Termination. Orbital may, by written notice to
OIC, terminate this Agreement upon the failure of OIC to make any payment in
accordance with the provisions of Article 5 hereof. Upon any such termination,
Orbital shall retain all work in process and all payments made to date, and
shall be entitled to recover termination liability costs including liability to
Vendors.

         Section 12.4. Any disagreement under this provision, including
disagreements with respect to OIC's right to seek a termination and the
appropriate remedies for termination, shall be resolved in accordance with
Article 15.4 of this Agreement.

                                   ARTICLE 13.
                   OWNERSHIP OF INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY; LICENSE

         Section 13.1. As between the parties, all designs, inventions (whether
or not patented), technical data, drawings and/or confidential information
related to the Work, including without limitation the OrbView Satellites, Launch
Vehicle, the Command and Control Center Segment and the Data Processing Segment
are the exclusive property of Orbital and its subcontractors, except with
respect to work performed under the HSI Contract, including but not limited to
the hyperspectral sensor, mission data center and mobile ground station, which
rights are governed by Article 11 above. All rights, title and interest in and
to all underlying intellectual property relating to the Work shall remain
exclusively in Orbital or its subcontractors or both, as the case may be,
notwithstanding Orbital's disclosure of any information or delivery of any data
items to OIC or OIC's payment to Orbital for engineering or non-recurring
charges. OIC shall not use or disclose such information or property to any third
party without the prior written consent of Orbital. Title to all tools, test
equipment and facilities not furnished by OIC or specifically paid for by OIC
and delivered to OIC under this Agreement shall remain in Orbital or its
subcontractors. OIC agrees that it will not directly or through any third party
reverse engineer the Work.

         Section 13.2. To the extent that computer software, source codes,
programming information and other related documentation relating to the Work,
other than the Launch Vehicle (the "Background Information") are not deliverable
data under this Agreement (or to the extent that they are deliverable data, that
no ownership or license rights are being transferred to OIC), Orbital , to the
extent that it has the right to do so, shall provide to OIC, on an as needed
basis, the right to access and copy such Background Information. To the extent
permitted by law, OIC shall have the right to use such Background Information to
support its analysis of the OrbView Systems, to develop alternative solutions
for technical problems affecting the operation and management of the OrbView
Systems and to design modifications to the Background Information but in any
event, not for any reprocurement. Subject to the foregoing, such modifications
shall be the sole property of OIC; and to the extent that OIC designs
modifications to the Background Information, it shall not have the right to
implement such modifications without the prior written consent of Orbital.

         Section 13.3 Orbital hereby grants to OIC a perpetual, fully paid
license to use the intellectual property described in Section 13.1 and Section
13.2 (other than intellectual property


                                       13
<PAGE>   14
associated with the launch vehicle) solely for the purpose of operating the
OrbView-1, OrbView-2, OrbView-3 and OrbView-4 satellites and related ground
segments. OIC shall not copy or sell or otherwise transfer any of such
intellectual property.

                                   ARTICLE 14.
                      SPECIAL PROVISIONS RELATING TO LAUNCH

         Section 14.1. Cross-Waiver of Liability Relating to the Launch of the
Orbital OrbView-3 and OrbView-4 Satellites.

                  (a) In accordance with the applicable Department of
Transportation commercial launch license requirements, OIC agrees to enter into
an agreement with Orbital for a no-fault, no-subrogation, inter-participant
waiver of liability pursuant to which each shall not bring a claim against or
sue the employees of the other, or any of them, or the United States Government,
and each party agrees to be responsible for and to absorb the financial and any
other consequences of any Property Damage it incurs or for any Bodily Injury to,
or Property Damage incurred by, its own employees resulting from activities
carried out under this Agreement, irrespective of whether such Bodily Injury or
Property Damage is caused by OIC, Orbital or by their contractors,
subcontractors, officers, directors, agents, servants and employees and the
Government and regardless of whether such Bodily Injury or Property Damage
arises through negligence or otherwise.

                  (b) OIC and Orbital shall each be responsible for such
insurance as they deem necessary to protect their respective property. Any
insurance carried in accordance with this Article 14 and any policy taken out in
substitution or replacement for any such policy shall provide that the insurers
shall waive any rights of subrogation against OIC, Orbital, and the United
States Government, as the case may be, and their contractors and subcontractors
at every tier.

                  (c) OIC and Orbital hereby agree to obtain a similar waiver in
the form set forth above from any party with which it enters into an agreement
relating to the activities (launch of the OrbView-3 and OrbView-4 Satellites)
contemplated by this Article, including without limitation, all of its
respective contractors, subcontractors and suppliers at every tier, and all
persons and entities to whom it assigns all or any part of its rights or
obligations under this Agreement.

                  (d) As used herein, "Bodily Injury" means bodily injury,
sickness, disease, disability, shock, mental anguish or mental injury sustained
by any person including death and damages for care and loss of services
resulting therefrom. "Property Damage" means injury to or destruction of
tangible property including the loss of use of such injured or destroyed
property.

         Section 14.2. Flight Readiness Assessment. Orbital shall conduct a
Mission Readiness Review ("MRR") to be held subsequent to Orbital 's final
launch readiness review. At the MRR, Orbital shall summarize the status of its
expendable launch vehicle ("ELV") and launch support systems and attest to its
readiness to launch the mission. If after due consideration of the status of the
ELV, spacecraft, and other launch support systems, OIC does not agree that the
total mission is ready for launch, OIC shall retain the right to direct the
delay to the launch under the terms of Article 9 of this Agreement.

         Section 14.3. Final Countdown Launch Authorization. OIC shall also be
polled in the final countdown procedure during status checks and shall retain
the right to concur or not to concur in the "GO" for launch. OIC's designated
representative shall be authorized to make such a decision. If OIC


                                       14
<PAGE>   15
does not concur, it may declare a "HOLD" and delay the launch. If OIC declares a
HOLD and the cause for such HOLD cannot be shown to be attributable to Orbital
's performance, or to have been within its control or due to its fault or
negligence, Orbital shall receive an equitable adjustment to the Agreement Price
and schedule.

         Section 14.4. Range Support. Orbital is responsible for the range
costs, interface, and all coordination with the government agencies that control
the launch ranges required to launch each payload.

                                   ARTICLE 15.
                                  MISCELLANEOUS

         Section 15.1. Notices. (a) Except as otherwise specified herein, all
notices, requests and other communications required to be delivered to any party
hereunder shall be in writing (including any facsimile transmission or similar
writing), and shall be sent either by certified or registered mail, return
receipt requested, by telecopy or delivered in person addressed as follows:

                           (i)      If to Orbital, to it at:

                                    21700 Atlantic Boulevard
                                    Dulles, Virginia 20166
                                    Telecopy: (703) 406-3502
                                    Attention: Jeffrey V. Pirone

                           (ii)     If to OIC, to it at:

                                    21700 Atlantic Boulevard
                                    Dulles, Virginia 20166
                                    Telecopy: (703) 406-5516
                                    Attention: Gilbert D. Rye

or to such other persons or addresses as any party may designate by written
notice to the others. Each such notice, request or other communication shall be
effective (i) if given by telecopy, when such telecopy is transmitted and the
appropriate answerback is received, (ii) if given by reputable overnight
courier, one (1) business day after being delivered to such courier, (iii) if
given by certified mail (return receipt requested), three (3) business days
after being deposited in the mail with first class postage prepaid, or (iv) if
given by any other means, when received at the address specified in this Section
15.1.

         Section 15.2. Force Majeure. Neither party shall be responsible for
failure or delay in performance or delivery if such failure or delay is the
result of an act of God, the public enemy, embargo, governmental act, fire,
accident, war, riot, strikes, inclement weather or other cause of a similar
nature that is beyond the control of the parties. In the event of such
occurrence, this Agreement shall be amended by mutual agreement to reflect an
extension in the period of performance and/or time of delivery. Failure to agree
on an equitable extension shall be considered a dispute and resolved in
accordance with Section 15.4 hereof.

         Section 15.3. Licenses and Permits. Launch of the OrbView-3 and
OrbView-4 Satellites shall be accomplished under the Commercial Space Launch Act
(49 U.S.C. 2601, et seq.). OIC shall be responsible for obtaining the necessary
operating licenses, permits and clearances that may be


                                       15
<PAGE>   16
required by the United States Department of Commerce, Federal Communications
Commission, or other governmental agency in order to operate as a satellite
services provider. Orbital agrees to provide OIC with such information as OIC
reasonable requests in order to obtain and comply with OIC's operating licenses.
Orbital shall be responsible for obtaining (or causing its subcontractors to
obtain) the necessary licenses, permits, and clearances, including but not
limited to launch licenses and export licenses that may be required by the
United States Department of Transportation or other governmental agency in order
to operate as a launch contractor and to perform in accordance with its
obligations under the Agreement.

         Section 15.4. Resolution of Disputes. (a) Any controversy or claim that
may arise under, out of, in connection with or relating to this Agreement or any
breach hereof, shall be submitted to a representative management panel of OIC
and Orbital. Each of OIC and Orbital may appoint up to two (2) individuals to
such panel. Such appointments shall be made within ten (10) days of the receipt
by the appointing party of notice of the existence of such controversy or claim.
The unanimous decision and agreement of such panel shall resolve the controversy
or claim. If the panel is unable to resolve such matter within thirty (30) days
of the submission of such controversy or claim to such panel, it shall be
brought before the Presidents of OIC and Orbital for final resolution. If such
individuals are unable to resolve the matter within thirty (30) days of the
submission of such controversy or claim to such individuals by way of unanimous
decision, either party may remove the controversy or claim for arbitration in
accordance with Section 15.4(b).

                  (b) Any controversy or claim that is not resolved under
Section 15.4(a) shall be settled by final and binding arbitration in Washington,
D.C., in accordance with the then existing United States domestic rules of the
American Arbitration Association (the "AAA") (to the extent not modified by this
Section 15.4). In the event that more than one claim or controversy arises under
this Agreement, such claims or controversies may be consolidated in a single
arbitral proceeding. The arbitral tribunal shall be composed of three (3)
neutral arbitrators, selected pursuant to the rules, who are expert in the
subject matter of the dispute. Judgment upon any award rendered by the
arbitrators may be entered into any court having jurisdiction or application may
be made for judicial acceptance of the award and an order of enforcement, as the
case may be. The parties agree that if it becomes necessary for any party to
enforce an arbitral award by a legal action or additional arbitration or
judicial methods, the party against whom enforcement is sought shall pay all
reasonable costs and attorneys' fees incurred by the party seeking to enforce
the award.

         Section 15.5. Governing Law. This Agreement shall be construed in
accordance with and governed by the laws of the Commonwealth of Virginia without
giving effect to the provisions, policies or principles thereof relating to
choice or conflict of laws.

         Section 15.6. Binding Effect, Assignment. This Agreement shall be
binding upon and shall inure to the benefit of the parties and their respective
successors and permitted assigns. Neither this Agreement nor any interest or
obligations hereunder shall be assigned or transferred to any person without the
prior written consent of the other party, provided that any party may assign
this Agreement and its interest and obligations hereunder to any wholly owned
subsidiary of such party, and provided that Orbital may assign its right to
receive payments under this Agreement to a commercial lender to the extent such
payments are collateral for borrowings by Orbital.

         Section 15.7. Governing Agreements. To the extent there is an
inconsistency between the Procurement Agreement and the HSI Contract, the HSI
Contract shall govern.


                                       16
<PAGE>   17
         Section 15.8. Order of Precedence. Inconsistencies between or among
Articles of Agreements and/or any attachment shall be resolved in the following
order of precedence:

         (a)      Article I through Article 15 of this Agreement;

         (b)      Mission Requirements Document;

         (c)      Statements of Work;

         (d)      Specifications;

         Section 15.9. Export Regulations. OIC acknowledges that if goods or
technical data purchased, provided or produced hereunder are to be exported,
they are subject to applicable U.S. Commerce and/or State Department export
regulations. OIC accepts full responsibility for and agrees to comply fully with
such regulations, and shall request Orbital to obtain export licenses and
re-export permission, at OIC's expense.

         Section 15.10. Counterparts. This Agreement may be executed in any
number of counterparts of the signature pages, each of which shall be considered
an original, but all of which together shall constitute one and the same
instrument.

         Section 15.11. Headings. This section and other headings contained in
this Agreement are for reference purposes only and shall not affect the meaning
or interpretation of this Agreement.

         Section 15.12. Amendment, Waiver. Except as provided otherwise herein,
this Agreement may not be amended nor may any rights hereunder be waived except
by an instrument in writing signed by the parties hereto.

         ENTIRE AGREEMENT, this agreement and all attachments (which are hereby
made part of this Agreement) contain the entire understanding between Orbital
and OIC and supersede all prior written and oral understandings relating to the
subject hereof


                                       17
<PAGE>   18
         IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties have caused this Agreement to be
executed as of the day and year first above written.

ORBITAL SCIENCES CORPORATION (ORBITAL)

By:      __________________________________
Name:    Jeffrey V. Pirone
Title:   Executive Vice President, Finance and
         Chief Financial Officer

ORBITAL IMAGING CORPORATION (OIC)

By:      __________________________________
Name:    Armand D. Mancini
Title:   Vice President and Chief Financial Officer


                                       18
<PAGE>   19
                         LIST OF EXHIBITS AND SCHEDULES

                                   Appendixes

Appendix A        Defined Terms

                  Exhibits

Exhibit A         OrbView-1 System Description

Exhibit B         OrbView-2 License Agreement (filed as Exhibit 10.5 to 
                  ORBIMAGE's Registration Statement filed on form S-4
                  (File No. 333-49583))

Exhibit C         OrbView-3 and OrbView-4 Missions Requirements Document
                  (Part IA), OrbView-3 and OrbView-4 Statement of Work
                  (Part 1B) and Launch Vehicle Statement of Work and
                  Specifications (Part 2)

Exhibit D         OrbView-3 and OrbView-4 Command and Control and Data
                  Processing and Distribution Requirements Specifications
                  (Part 1) (included in Exhibit C) and OrbView-1 and 
                  OrbView-2 Command and Control Statements of Work (Part 2)

Exhibit E         None

Exhibit F         Payment Schedule
                  To Be Incorporated

Exhibit G         System Requirements Compliance Department and End-Item Data
                  Package Schedules To Be Incorporated

Schedule 7.3(b)   Command and Control Segment Acceptance Test Procedure

Schedule 7.3(c)   Data Processing Segment Acceptance Test Procedure


                                       19
<PAGE>   20



                                   Appendix A


"AAA" has the meaning assigned thereto in Section 15.4(b) to the Agreement.

"Affiliate" means, with respect to any Person, any Person directly or indirectly
controlled by, or under common control with, such Person.

"Agreement" has the meaning assigned thereto in the Preamble.

"Background Information" has the meaning assigned thereto in Section 13.2.

"Bankruptcy" means (a) the filing by a Person of a voluntary petition seeking
liquidation, reorganization, arrangement or readjustment, in any form, of its
debts under any applicable United States or other insolvency law, or such
Person's filing an answer consenting to or acquiescing in any such petition, (b)
the making by such Person of any assignment for the benefit of its creditors or
(c) the expiration of sixty (60) days after the filing of an application for the
appointment of a receiver for the assets of such Person or an involuntary
petition seeking liquidation, reorganization, arrangement, or readjustment of
its debts under any applicable United States, Canadian or other insolvency law,
provided that the same shall not have been vacated, set aside or stayed within
such sixty-day period.

"Bodily Injury" has the meaning assigned thereto in Section 14.1(d).

"CCS ATP" has the meaning assigned thereto in Section 7.3.

"Cost" shall include all direct and allocated indirect expenses (including but
not limited to depreciation and amortization), as such expenses are determined
in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles, incurred by Orbital
in connection with the performance of its obligations under this Agreement.

"DPS ATP" has the meaning assigned thereto in Section 7.3.

Any reference to "dollar", "dollars", or "$" shall mean the lawful currency of
the United States.

"FCC" means the Federal Communications Commission or any successor agency
thereto.

"Lien" means any mortgage, pledge, lien, charge, claim, disposition of title,
encumbrance, lease or security interest.

"Mission Requirements Document" means the OrbView-3 Mission Requirements
Document attached hereto as Exhibit C.

"Orbital " has the meaning assigned thereto in the Preamble.

"OIC" has the meaning assigned thereto in the Preamble.



                                       20
<PAGE>   21
"OrbView-3 Data Processing Segment" shall mean the ground terminals provided
pursuant to Section 2.4 which capture and archives data received from the
OrbView-3 Satellite, generates imagery products and forwards processed and
unprocessed data to at the OrbView-3 central processing facility and OrbView-3
regional distributor sites.

"OrbView Satellite Command and Control Segment" shall mean the facilities
provided pursuant to Section 2.4 that process and display the telemetry data for
the OrbView Satellites, monitors the operational status of the OrbView
Satellites and controls the operation of the OrbView Satellites? power
subsystems, attitude control subsystems and all other subsystems.

"Person" means any individual, partnership, joint venture, corporation, trust,
unincorporated organization, association, government or department or agency of
a government or other entity.

"Property Damage" has the meaning assigned thereto in Section 14.1.

"Specification" means the Specifications set forth in the Statement of Work.

"United States" or "U.S." shall mean the United States of America and its
territories and possessions.

"U.S. Ground Receive Station" means either of the two ground receive stations to
be built for the United States.

"Warranty Period" has the meaning assigned thereto in Section 10.2.

"Work" has the meaning assigned thereto in Article 2.



                                       21

<PAGE>   22


                                    EXHIBIT A



                                ORBVIEW-1 SYSTEM


  The OrbView-1 System shall consist of all the work, except for the Command and
 Control and Ground Segment, performed by Orbital under Contract No. NAS8-39221
  with NASA in accordance with the Statement of Work-GPS/MET Radio Occultation
    Observation Data Purchase and the Statement of Work relating to the U.S.
                 Government's Optical Transient Detector, both
                                attached hereto.


                                       22
<PAGE>   23


                                    EXHIBIT B


                           OrbView-2 License Agreement

          (filed as Exhibit 10.5 to ORBIMAGE's Registration Statement)



                                       23
<PAGE>   24


                                    EXHIBIT C


        OrbView-3 and OrbView-4 Missions Requirements Document (Part IA),

               OrbView-3 and OrbView-4 Statement of Work (Part 1B)



[This exhibit has not been filed with the Commission by the Company because it
contains voluminous, highly technical drawings and specifications that the
Company believes is not material to investors.]


                                       24
<PAGE>   25


                                    EXHIBIT D


OrbView-3 and OrbView-4 Command and Control and Data Processing and Distribution
        Requirements Specifications (Part 1) (Included in Exhibit C) and

     OrbView-1 and OrbView-2 Command and Control Statements of Work (Part 2)



[This exhibit has not been filed with the Commission by the Company because it
contains voluminous, highly technical drawings and specifications that the
Company believes is not material to investors.]


                                       25
<PAGE>   26


                                    EXHIBIT E
                                      None



                                       26
<PAGE>   27


                                    EXHIBIT F

                                PAYMENT SCHEDULE
                                ($ IN THOUSANDS)

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
- ------------------------ ------------------------------------ ---------- -----------------------
December 31, 1997                                                                   $130,700
- ------------------------ ----------------------------------------------- -----------------------
                                       MILESTONE PAYMENTS                   MONTHLY PAYMENTS
- ------------------------ ------------------------------------ ---------- -----------------------
<S>                      <C>                                  <C>        <C>
1998
- ------------------------ ------------------------------------ ---------- -----------------------
     January                                                                           7,000
- ------------------------ ------------------------------------ ---------- -----------------------
     February            OrbView-4 CDR                          1,500                  7,300
- ------------------------ ------------------------------------ ---------- -----------------------
     March                                                                            10,700
- ------------------------ ------------------------------------ ---------- -----------------------
     April                                                                            11,700
- ------------------------ ------------------------------------ ---------- -----------------------
     May                                                                              11,850
- ------------------------ ------------------------------------ ---------- -----------------------
     June                OrbView-3 PDR                          1,500                  9,250
- ------------------------ ------------------------------------ ---------- -----------------------
     July                                                                              9,550
- ------------------------ ------------------------------------ ---------- -----------------------
     August                                                                            8,450
- ------------------------ ------------------------------------ ---------- -----------------------
     September           OrbView-3 CDR                          1,500                  6,600
- ------------------------ ------------------------------------ ---------- -----------------------
     October                                                                           6,100
- ------------------------ ------------------------------------ ---------- -----------------------
     November                                                                          4,500
- ------------------------ ------------------------------------ ---------- -----------------------
     December                                                                          4,400
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
1999
- ------------------------ ------------------------------------ ---------- -----------------------
     January                                                                           3,900
- ------------------------ ------------------------------------ ---------- -----------------------
     February            Start OrbView-3 I&T                    1,500                  4,600
- ------------------------ ------------------------------------ ---------- -----------------------
     March                                                                             2,900
- ------------------------ ------------------------------------ ---------- -----------------------
     April                                                                             2,500
- ------------------------ ------------------------------------ ---------- -----------------------
     May                                                                               2,800
- ------------------------ ------------------------------------ ---------- -----------------------
     June                                                                              1,800
- ------------------------ ------------------------------------ ---------- -----------------------
     July                Launch Plus 30 Days - OrbView 3        1,500                    400
- ------------------------ ------------------------------------ ---------- -----------------------
     August                                                                              900
- ------------------------ ------------------------------------ ---------- -----------------------
     September           Start OrbView-4 I&T                    1,500                    600
- ------------------------ ------------------------------------ ---------- -----------------------
     October                                                                             700
- ------------------------ ------------------------------------ ---------- -----------------------
     November                                                                            700
- ------------------------ ------------------------------------ ---------- -----------------------
     December                                                                            700
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
2000
- ------------------------ ------------------------------------ ---------- -----------------------
     January                                                                             700
- ------------------------ ------------------------------------ ---------- -----------------------
     February                                                                            400
- ------------------------ ------------------------------------ ---------- -----------------------
     March                                                                               200
- ------------------------ ------------------------------------ ---------- -----------------------
     April                                                                               200
- ------------------------ ------------------------------------ ---------- -----------------------
     May                 Launch Plus 30 Days - OrbView 4        1,500                     --
                                                                -----                     --
- ------------------------ ------------------------------------ ---------- -----------------------
                                                               10,500                252,100
                                                               ======                =======
- ------------------------ ------------------------------------ ---------- -----------------------

                                    ---------------------------- -----------------
                                    TOTAL PAYMENT                    $262,600
                                    ---------------------------- -----------------
</TABLE>


                                       27
<PAGE>   28


                                    EXHIBIT G


       System Requirements Compliance Department and End-Item Data Package



[This exhibit has not been filed with the Commission by the Company because it
contains voluminous, highly technical drawings and specifications that the
Company believes is not material to investors.]


                                       28
<PAGE>   29


                                 SCHEDULE 7.3(B)


              Command and Control Segment Acceptance Test Procedure



[This exhibit has not been filed with the Commission by the Company because it
contains voluminous, highly technical drawings and specifications that the
Company believes is not material to investors.]


                                       29
<PAGE>   30


                                 SCHEDULE 7.3(C)


                Data Processing Segment Acceptance Test Procedure



[This exhibit has not been filed with the Commission by the Company because it
contains voluminous, highly technical drawings and specifications that the
Company believes is not material to investors.]



                                       30


<PAGE>   1
                                                                    EXHIBIT 10.6

Note: Confidential treatment has been requested pursuant to Rule 406 under the
Securities Act of 1933, as amended.  Certain portions of this exhibit have been
omitted. The omitted portions of this exhibit have been separately filed with
the Securities and Exchange Commission.

               AMENDED AND RESTATED DISTRIBUTOR LICENSE AGREEMENT
                                     BETWEEN
                           ORBITAL IMAGING CORPORATION
                                       AND
                       SAMSUNG AEROSPACE INDUSTRIES, LTD.

                  This Restated Distributor License Agreement (the "Agreement")
is made and entered into this _______ day of November, 1996, between Orbital
Imaging Corporation ("ORBIMAGE"), whose principal place of business is 21700
Atlantic Boulevard, Dulles, Virginia, 20166, USA, and Samsung Aerospace
Industries, Ltd.. (the "Licensee"), whose principal place of business is 150,
2-ka Taepyungro, Chung-ku, Seoul, Korea. This Agreement amends and restates the
Distributor License Agreement between ORBIMAGE and the Licensee dated December
1, 1995 (the "Original Agreement").

                  WHEREAS, ORBIMAGE intends to construct and operate a
satellite-based, low-Earth orbit, high-resolution remote sensing system;

                  WHEREAS, ORBIMAGE intends to market satellite-based,
high-resolution imagery services using the OrbView-3 System in the United States
through ORBIMAGE and elsewhere in the world through distributors subject to
distributor license agreements; and

                  WHEREAS, ORBIMAGE and Licensee wish to amend and restate the
Original Agreement in its entirety and enter into this Agreement setting forth
their respective obligations and understanding relating to the delivery and
distribution of high-resolution imagery products using the OrbView-3 System (as
defined below).

                  NOW, THEREFORE, the parties agree as follows:

1.       EFFECTIVE DATE OF AGREEMENT

                  This Agreement shall be effective as of December 1, 1995.

2.       DEFINITIONS:

         a. AUTHORIZED CUSTOMER: Throughout the term of this Agreement, any
person other than (i) an entity listed on the U.S. State Department List of
terrorist countries or a citizen thereof or (ii) any other person who under U.S.
laws or regulations is prohibited from receiving OrbView-3 System imagery.

         b. ORBVIEW-3 SYSTEM: The space-based system consisting of the satellite
bus, one- and two-meter panchromatic camera, four-meter multispectral camera and
an associated ground segment consisting of the command and control station, the
ground image receive station and the image processing center.

         c. LICENSEE GROUND FACILITY: The ground image receive station and image
processing center located in the Territory.

         d. OPERATIONAL CAPABILITY DATE: The date when the OrbView-3 System is
placed into operation following the successful launch and completion of on-orbit
checkout of that satellite, including all of its subsystems and payloads.
<PAGE>   2

         e. TERRITORY: North and South Korea, to include the 200 nautical mile
fishery conservation zone of North and South Korea.

         f. ORBIMAGE SYSTEM SOFTWARE: Proprietary ORBIMAGE software that shall
be developed and provided by ORBIMAGE in order to permit Licensee to generate
from the OrbView-3 System satellite raw imagery and high resolution imagery of
the Territory.

         g. TARGET LAUNCH DATE.  October 31, 1998.

3.       GRANT OF LICENSE

         a. Subject to receipt of U.S. Department of Commerce and all other
applicable U.S. agency approvals of this Agreement, ORBIMAGE grants to Licensee
an exclusive license in the Territory (the "License") to: (a) receive, process
and sell imagery of the Territory using the OrbView-3 System satellite while it
is within view of the Licensee's ground receive station, (b) use the ORBIMAGE
system methods, (c) use, if permitted by law, the ORBIMAGE logos, trademarks,
service marks and name, in accordance with the terms and conditions set forth in
this Agreement, and (d) install and use the ORBIMAGE System Software. ORBIMAGE
also hereby grants the Licensee priority use of the OrbView-3 System while the
satellites are within effective imaging range during their orbit over the
Territory.

         b. ORBIMAGE will command, control and task the OrbView-3 System,
including all of its subsystems, from its ground facilities located in the
United States.

         c. The Licensee acknowledges that it must abide by the terms and
conditions of the operating license granted to ORBIMAGE by the U.S. Department
of Commerce as contained in Attachment A. Licensee hereby acknowledges that it
has read, understands and will comply with the contents of Attachment A,
including any subsequent modifications imposed by the Department of Commerce.
The Licensee further acknowledges that it will not knowingly directly or
indirectly sell or provide any OrbView-3 System imagery to any person other than
an Authorized Customer. Violation of any of the terms of this paragraph will be
sufficient cause for, at ORBIMAGE's sole option, immediate cancellation or
termination of this Agreement, including the License granted hereunder.

         d. Except as otherwise provided in Section 3(g), the Licensee may not
transfer the License to other users or operators without the prior written
consent of ORBIMAGE.

         e. The Licensee acknowledges its responsibility to ensure that all
receivers of OrbView-3 System imagery are notified and agree that they may not
redistribute, sell or provide any OrbView-3 System imagery in any form to any
other entity without the prior written consent of ORBIMAGE. Licensee shall
strictly enforce such prohibitions against any and all receivers of OrbView-3
System imagery.

         f. Licensee has provided ORBIMAGE with a deposit of U.S.$ 250,000 to be
applied against payment due for the Licensee Ground Facility, or if the Licensee
does not award a Ground Facility contract to ORBIMAGE or MacDonald, Dettwiler
and Associates Ltd., against the first year payment of U.S. $ [Confidential
Treatment Requested] as provided in Section 5(c).

         g. Licensee shall have the right to novate this agreement to an entity
to be incorporated under the laws of the Republic of Korea in which an entity
controlled by the Korean Government and/or 

                                       2
<PAGE>   3

the Licensee will own more than fifty percent (50%) of the shares and the other
shareholders, if any, will be persons of the Korean nationality; and provided
further that Licensee fully guarantees the performance under this Agreement of
such entity to which this Agreement is novated.

4.       SCOPE OF AGREEMENT

         a.       Responsibilities and Rights of Licensee.   Licensee shall:

                  (i) Promptly obtain and at all times maintain, at its sole
expense, all governmental approvals, licenses, authorizations and permits (the
"Permits") necessary (A) to develop, construct, implement and operate the
OrbView-3 System in the Territory, including any necessary in-country
environmental impact studies, (B) to provide OrbView-3 System services in the
Territory, and (C) to use the Licensee Ground Facility to receive
high-resolution (1-2 meter panchromatic and 4 meter multi-spectral) imagery
during the term of this Agreement;

                  (ii) Use all commercially reasonable efforts to advertise,
promote and market the OrbView-3 System and its capabilities, products and
services to Authorized Customers. Except as otherwise provided for in this
Agreement, Licensee is responsible for actively promoting OrbView-3 System
imagery products to all Authorized Customers within the Territory and for
selling OrbView-3 System imagery products of the Territory to all Authorized
Customers located in all parts of the world;

                  (iii) Operate the Licensee system in a manner so as not to
injure the reputation of ORBIMAGE or otherwise adversely impact the operations
or commercial viability of the OrbView-3 System in other territories;

                  (iv) With the prior written approval of ORBIMAGE and to the
extent permitted by applicable law, use the OrbView logos and all OrbView
trademarks and service marks in Licensee's marketing and advertising for the
Licensee system. Such use will conform to ORBIMAGE requirements for display and
use of the OrbView logos, trademarks and service marks; and obtain all
governmental approvals, licenses, authorizations and permits necessary to use
such logos, trademarks and service marks and, to the extent not previously done
so by ORBIMAGE, to register such logos, trademarks and service marks in
OrbView's name for use by Licensee in the Territory. Any modification or partial
use of the word "OrbView" for a logo, trademark, service mark or trade name
shall also require the prior written approval of ORBIMAGE;

                  (v) Pay to ORBIMAGE the fees, costs and other payments set
forth in this Agreement;

                  (vi) Give ORBIMAGE and its representatives reasonable access
during normal business hours to Licensee's books, accounts, records, contracts
and documents concerning the Licensee system and use of the logos, trademarks
and service marks for, among other reasons, the purpose of determining
compliance by Licensee with the terms of this Agreement;

                  (vii) Use the ORBIMAGE System Software only to operate the
Licensee system, and shall not copy or disclose, sell, distribute or re-license
such software to any other person or entity or reverse engineer or compile or
disassemble such software; Licensee may request an extension for the use of the
ORBIMAGE System Software beyond the expiration date of this Agreement provided
both parties mutually agree to the terms and conditions of such an extension;

                                       3
<PAGE>   4

                  (viii) Establish an accounting system with books, records and
procedures sufficient to establish and maintain an adequate audit trail of all
transactions conducted by the Licensee. Licensee agrees that only one set of
accounting records will exist for the OrbView-3 System, that all transactions
applicable to the OrbView-3 System will be recorded in these records and that
such records will be updated and maintained on a current basis so as to provide
the means for ORBIMAGE to independently verify compliance with the provisions of
this Agreement;

                  (ix) Use the Licensee Ground Facility to receive high
resolution imagery of equal or better quality to that described in Attachment D
only from the OrbView-3 System and not from any other competitive
high-resolution provider. Licensee may use the Licensee Ground Facility for any
other purposes. Licensee shall have the right to sell in the Territory, on a
non-exclusive basis, OrbView-3 System imagery of other territories from other
ORBIMAGE distributors worldwide, subject to the specific terms and conditions of
each distributor's license and ORBIMAGE's royalty requirements;

                  (x) Have the non-exclusive right to solicit other entities in
the Territory to participate and/or invest in the Licensee's promotion and sales
of OrbView-3 System products in the Territory with prior written approval from
ORBIMAGE; and

                  (xi) Forward to the ORBIMAGE's ground facility in the United
States, by the most expeditious means, all requests for imagery taskings of the
satellites in the OrbView-3 System. The ORBIMAGE ground facility will
consolidate all worldwide requests for imagery taskings and will uplink these
taskings at the same time to the OrbView-3 System satellite.

         b.       RESPONSIBILITIES OF ORBIMAGE. ORBIMAGE SHALL:

                  (i) Use commercially reasonable efforts to launch the
OrbView-3 System satellite by the Target Launch Date. In the event that the
OrbView-3 System satellite has not been launched within six months of the Target
Launch Date, then ORBIMAGE and Licensee shall each have the option to terminate
the Agreement immediately, provided that written notice of termination must be
delivered to the other party no later than May 15, 1999 (or the first business
day thereafter if May 15 falls on a weekend). After termination of the Agreement
under this Section 4(b)(i), Licensee agrees that ORBIMAGE may be the preferred
provider of one-meter digital satellite imagery unless another commercial entity
launches an operating system prior to ORBIMAGE's launch of OrbView-3 that is
capable of providing to Licensee such imagery services that were otherwise to be
provided by ORBIMAGE pursuant to the Agreement;

                  (ii) Use commercially reasonable efforts to assist Licensee in
providing data relating to the OrbView-3 System required by any governmental
authority or agency in connection with Licensee obtaining any of the Permits if
Licensee cannot reasonably provide such data itself; provided that written data
shall be provided at ORBIMAGE's expense and any data required to be presented in
person or orally shall be provided at Licensee's expense; and provided further
that ORBIMAGE shall not be required to disclose any such data unless ORBIMAGE
reasonably believes that such data will be maintained by the receiving party on
a confidential basis;

                  (iii) Implement advertising and other promotional programs for
the OrbView-3 System, the scope and timing of which shall be at ORBIMAGE's sole
discretion;

                                       4
<PAGE>   5

                  (iv) Perform and have sole responsibility for telemetry,
tasking and control of the satellite and all of its subsystems and payloads
using ORBIMAGE facilities located in the United States and Licensee may not
perform these functions from its facilities;

                  (v)  Seek the permission of the Licensee prior to 
[Confidential Treatment Requested];

                  (vi) Use commercially reasonable efforts to finalize by
January 31, 1997 the terms of a financing plan to fund all amounts projected to
be required for the design, development, construction, launch and initial
operations of the OrbView-3 System. ORBIMAGE shall be deemed to have complied
with this requirement if it delivers to Licensee a letter from the President and
Chief Executive Officer of Orbital Sciences Corporation confirming that a
satisfactory financing plan sufficient to fund the OrbView-3 System program, as
contemplated at such time, is in place, accompanied by a copy of a share
purchase agreement or similar agreement among Orbital Sciences Corporation,
ORBIMAGE and other investors to commit to finance the amount projected to be
required for the design, development, construction, launch and initial
operations of the OrbView-3 System. If such financing plan is not in place by
January 31, 1997, then either party may terminate the Agreement, provided that
written notice of termination must be delivered to the other party no later than
February 21, 1997;

                  (vii) Provide Licensee with periodic progress reports on a
semi-annual basis in writing; and

                  (viii) Use commercially reasonable efforts to obtain insurance
that will cover losses from either a launch or on-orbit OrbView satellite
failure. ORBIMAGE will keep Licensee apprised of the status of negotiations with
insurance provider and the terms and conditions of such policy.

5.       REVENUE REQUIREMENTS

         a. The Licensee will have the sole authority to establish the final
retail price for all OrbView-3 System imagery of the Territory sold to
Authorized Customers located either inside or outside the Territory. It is
mutually agreed that such retail prices should be established at a level so as
to maximize profits from sales of OrbView-3 System imagery of the Territory to
customers throughout the world.

         b. Each request for a separate image shall be considered a "tasking";
for example, a stereo image product shall be considered two taskings. Imagery of
the Territory taken by the OrbView-3 System satellite shall be downlinked in
real-time to the Licensee Ground Facility for processing, archiving, and sale.

         c. (i) Licensee agrees to pay ORBIMAGE a guaranteed amount of
U.S.$[Confidential Treatment Requested] (the "Guaranteed Amount") per 12-month
period, beginning with the Operational Capability Date of the OrbView-3 System
and ending three years later, for a total payment of U.S.$[Confidential
Treatment Requested], provided that the raw imagery is transmitted in a
reasonable fashion to the Licensee. (Each 12-month period following the
Operational Capability Date is referred to herein as the "Operational Period.")
Such payments shall be made [Confidential Treatment Requested] on a quarterly
basis and shall be in the amount of U.S..$[Confidential Treatment Requested],
and shall be made regardless of the number of taskings or archive sales actually
ordered by Licensee. The first payment shall be pro-rated as appropriate
depending upon the Operational Capability Date.

                                       5
<PAGE>   6

                  (ii) The Guaranteed Amount shall be deemed consideration for
[Confidential Treatment Requested] taskings and sales from the Licensee archive
in each given Operational Period. For the purpose of calculating [Confidential
Treatment Requested] monoscopic mode taskings and sales from the Licensee
archive, a tasking and the first sale of the image from such tasking, whether
the sale is made simultaneously with the tasking or after stored in Licensee's
archive, shall be considered as one. If in the second or third Operational
Period, Licensee has requested more than [Confidential Treatment Requested]
taskings and/or archive sales, in the aggregate, then Licensee shall pay
ORBIMAGE a royalty for each additional tasking and for each additional sale or
delivery of imagery from the Licensee archive during such Operational Period
based upon [Confidential Treatment Requested]. All sales/deliveries of imagery
from the Licensee archive to an entity [Confidential Treatment Requested] and/or
[Confidential Treatment Requested] shall be included in the [Confidential
Treatment Requested] number. There shall be no [Confidential Treatment
Requested].

                  (iii) It is recognized that Licensee may request imagery of
territories other than the Territory, and that ORBIMAGE will use its reasonable
efforts to meet such requests, subject to contractual or other obligations. In
the event such imagery is provided, it shall be subject to the pricing terms set
forth in the preceding paragraph (ii).

         d. ORBIMAGE shall invoice Licensee on a quarterly basis for the lump
sum payment and royalties provided for in subsection (c) above. All invoices
shall be paid within 30 days of receipt. In the event Licensee fails to make
payment within the required period, ORBIMAGE, at its discretion, may assess a
finance charge at the prime rate charged by Morgan Guaranty Trust Company of New
York at the date of invoice plus 5% per annum. Annual license payments related
to subsequent satellites that may be incorporated into the OrbView-3 System will
be the subject of future negotiations.

         e. In the event that the OrbView-3 System satellite is or becomes
incapable of providing imagery on a regular basis in accordance with the
parameters set forth in Attachment D and ORBIMAGE is unable to cure such failure
within [Confidential Treatment Requested] days notice thereof, then the parties
shall renegotiate the price set forth in subparagraph (c) above. If the parties
are unable to agree on mutually acceptable price terms in such circumstances,
then either party may terminate the Agreement upon ten (10) days written notice
to the other.

6.       LICENSEE GROUND FACILITY

            Licensee shall procure a ground image receive station and image 
processing center that shall be operational and capable of receiving and
processing OrbView-3 System imagery data no later than the Target Launch Date.

7.       TERM OF THE AGREEMENT

         a. TERM. This Agreement shall terminate on the date three years after
the Operational Capability Date of the OrbView-3 System. The terms and other
conditions relating to it, may, by mutual agreement, be modified whenever
additional satellites or other major significant capabilities are contemplated
for addition to the OrbView-3 System. Within one year prior to the expiration of
the initial term of this Agreement, Licensee may request that this Agreement be
extended for a further period of up to ten years, which request shall be subject
to good faith negotiations by both parties.

                                       6
<PAGE>   7

         b. TERMINATION FOR CONVENIENCE. Each party shall have the right to
terminate this Agreement for convenience at any time by giving ten (10) days
notice to the effect to the other party and shall pay as damages the amounts set
forth in Section 7(d) below.

         c. TERMINATION FOR BREACH. This Agreement may be terminated by the
non-breaching party at any time after the occurrence of any of the following
events ("Events of Default"):

                  (i) Licensee shall fail to pay any amount due under this
Agreement, within the time period specified, and such payment is not made within
five days notice from ORBIMAGE of such failure;

                  (ii) Any representation or warranty made by Licensee or
ORBIMAGE in this Agreement or any other document delivered pursuant to this
Agreement shall be false or misleading in any material respect;

                  (iii) A party shall fail to observe or perform any of its
material obligations under this Agreement, and such failure to observe or
perform is not cured within sixty (60) days of notice of such failure;

                  (iv) A party shall become insolvent, admit in writing its
inability to pay its debts as they become due, make a general assignment for the
benefit of creditors, suffer or permit the appointment of a receiver for its
business or assets, initiate or become subject to any proceeding under any
bankruptcy or insolvency law, whether domestic or foreign, or liquidate or wind
up, voluntarily or otherwise;

                  (v) Currency exchange restrictions that prevent Licensee from
making its payments to ORBIMAGE in U.S. dollars shall be imposed by any
governmental authority or agency in the Territory and continue in effect for
more than 12 months;

                  (vi) Licensee shall take any action or fail to take any action
that results in Licensee or ORBIMAGE contravening or violating any law in effect
in any part of the Territory or the United States;

                  (vii) Licensee shall fail to obtain any necessary Korean
Government permits within 60 days after the Operational Capability Date; and

                  (viii) Following the Operational Capability Date, ORBIMAGE is
unable to deliver images that conform with the performance requirements set
forth in Attachment D hereto, and such failure is not cured within [Confidential
Treatment Requested] days of notice thereof.

         d.       DAMAGES

                  (i)      Damages payable by Licensee to ORBIMAGE:

                           (A)      Except as  otherwise  provided  herein,  if
prior to the launch and initial of operations of the OrbView-3 System,
Licensee terminates this Agreement for convenience or ORBIMAGE terminates this
Agreement for breach by Licensee, then Licensee shall pay damages to ORBIMAGE
equal to the lesser of all reasonable and documented costs incurred to date by
ORBIMAGE under this Agreement and the following amounts: $[Confidential
Treatment Requested] if the Agreement is terminated before July 31, 1997;
$[Confidential Treatment Requested] if the Agreement is

                                       7
<PAGE>   8

terminated before January 31, 1998; $[Confidential Treatment Requested] if the
Agreement is terminated before July 31, 1998; $[Confidential Treatment
Requested] if the Agreement is terminated at any time after July 31, 1998. The
$250,000 deposit provided by Licensee shall be credited against any payments by
Licensee under this subparagraph (A).

                           (B) Except as otherwise provided herein, if following
the launch of the OrbView-3 System, Licensee terminates this Agreement for
convenience or ORBIMAGE terminates this Agreement for breach by Licensee, then
Licensee shall pay damages to ORBIMAGE in an amount equal to $[Confidential
Treatment Requested] minus any payments made to ORBIMAGE for OrbView-3 services
through the date of termination. Nothing herein shall relieve Licensee of its
obligation to pay all invoices that have been delivered, or obligations
otherwise accrued, prior to such date of termination.

                  (ii)     Damages payable by ORBIMAGE to Licensee:

                           (A)      Except as otherwise provided herein, if 
ORBIMAGE terminates this Agreement for convenience or Licensee terminates this
Agreement for breach by ORBIMAGE, then ORBIMAGE shall pay damages to Licensee
equal to the lesser of all reasonable and documented costs incurred to date by
Licensee under this Agreement and the following amounts: $[Confidential
Treatment Requested] if the Agreement is terminated before July 31, 1997;
$[Confidential Treatment Requested] if the Agreement is terminated before
January 31, 1998; $[Confidential Treatment Requested] if the Agreement is
terminated before July 31, 1998; $[Confidential Treatment Requested] if the
Agreement is terminated at any time after July 31, 1998. If the Agreement is
terminated pursuant to this Section 7(d)(ii)(A), ORBIMAGE shall also refund to
Licensee the $250,000 deposit.

                  (iii)    All payments for damages under this Section 7 shall 
be made within thirty (30) days of termination and may be conditioned upon the
execution by both parties of a mutually acceptable release.

                  (iv)     Notwithstanding anything herein to the contrary, 
neither ORBIMAGE nor Licensee shall be liable to the other for any damages,
expenses, costs, indemnification or otherwise in the event this Agreement is
terminated pursuant to Section 4(b)(i) or Section 4(b)(vi), or Section 5(e),
except that ORBIMAGE shall refund all or any portion of the $250,000 that has
not been applied against payment for the Licensee Ground Facility or the first
year Guaranteed Amount as contemplated by Section 3(f) above.

                  (v)      In no event shall any liability of either party 
exceed the amounts provided for in this Section 7 (d).

         e. USE OF SYSTEM AFTER TERMINATION. On the effective date of
termination of this Agreement, Licensee shall cease using the OrbView-3 System.
In the event of the occurrence of an Event of Default by Licensee, to the extent
permitted by law, ORBIMAGE shall be entitled to, in its sole discretion,
establish another Licensee in the Territory. Licensee agrees to cooperate in
ensuring continued operations and transfer of control to the new Licensee.

8.       REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES

         a. Licensee represents and warrants to ORBIMAGE that (i) Licensee is a
corporation duly incorporated and validly existing under the laws of Republic of
Korea; (ii) the execution, delivery and performance of this Agreement by
Licensee has been duly authorized by all necessary action on the part 

                                       8
<PAGE>   9

of Licensee, (iii) this Agreement has been duly executed and delivered by
Licensee and constitutes a legally valid and binding obligation of Licensee,
enforceable against Licensee in accordance with its terms, (iv) Licensee has or
will have all Permits from any governmental authority or agency necessary for
Licensee to perform its obligations under this Agreement.

         b. Licensee agrees to indemnify and hold harmless ORBIMAGE and its
affiliates, officers, directors, employees, agents and representatives against
all claims, demands or liabilities (including reasonable attorneys' fees) of
third parties arising out of or in connection with Licensee's wrongful or
grossly negligent operation of the Licensee System, Licensee's misuse of the
OrbView logos, trademarks and service marks or any other intellectual property
rights of ORBIMAGE or any third parties incorporated into the OrbView-3 System,
or Licensee's breach of any representations, warranties, covenants or agreements
contained herein or of any third party rights. This indemnification obligation
shall survive the expiration or termination of this Agreement

         c. ORBIMAGE represents and warrants to Licensee that (i) ORBIMAGE is a
corporation duly incorporated and validly existing under the laws of the State
of Delaware; (ii) the execution, delivery and performance of this Agreement by
ORBIMAGE has been duly authorized by all necessary action on the part of
ORBIMAGE, (iii) this Agreement has been duly executed and delivered by ORBIMAGE
and constitutes a legally valid and binding obligation of ORBIMAGE, enforceable
against ORBIMAGE in accordance with its terms; and (iv) that the OrbView-3
System shall be capable of delivering imagery that meets the criteria set forth
in Attachment D hereto.

9.       NON-COMPETITION

         a. During Term. As long as this Agreement is in effect and except for
the participation in KOMSAT, Licensee agrees that it shall not engage or
participate in, assist or have an interest in, directly or indirectly, the
operation, management or conduct of any business or enterprise that provides or
intends to provide Earth remote sensing products and/or services that competes,
directly or indirectly with any part of ORBIMAGE's Earth remote sensing products
and/or services as described in Attachment D.

         b. Reserved.

         c. If ORBIMAGE declares a system failure pursuant to Section 10(c),
Licensee shall have the right to participate in another commercial remote
sensing system provided that Licensee has met all of its financial obligations
under this Agreement. Licensee will have been deemed to have met all financial
obligations upon payment to ORBIMAGE for all items delivered as of the date of
system failure.

10.      SYSTEM OUTAGES AND FAILURE

         a. [Confidential Treatment Requested].

         b. In the event ORBIMAGE is unable to provide Licensee with access to
the OrbView-3 System due to temporary or intermittent problems with the
OrbView-3 System (not including planned periods of satellite unavailability that
result from the OrbView-3 System architecture) for a total of more than
[Confidential Treatment Requested] days during any one year period commencing on
the Operational Capability Date and any anniversary of such date, Licensee's
sole and exclusive remedy shall be to extend the term of this Agreement one day
for each day in excess of such [Confidential

                                       9
<PAGE>   10

Treatment Requested] days that ORBIMAGE is unable to provide Licensee with
access to the OrbView-3 System.

         c. If ORBIMAGE determines in its sole discretion that the OrbView-3
System has permanently and irrevocably failed such that Licensee cannot access
the OrbView-3 System, ORBIMAGE shall be entitled to terminate this Agreement.

11.      DISCLAIMER OF WARRANTIES AND LIMITATION OF LIABILITY

         a. Each of the parties acknowledges and understands that the OrbView-3
System is a new, untested system that entails a high degree of risk of (i) delay
in or cancellation of deployment and (ii) launch vehicle, satellite and other
equipment or software failure or impaired performance, and that there can be no
assurance that the OrbView-3 System will be an economically viable system even
if successfully deployed. Each party shall bear all responsibility, risk and
cost associated with developing and maintaining its respective business. and
ORBIMAGE shall not be liable to Licensee for costs or damages caused by any
schedule delays or failure of the OrbView-3 System or any component thereof,
except as specifically provided herein.

         b. (i) Except as otherwise specifically provided in Section 8 herein,
ORBIMAGE makes no representations or warranties whatsoever with respect to any
services and/or products to be provided by ORBIMAGE hereunder, whether express
or implied, including any implied warranty of merchantability or fitness for an
particular purpose, or any implied warranty arising from course of performance,
course of dealing or usage of trade. No representation or other affirmation of
fact, including, but not limited to, statements regarding capacity or
suitability for use, that is not contained in this agreement shall be deemed to
be a warranty by ORBIMAGE.

            (ii) Neither ORBIMAGE nor the Licensee shall be liable to the
other for any indirect, incidental, or consequential damages in connection with
this Agreement, including loss of use, revenue or profit. Any liability of one
party to the other for direct damages shall be limited to the amounts set forth
in Section 7(d) above.

         c. Licensee shall insure that all of its Authorized Customers agree to
the foregoing waiver of rights and claims.

12.      DISPUTE RESOLUTION

         a. In the event of a dispute regarding any matter covered by this
Agreement, ORBIMAGE and Licensee shall use all reasonable efforts to resolve
such dispute within sixty calendar days of when such parties commenced
discussion of such dispute. In the event the parties are unable to agree on the
resolution of such dispute within such period of time, either party may remove
the dispute for settlement by final and binding arbitration in London, England,
in accordance with the then rules of Arbitration of the International Chamber of
Commerce (ICC) (to the extent not modified by this Section). In the event that
more than one dispute arises under this Agreement, such disputes may be
consolidated in a single arbitral proceeding. The arbitral tribunal shall be
composed of three arbitrators, each of whom shall have experience in satellite
business and/or the subject matter of the dispute if it is different. Each of
ORBIMAGE and Licensee shall appoint one arbitrator. If any party shall fail to
appoint an arbitrator within thirty days from the date on which the other
party's request for arbitration has been communicated to the first party, such
appointment shall be made by the ICC. The two arbitrators so appointed shall
agree upon the third arbitrator who shall act as chairman of the arbitral
tribunal and who shall have 

                                       10
<PAGE>   11

experience in satellite business and/or the subject matter of the dispute, if it
is different. If the two appointed arbitrators fail to nominate a chairman
within ten days from the date as of which both arbitrators shall have been
appointed, such chairman shall be selected by the ICC. In all cases, the
arbitrators shall be fluent in English and the Arbitration shall be conducted in
English. Judgment upon any award rendered by the arbitrators may be entered in
any court having jurisdiction or application may be made for judicial acceptance
of the award and an order of enforcement, as the case may be. The parties agree
that if it becomes necessary for any party to enforce an arbitral award by a
legal action or additional arbitration or judicial methods, the party against
whom enforcement is sought shall pay all reasonable costs and attorney's fees
incurred by the party seeking to enforce the award.

         b. Pending a final determination by the arbitrators, both parties shall
continue to fulfill all of their obligations under this Agreement, except in the
event that this Agreement has been terminated by either party.

         c. The rights of the parties under this Section 12 shall be the
exclusive remedy with respect to any dispute regarding any matter covered by
this Agreement.

13.      EXPORT CONTROL AND PROHIBITED FOREIGN TRADE PRACTICES RESTRICTIONS

            Any export of ORBIMAGE hardware, software, and other
information shall comply with applicable U.S. export control requirements.
Licensee agrees to comply with all applicable laws, rules, and regulations of
the United States regarding export controls and foreign corrupt practices,
including the United States Federal International Traffic in Arms Regulations
and of the Prohibited Foreign Trade Practices Act are set forth in Attachments B
and C, as they may be amended from time to time.

14.      RESERVED

15.      MISCELLANEOUS

         a. NOTICES.  All notices given under this  Agreement  must be in 
writing and sent by hand delivery, by facsimile transmission or by registered
mail, postage prepaid, to:

            Orbital Imaging Corporation:

                      ORBIMAGE
                      21700 Atlantic Boulevard
                      Dulles, VA 20166
                      Facsimile:  (703) 406-5552
                      Attention:  President

            Licensee:

                      Samsung Aerospace Industries, LTD
                      Samsung Life Building
                      150, 2-Ka, Taepyoung-Ro, Choong-Ku
                      Seoul, Korea, 100-716
                      Mail Drop No. RAO/C.P.O. Box 9762

                                       11
<PAGE>   12

or to such other persons or addresses as either party may designate by written
notice to the other. All such notices sent to either Licensee or ORBIMAGE shall
be effective upon delivery if hand delivery, twenty-four (24) hours after
transmission, if sent by facsimile, or on the date ten (10) days from posting if
sent by mail.

         b. SUCCESSORS AND ASSIGNS. This Agreement shall be binding upon the
parties, their successors and permitted assigns. Except as otherwise provided in
Section 3(g), neither this Agreement nor any interests or duties of Licensee
hereunder may be assigned by Licensee without the express written consent of
ORBIMAGE, which consent shall not be unreasonably withheld, provided that either
party may assign this Agreement to any successor in interest by merger,
acquisition or otherwise, or to any parent or subsidiary entity.

         c. ENTIRE AGREEMENT. This Agreement and all attachments (which are
hereby made part of this Agreement) contain the entire understanding between
Licensee and ORBIMAGE and supersede all prior written and oral understandings
relating to the subject hereof. No representations, agreements, modifications or
understandings not contained herein shall be valid or effective unless agreed to
in writing and signed by both parties. Any modification or amendment of this
Agreement must be in writing and signed by both parties.

         d. GOVERNING LAW AND JURISDICTION. (i) The construction, interpretation
and performance of this Agreement, as well as the legal relations of the parties
arising hereunder, shall be governed by and construed in accordance with the
laws of the State of New York, without giving effect to the conflict or choice
of law provisions thereof. The United Nations Convention on Contracts for the
International Sale of Goods (1980) shall not apply to any provision of this
Agreement. Neither party may bring any action for a claim under this Agreement
later than one year after the termination of this Agreement; provided that
claims under any provision of this Agreement that survives termination of this
Agreement may be brought within one year of the later of the occurrence of the
event giving rise to the claim and actual knowledge thereof by the party
asserting such claim

         e. FORCE MAJEURE. Neither party shall be held responsible for failure
or delay in performance or delivery if such failure or delay is the result of an
act of God, the public enemy, embargo, governmental act, fire, accident, war,
riot, strikes, inclement weather or other cause of a similar nature that is
beyond the control of the parties. In the event of such occurrence, this
Agreement shall be amended by mutual agreement to reflect an extension in the
period of performance and/or time of delivery. Failure to agree on an equitable
extension shall be considered a dispute and resolved in accordance with Section
12.

         f. WAIVER. It is understood and agreed that no failure or delay by
either ORBIMAGE or Licensee in exercising any right, power or privilege
hereunder shall operate as a waiver thereof, nor shall any single or partial
exercise thereof preclude any other or further exercise thereof, or the exercise
of any other right, power or privilege hereunder. No waiver of any terms or
conditions of this Agreement shall be deemed to be a waiver of any subsequent
breach of any term or condition. All waivers must be in writing and signed by
the party sought to be bound.

         g. SEVERABILITY. If any part of this Agreement shall be held
unenforceable, the remainder of this Agreement will nevertheless remain in full
force and effect.

         h. HEADINGS. Headings in this Agreement are included for convenience of
reference only and shall not constitute a part of this Agreement for any other
purpose.

                                       12
<PAGE>   13

         i. INDEPENDENT CONTRACTORS. Licensee and ORBIMAGE are independent
contractors to one another, neither party has the authority to bind the other in
any way or to any third party, and nothing in this Agreement shall be construed
as granting either party the right or authority to act as a representative,
agent, employee or joint venturer of the other.

         j. COMMUNICATIONS IN ENGLISH. The parties agree that all
communications, notices or any written material to be provided by ORBIMAGE to
Licensee or by Licensee to ORBIMAGE under this Agreement shall be in the English
language or accompanied by an accurate and complete translation into English.

         k. CALENDAR. The Gregorian calendar shall be used in calculating,
invoicing and paying all amounts due under this Agreement.

         l. PAYMENTS. All payments due and payable hereunder shall be paid in
U.S. Dollars in immediately available funds to the bank account specified by
either party in writing, as the case may be.

         m. This Agreement is executed in English and Korean counterpart. in the
event of a conflict or discrepancy in the interpretation of this Agreement, the
English version will govern.

            IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties have caused this Agreement to
be executed as of the day and year first above written.

                               ORBITAL IMAGING CORPORATION


                               By:
                                  --------------------------------
                                  Name:   Gilbert D. Rye
                                  Title:  President


                               SAMSUNG AEROSPACE INDUSTRIES, LTD.


                               By:
                                  --------------------------------
                                  Name:   Chang Suk Oh
                                  Title:  Senior Director
                                          Strategic Business Development
                                          Division


                             GUARANTEE OF AGREEMENT

                  With respect to the subject matter of this Agreement, Orbital
Sciences Corporation, as a 100% shareholder of Orbital Imaging Corporation,
hereby guarantees the performance by Orbital Imaging Corporation of this
Agreement.

                               ORBITAL SCIENCES CORPORATION



                               By:
                                  --------------------------------
                                  Name:   Bruce W. Ferguson
                                  Title:  Executive Vice President





                                       13
<PAGE>   14


                                  ATTACHMENT A

                  U.S. DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE OPERATING LICENSE
                               ISSUED TO ORBIMAGE

                  On May 5, 1994, the U.S. Department of Commerce issued a
license under Title II of the Land Remote Sensing Policy Act of 1992, P.L.
102-555, for Orbital Sciences Corporation (Licensee), on behalf of Eyeglass
International, to operate a private remote-sensing space system, known as
"Eyeglass". The license was subsequently amended and issued to "ORBIMAGE" to
operate the "OrbView" system. The license is valid for a period of 10 years. The
major contents of the license are outlined below. All references to "Licensee"
are to "ORBIMAGE". It is the intent of this Distribution License Agreement that
all of the requirements levied by the Department of Commerce operating license
on ORBIMAGE shall also apply to the fullest extent to Samsung Aerospace
Industries, Ltd.

                  A. The license is limited to the operations of a land
remote-sensing space system and subject to the following terms and conditions
that apply to the Licensee and any subsidiary, affiliate, or contractor, as
appropriate. The issuance of the license does not relieve the Licensee of the
obligation to obtain export or other licenses from appropriate U.S. Government
agencies pursuant to applicable statutes.

                  1. Licensee shall comply with the requirements of the Act
                     and any applicable regulations issued pursuant to the
                     Act. The Licensee shall operate the system in a manner
                     that preserves the national security and observes the
                     international obligations and foreign policies of the
                     United States. The Licensee shall at all times maintain
                     positive control of the spacecraft including safeguards
                     to ensure the integrity of spacecraft operations. The
                     Licensee shall maintain and make available to the U.S.
                     Government, as requested, a record of all satellite
                     tasking operations, for the previous year.

                     During periods when national security or international
                     obligations and/or foreign policies may be compromised, as
                     defined by the Secretary of Defense or the Secretary of
                     State, respectively, the Secretary of Commerce may, after
                     consultation with the appropriate agency(ies), require the
                     Licensee to limit data collection and/or distribution by
                     the system to the extent necessitated by the given
                     situation. During those periods when, and for those
                     geographic areas that, the Secretary of Commerce has
                     required the Licensee to limit distribution, the Licensee
                     shall, on request, make the enhanced data thus limited
                     from the system available exclusively, by means of
                     government furnished rekeyable encryption on the downlink,
                     to the U.S. Government. The costs and terms associated
                     with meeting this condition will be negotiated directly
                     between the Licensee and DOD (for the U.S. Government) in
                     accordance with Section 507 (d) of the Act.

                     The Licensee shall ensure that all encryption devices used
                     are approved by the U.S. Government for the purpose of
                     denying unauthorized access to others during periods when
                     national security or international obligations and/or
                     foreign policies may be compromised.

                                       14
<PAGE>   15

                      The Licensee shall use a data downlink format that allows
                      the U.S. Government access and use of these data during
                      periods when national security or international
                      obligations and/or foreign policies may be compromised.
                      The Licensee shall provide sufficient documentation to the
                      U.S. Government on the Licensee's downlink data format to
                      assure this access.

                  2.  Licensee will make available to the Government of any
                      country (including the United States) unenhanced data
                      concerning the territory under the jurisdiction of such
                      Government as soon as such data are available and on
                      reasonable cost terms and conditions.

                  3.  Licensee will make available unenhanced data requested by
                      the National Satellite Land Remote Sensing Data Archive
                      (the Archive) in the Department of the Interior on
                      reasonable cost terms as agreed by the Licensee and the
                      Archive. After a reasonable period of time, as agreed with
                      the Licensee, the Archive may make these data available to
                      the public at a price equivalent to the cost of fulfilling
                      user requests.

                      Before purging any data in its possession, the Licensee
                      shall offer such data to the Archive at the cost of
                      reproduction and transmission. The Archive may make these
                      data available immediately to the public at a price
                      equivalent to the cost of fulfilling user requests.

                  4.  Upon termination of operations under the license, the
                      Licensee will dispose of any satellite in space in a
                      manner satisfactory to the President. To meet this
                      condition and to deal with any circumstances involving the
                      satellite's end of life/termination of mission, the
                      Licensee shall obtain a priori U.S. Government approval of
                      all plans and procedures to deal with the safe disposition
                      of the satellite (e.g., burn on reentry or controlled
                      deorbit).

                  5.  Licensee shall not change the operational specifications
                      of the satellite system from the application as submitted,
                      which would result in materially different capabilities
                      than those described in the application, without filing an
                      amendment as specified in paragraph C.3 of this license.

                  6.  Licensee shall notify the National Environmental
                      Satellite, Data, and Information Service (NESDIS) of any
                      significant or substantial agreement the Licensee intends
                      to enter with a foreign nation, entity, or consortium
                      involving foreign nations or entities at least 60 days
                      before concluding such agreement. Significant or
                      substantial agreements include, but are not limited to,
                      agreements which would provide for the tasking of the
                      satellite and its sensors, provide for real-time direct
                      access to unenhanced data, or involve high-volume data
                      purchase agreements. NESDIS, in consultation with the
                      appropriate agencies, shall review the proposed agreement
                      to ensure that it is consistent with the terms and
                      conditions of this license. Specifically, the agreement
                      shall require that

                                       15
<PAGE>   16

                     the foreign entity will abide by the conditions in this
                     license addressing national security and international
                     obligations and foreign policies. If NESDIS, in
                     consultation with appropriate agencies, determines that
                     the proposed agreement will compromise national security
                     concerns or international obligations or foreign policy,
                     NESDIS will so advise the Licensee.

                  B. Enforcement of this license will be carried out in
accordance with section 203 of the Act. Any civil penalties authorized by
section 203(a) (3) will be assessed in accordance with the procedures set forth
in Subparts B and C of 15 C.F.R. Part 904. Such civil penalties may be assessed
in amounts up to $10,000 for any violation of the Act or any condition of this
license with each day of violation constituting a separate violation.

                  C. Before the Licensee may take any of the following actions
NESDIS must grant an amendment to the license. NESDIS will consult with the
appropriate Federal agencies, as required by the Act, before taking final action
on the amendment. The Licensee must promptly file all relevant information with
NESDIS if the Licensee anticipates the occurrence of any of the following
conditions:

                  1. Assignment or transfer of the license;

                  2. Any change in ownership of the Licensee that would
                     result in foreign individuals, entities, or consortia
                     having an aggregate interest in the Licensee in
                     excess of 25 percent; and

                  3. Any change in the orbital characteristics,
                     performance specifications, or data collection and
                     exploitation capabilities approved above. In the case
                     of an emergency posing an imminent and substantial
                     threat of harm to human life, property, environment,
                     or the remote-sensing space system itself, Licensee
                     shall not be required to obtain such amendment. If
                     circumstances permit, Licensee shall attempt to
                     obtain oral approval from NESDIS prior to making any
                     such substantial change.





                                       16
<PAGE>   17



                                  ATTACHMENT B

            COMPLIANCE WITH INTERNATIONAL TRAFFIC IN ARMS REGULATIONS

                  Although this Agreement is not intended to be a technical
assistance agreement as defined in Part 120.22 of the International Traffic in
Arms Regulations, to the extent any part of this Agreement is deemed to be a
technical assistance agreement, the following provisions of Part 124.8 shall
apply with respect to that part of this Agreement:

                  A.       The applicable part of this Agreement shall not 
enter into force, and shall not be amended or extended, without the prior
written approval of the Department of State of the U.S. Government.

                  B. The applicable part of this Agreement is subject to all
United States laws and regulations relating to exports and to all administrative
acts of the U.S. Government pursuant to such laws and regulations.

                  C. The parties to this Agreement agree that the obligations
contained in this Agreement shall not affect the performance of any obligations
created by prior contracts or subcontracts which the parties may have
individually or collectively with the U.S. Government.

                  D. No liability will be incurred by or attributed to the U.S.
Government in connection with any possible infringement of privately owned
patent or proprietary rights, either domestic or foreign, by reason of the U.S.
Government's approval of this Agreement.

                  E. Any technical data or defense service exported from the
United States in furtherance of this Agreement and any defense article which may
be produced or manufactured from such technical data or defense service may not
be transferred to a person in a third country or to a national of a third
country unless the prior written approval of the Department of State has been
obtained.

                  F. All provisions in this Agreement which refer to the U.S.
Government and the Department of State will remain binding on the parties after
the termination of this Agreement.




                                       17
<PAGE>   18


                                  ATTACHMENT C

                     PROHIBITED FOREIGN TRADE PRACTICES ACT

                  A. Licensee agrees that, in connection with this Agreement, it
will not, directly or indirectly, give, offer or promise, or authorize or
tolerate to be given, offered or promised, anything of value to any official or
employee of a government, or of any subdivision thereof, with the intent to (1)
influence any official act or decision of such official or employee, (2) induce
such official or employee to do or omit to do any act in violation of his or her
lawful duty, or (3) induce such official or employee to use his or her influence
to affect or influence any act or decision of a government, or of any
subdivision thereof, to assist ORBIMAGE in obtaining or retaining business, or
in directing business to any person.

                  B. Licensee agrees that, in connection with this Agreement, it
will not, directly or indirectly, give, offer or promise, or authorize or
tolerate to be given, offered or promised, anything of value to any political
party or official thereof or any candidate for any political office, with the
intent to (1) influence any official act or decision of such party, official or
candidate, (2) induce such party, official or candidate to do or omit to do any
act in violation of its, his or her lawful duty, or (3) induce such party,
official or candidate to use its, his or her influence to affect or influence
any act or decision of a government, or of any subdivision thereof, to assist
ORBIMAGE in obtaining or retaining business, or in directing business to any
person.

                  C. Licensee agrees that, in connection with this Agreement, it
will not, directly or indirectly, give, offer or promise, or authorize or
tolerate to be given, offered or promised, anything of value to any person,
knowing or having reason to know that all or a portion of such thing of value is
to be given, offered or promised to any official or employee of a government, or
of any subdivision thereof, or any political party or official thereof, or to
any candidate for any political office, with the intent to (1) influence any
official act or decision of such official, party, party official or candidate,
(2) induce such official, party, party official or candidate to do or omit to do
any act in violation of its, his or her lawful duty, or (3) induce such
official, party, party official or candidate to use its, his or her influence to
affect or influence any act or decision of a government, or of any subdivision
thereof, to assist ORBIMAGE in obtaining or retaining business, or in directing
business to any person.

                  D. Licensee agrees that, in performing its obligations under
this Agreement, it will not undertake, nor cause nor permit to be undertaken,
any activity which either (1) is illegal under any applicable laws, decrees,
rules or regulations in effect in any country, or (2) would have the effect of
causing ORBIMAGE to be in violation of any applicable laws, decrees, rules or
regulations in effect in the United States or in any country.

                  E. Licensee hereby represents and warrants that neither
Licensee, nor any employee, representative or agent of Licensee, is an official
or employee of the government of any country whose laws are applicable to the
performance of this Agreement ("Applicable Country"), or any subdivision
thereof. Licensee further agrees to notify ORBIMAGE event that this covenant
ceases to be true.

                  F. Licensee agrees to notify ORBIMAGE immediately of any
extortive solicitation, demand or other request for anything of value, by or on
behalf of any official or employee of the government of any Applicable Country,
or of any subdivision thereof, relating to the subject matter of this Agreement.

                                       18
<PAGE>   19

                  G. If Licensee breaches any of the covenants set forth in A,
B, or C above, (1) this Agreement shall become void, and (2) ORBIMAGE shall have
a cause of action against Licensee for, among other things, the amount of any
monetary payment or thing of value given by Licensee in breach of any of the
above-mentioned covenants.



                                       19
<PAGE>   20


                                  ATTACHMENT D

                  EXPECTED PERFORMANCE OF THE ORBVIEW-3 SYSTEM

      Resolution & Swath Width:

         Panchromatic:     1-meter resolution in 8 kilometer swaths
                           2-meter resolution in 8 kilometer swaths

         Multispectral:    4-meter resolution in 8 kilometer swaths

      MTF:

         [Confidential Treatment Requested]
         [Confidential Treatment Requested]
         [Confidential Treatment Requested]

      Orbital Characteristics:

         Revisit over the Korean Peninsula every three days or less.

      Accuracy:

         [Confidential Treatment Requested]
         [Confidential Treatment Requested]


                                       20


<PAGE>   1


<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                           Exhibit 10.9
<S>                              <C>                          <C>                      <C>          <C>           <C>
____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
                                   1. THIS CONTRACT IS A RATED ORDER                                  RATING         PAGE OF PAGES
AWARD/CONTRACT                        UNDER DPAS 115 CFR 3501                                         DO-C9            1      44
____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
2. CONTRACT (Proc. Inst. Id. No.        3. EFFECTIVE DATE                                4. REQUISITION/PURCHASE REQUEST PROJECT NO.
   NAS5-31350                              March 29, 1991                                                 See Clause G.1 
____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
5. ISSUED BY                    CODE         289                 6. ADMINISTERED BY (If other than Item 5)    CODE
                                     _________________                                                             _________________
National Aeronautics and Space Administration
Goddard Space Flight Center
Greenbelt Road
Greenbelt, MD 20771
____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
7. NAME AND ADDRESS OF CONTRACTOR (No., street, county, State and ZIP Code)               8. DELIVERY
                                                                                                      Destination
                                                                                          [ ] FOB ORIGIN       [X] OTHER (See below)
                                                                                          __________________________________________
   Orbital Sciences Corporation                                                           
   12500 Fair Lakes Circle                                                                9.  DISCOUNT FOR PROMPT PAYMENT
   Fairfax, VA 22033                                                                                    N/A
                                                                                          __________________________________________
                                                                                          10. SUBMIT INVOICES                  ITEM 
                                                                                              (4 copies unless otherwise      Clause
_________________________________________________________________________________________      specified) TO THE ADDRESS       G.4
CODE                                 FACILITY CODE                                             SHOWN IN

____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
11. SHIP TO MARK FOR           CODE          970.2               12. PAYMENT WILL BE MADE BY                   CODE  212.1    
                                   _______________                                                                 _________________
    Robert G. Kirk                                                   Financial Management Division 
    NASA/Goddard Space Flight Center                                 NASA /Goddard Space Flight Center
    Greenbelt, MD 20771                                              Greenbelt, MD 20771                           
____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
13. AUTHORITY FOR USING OTHER THAN FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION     14. ACCOUNTING AND APPROPRIATION DATA 

   [ ] 10 U S C 2304(C)(     )    [ ] 41 U S C 253(c)(     )         See Clause G.1
____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
15A. ITEM NO.         15B. SUPPLIES/SERVICES          15C. QUANTITY          15D. UNIT          15E. UNIT PRICE          15F. AMOUNT
____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
Ocean Color Data Mission                                                         APPROVED BY:                               

                                                                                 /s/ W.A. Landymore                           3/29/9
Type of Contract:     Firm Fixed Price                                           ___________________________________________________
Technical Office:     Robert G. Kirk, Code 970.2                             for C.L. Dunfee                                    Date
Contract Specialist:  Bernard J. Pagliaro, Code 289                              Associate Director for Acquisition
____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
                                                                                     15 G. TOTAL AMOUNT OF CONTRACT .... $43,520,000
____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
                                                    16. TABLE OF CONTENTS
____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
( )  SEC            DESCRIPTION                         PAGE(S)        ( )  SEC            DESCRIPTION                       PAGE(S)
- ---  ---            -----------                         -------        ---  ---            -----------                       -------
                  PART 1 -- THE SCHEDULE                                                    PART II -- CONTRACT CLAUSES
X    A         SOLICITATION/CONTRACT FORM                   1-4          X    I      CONTRACT CLAUSES                          26-43
X    B         SUPPLIES OR SERVICES AND PRICES/COSTS        5-7          PART III -- LIST OF DOCUMENTS, EXHIBITS AND OTHER ATTACH
X    C         DESCRIPTION, SPECS WORK STATEMENT              8          X    J      LIST OF ATTACHMENTS                          44
     D         PACKAGING AND MARKING                                             PART IV -- REPRESENTATIONS AND INSTRUCTIONS 
X    E         INSPECTION AND ACCEPTANCE                   9-10               K      REPRESENTATIONS, CERTIFICATIONS AND
X    F         DELIVERIES OR PERFORMANCE                  11-13                      OTHER STATEMENTS OF OFFERORS
X    G         CONTRACT ADMINISTRATION DATA               14-37               L      INSTRS. CONDS. AND NOTICES TO OFFERORS
X    H         SPECIAL CONTRACT REQUIREMENTS              18-25               M      EVALUATIONS FACTORS FOR AWARD
____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
                                   CONTRACTING OFFICER WILL COMPLETE ITEM 17 OR 18 AS APPLICABLE  
____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
17. [X] CONTRACTOR'S NEGOTIATED AGREEMENT (Contractor is re-     18. [ ] AWARD (Contractor is not required to sign this document)
quired to sign this document and return ____4____ copies to      offer on Solicitation Number ______________________________________
issuing officer.) Contractor agrees to furnish and deliver       including the additions or changes made by you which additions or
all items or perform all the services set forth or other-        changes are set forth in full above, is hereby accepted as in the
wise identified above and on any continuation sheets for         items listed above and on any continuation sheets. This award
the consideration stated herein. The rights and obligations      consummates the contract which consists of the following documents:
of the parties to this contract shall be subject to and          (a) the Government's solicitation and your offer, and (b) this
??????? by the following documents: (a) this award/contract,     award/contract. No further contractual document is necessary.
(b) the solicitation, if any, and (c) such provisions,
representations, certifications, and specifications, as are
attached or incorporated by reference herein. (Attachment
are listed herein.)
____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
19A. NAME AND TITLE OF SIGNEE (type or print)                               20A. NAME OF CONTRACTNG OFFICER                         

   John H. Matthews                                                            Bradley J. Poston 
   Executive Vice President                                                                                        
   Space Systems Division                                                                                         
____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
19B. NAME OF CONTRACTOR                             19C. DATE SIGNED        20B. UNITED STATES OF AMERICA          20C. DATE SIGNED

   /s/ John H. Matthews                             3/29/91                    /s/ Bradley J. Poston               March 29, 1998
By _______________________________________                                  By __________________________________
   (Signature of person authorized to sign)                                    (Signature of Contracting Officer)
____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
</TABLE>
ISN 7540-01-152-8070                              STANDARD FORM 30 (REV 10.83) 
PREVIOUS EDITION UNUSABLE                         Prescribed by GSA
                                                  FAR (48 CFR) 53.243
<PAGE>   2
                                   NAS5-31350

                                INDEX OF CLAUSES




SECTION B

B.1      SERVICES TO BE FURNISHED

B.2      DELIVERABLE REQUIREMENTS (GSFC 52.210-90) (OCT 1988)

B.3      FIRM FIXED PRICE (18-52.216-78) (DEC 1988)

B.4      PAYMENT SCHEDULE


SECTION C

C.1      REPORTS OF WORK


SECTION E

E.1      ACCEPTANCE--SINGLE LOCATION (GSFC 52.246-92) (SEPT 1989)

E.2      INSPECTION SYSTEM RECORDS (GSFC 52.246-102) (OCT 1988)

E.3      52.246-4 INSPECTION OF SERVICES--FIXED-PRICE (DEVIATION)


SECTION F

F.1      DELIVERY SCHEDULE

F.2      F.O.B. DESTINATION

F.3      PERIOD OF PERFORMANCE

F.4      52.212-15 GOVERNMENT DELAY OF WORK (APR 1984)


SECTION G

G.1      ACCOUNTING AND APPROPRIATION DATA (GSFC 52.204-91) (OCT 1988)

G.2      CONTRACTING OFFICER'S TECHNICAL REPRESENTATIVE
         (GSFC 52.242-90) (OCT 1988)

G.3      DESIGNATION OF NEW TECHNOLOGY REPRESENTATIVE AND PATENT
         REPRESENTATIVE (18-52.227-72) (APRIL 1984)

G.4      INVOICES - SUBMISSION OF (GSFC 52.232-95) (OCT 1988)

G.5      ELECTRONIC FUNDS TRANSFER PAYMENT METHODS (52.232-28)
            (APR 1989) as modified by NASA FAR Supplement 18-32.908

                                     Page 2
<PAGE>   3
                                   NAS5-31350

                                INDEX OF CLAUSES



SECTION G (Cont'd)

G.6      APPROVAL OF CONTRACT (52.204-1) (DEC 1989)

G.7      USE OF GOVERNMENT PRODUCTION AND RESEARCH PROPERTY ON A
         NO-CHARGE BASIS


SECTION H

H.1      TERMINATION LIABILITY

H.2      GROUND RECEIVING STATIONS

H.3      HANDLING OF SATELLITE IMAGE AND TELEMETRY INFORMATION

H.4      REDUCED CAPABILITY

H.5      DATA ACCEPTANCE CRITERIA AND PROCEDURES

H.6      METHOD OF CONTRACT PERFORMANCE (GSFC 52.210-94) (OCT 1988)

H.7      PERMITS AND LICENSES

H.8      INSURANCE

H.9      GOVERNMENT APPROVAL AND INSIGHT

H.10     SUBMISSION OF REQUESTS FOR PROGRESS PAYMENTS (18-52.232-82) (MAR
         1989)


SECTION I

I.1      CLAUSES INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE (52.252-2) (JUN 1988)

I.2      52.215-33 ORDER OF PRECEDENCE (JAN 1986) (DEVIATION)

I.3      52.220-1 PREFERENCE FOR LABOR SURPLUS AREA CONCERNS (APR 1984)

I.4      52.222-4 CONTRACT WORK HOURS AND SAFETY STANDARDS ACT - OVERTIME
                  COMPENSATION (MAR 1986)

I.5      52.232-9 LIMITATION ON WITHHOLDING OF PAYMENTS (APR 1984)

I.6      52.252-6 AUTHORIZED DEVIATIONS IN CLAUSES (APR 1984)

I.7      52.232-16 PROGRESS PAYMENTS (AUG 1987) (DEVIATION)



                                     Page 3
<PAGE>   4
                                   NAS5-31350

                                INDEX OF CLAUSES

SECTION I (Cont'd)

I.8      52.249-2 TERMINATION FOR CONVENIENCE OF THE GOVERNMENT (FIXED-PRICE)
                  (APR 1984) (DEVIATION)

I.9      52.249-8 DEFAULT (FIXED-PRICE SUPPLY AND SERVICE) (APR 1984)
                  (DEVIATION)

I.10     FEDERAL ACQUISITION REGULATION REFERENCES (18-52.252-71) (MAY 1986)

I.11     LIMITATION OF FUNDS (FIXED-PRICE CONTRACT) (18--52.232-77) (MAR 1989)
         (DEVIATION)

I.12     REQUIREMENT FOR CERTIFICATE OF PROCUREMENT INTEGRITY--
         MODIFICATION (52.203-9) (NOV 1990) (ADVANCE VERSION)

I.13     PRICE OR FEE ADJUSTMENT FOR ILLEGAL OR IMPROPER ACTIVITY
         (52.203-10) (SEP 1990)


SECTION J

J.1      LIST OF ATTACHMENTS (GSFC 52.210-101) (OCT 1988)





                                     Page 4
<PAGE>   5

                                   NAS5-31350

                SECTION B SUPPLIES OR SERVICES AND PRICES/COSTS



B.1      SERVICES TO BE FURNISHED

The Contractor shall provide the personnel, materials, and facilities except as
otherwise provided for in this contract necessary to produce and deliver data
services from the Ocean Color Data instrument and to furnish the items
specified in B.2 of this contract, in accordance with the following documents,
which are Attachment A, Statement of Work, dated December 1990 and Attachment
B, Performance Specifications, dated December 1990.

                                 (End of text)


B.2      DELIVERABLE REQUIREMENTS (GSFC 52.210-90) (OCT 1988)

The Contractor shall perform and/or deliver the following:


<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Item   Description                                                Reference
- ----   -----------                                                ---------
<S>    <C>                                                  <C>
 1     Five years of On-Board Recorded Data                   Statement of Work (SOW)

 2     Five years of Real-time Downlinked                     SOW
       Data

 3     Calibration Data                                       Specification No. 3

 4     Cryptographic Data                                     SOW

 5     Command List and Description                           Specification No. 3 Documentation

       a.      Draft
       b.      Final

 6     Calibration Plan                                       Specification No. 3

       a.      Draft
       b.      Final

 7     Source Code/Documentation for Instrument               Specification No. 3
       Ground Software

 8     Reports of Work                                        Clause C.1

 9     Subcontract Notification                               I.1, Clause
                                                              52.244-1
</TABLE>





                                     Page 5
<PAGE>   6
                                   NAS5-31350

                SECTION B  SUPPLIES OR SERVICES AND PRICES/COSTS


B.2      DELIVERABLE REQUIREMENTS (GSFC 52.210-90) (Cont'd)


<TABLE>
<CAPTION>

Item                    Description                           Reference
- ----                    -----------                           ---------
<S>                     <C>
10                      Final Performance Assurance      Specification No. 3
                        Plan

                                              Total Price:     $43,520,000
</TABLE>

                                (End of clause)


B.3      FIRM FIXED PRICE (18-52.216-78) (DEC 1988)

The total firm fixed price of this contract is $43,520,000.

                                (End of clause)


B.4      PAYMENT SCHEDULE

Payments shall be made to the Contractor in accordance with the following
milestones:

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                   Approx.       Amount        Accum.                      Contract
Milestone                                          Date           $(M)          $(M)            FY          Month
- ---------                                          -------       ------        ------           --         --------

 <S>                                               <C>           <C>           <C>              <C>          <C>
 Evidence of Binding Financial Commitment          1 Apr 91       $9.0          $ 9.0           91             1
 Preliminary Design Review                         1 Dec 91       $6.0          $15.0           92             9
 Award Rocket Motors                               1 Dec 91       $6.0          $21.0           92             9
 Critical Design Review                            1 Mar 92       $1.0          $22.0           92            12
 Complete Spacecraft ETU Integration and Test      1 Nov 92       $5.0          $27.0           93            20
 Complete Spacecraft Integration                   1 Jan 93       $6.0          $33.0           93            22
 Complete Spacecraft System Testing                1 Apr 93       $0.57         $33.57          93            25
 Pre-Ship Review                                   1 Jul 93       $3.0          $36.57          93            28
 Release of Spacecraft from Carrier Aircraft       1 Aug 93       $0.5          $37.07          93            29
 *Launch Success                                   1 Aug 93       $0.5          $37.57          93            29
 Initial Data Certification                        1 Dec 93       $3.0          $40.57          94            33
</TABLE>

After the initial data certification, the Contractor shall be paid in monthly
installments for delivery of the data. The monthly amount to be invoiced is
$725,333. The payment made for this invoiced amount will be reduced by the
amounts previously paid as milestone payments, and will he liquidated as
provided in




                                     Page 6
<PAGE>   7
                                  NAS5-31350

                SECTION B SUPPLIES OR SERVICES AND PRICES/COSTS



B.4      PAYMENT SCHEDULE (Cont'd)

paragraph d. of Clause I.7. These monthly payments will be made as long as the
Contractor is providing data in compliance with the terms and conditions of the
contract, the SOW, and the Specifications.

*Launch Success includes the spacecraft being placed in a proper orbit with a
signal received from the instrument.

                                 (End of text)


                                     Page 7
<PAGE>   8
                                   NAS5-31350

              SECTION C DESCRIPTION/SPECIFICATIONS/WORK STATEMENT



C.1      REPORTS OF WORK

The contractor shall submit separate monthly progress reports of all work
accomplished during each month of contract performance.  Progress reports shall
address design, development, construction and operation of the instrument,
spacecraft and launch vehicle within parameters established by this contract.
Reports shall be in narrative form and brief and informal in content. They
shall include a quantitative description of overall progress, an indication of
any current problems which may impede performance and proposed corrective
action, a discussion of the work to be performed during the next monthly
reporting period, and inventory reports of materials, hardware, and software
associated with the development of the instrument, spacecraft, and launch
vehicle.

Monthly progress reports during the pre-launch phase shall include information
acquired during sensor test and calibration, spacecraft integration and
testing, and mission planning. This information is required to characterize
instrument performance, process orbital data, calibrate orbital data, assess
the accuracy of orbital data, and to prepare the NASA science data processing
system. All information describing spacecraft and instrument conditions taken
prior to launch which are relevant to processing the data and assessing its
radiometric accuracy and earth location should be included in the monthly
progress.

Monthly progress reports during the in-flight phase shall include spacecraft
and instrument operations and housekeeping data for navigation, processing, and
assessing the accuracy of the radiometric data; and the scientific radiometric
data which constitutes the primary scientific output of the mission. Included
in radiometric data are normal Earth surface viewing, and viewing of the
calibration targets (dark space, onboard source or solar diffuser, lunar
surface).

The monthly progress reports shall be submitted by the 15th day of the month
following the month being reported. If the contract is awarded beyond the
middle of a month, the first monthly report shall cover the period from award
until the end of the following month.

The Contractor shall submit the monthly reports specified above to the
following:

<TABLE>
         <S>                                        <C>
         Technical Officer, Code 970.2              5 copies
         Contracting Officer, Code 289              1 copy
</TABLE>

                                 (End of text)


                                     Page 8
<PAGE>   9


                                   NAS5-31350

                      SECTION E INSPECTION AND ACCEPTANCE

E.1      ACCEPTANCE--SINGLE LOCATION (GSFC 52.246-92) (SEPT 1989)

The Contracting Officer or authorized representative will accomplish acceptance
at Goddard Space Flight Center. For the purpose of this clause, the Contracting
Officer's Technical Representative named in this contract is the authorized
representative. The Contracting Officer reserves the right to unilaterally
designate a different Government agent as the authorized representative. The
Contractor will be notified by a written notice or by a copy of the delegation
of authority if different representative is designated.

The progress payments payable pursuant to the Clause I.7, Progress Payment, of
this contract are contract financing payments for purposes of the "Prompt
Payment" clause of this contract.

The monthly payments payable pursuant to Clause B.4, Payment Schedule, after
initial data certification, for data delivered each month, are invoice payments
for purposes of the "Prompt Payment" clause of this contract. For the sole
purpose of computing an interest penalty that might be due to the Contractor
under the Prompt Payment clause, Government acceptance of this data shall be
deemed to have occurred on the 7th day after the Contractor delivered the data
in accordance with the terms and conditions of this contract.

                                (End of clause)

E.2      INSPECTION SYSTEM RECORDS (GSFC 52.246-102) (OCT 1988)

The Contractor shall maintain records evidencing inspections in accordance with
the Inspection clause of this contract for two years after delivery of all
items and/or completion of all services called for by the contract.

                                (End of clause)

E.3      52.246-4 INSPECTION OF SERVICES--FIXED-PRICE (DEVIATION)

         (a)     Definitions. "Services," as used in this contract, includes
services performed, workmanship, and material furnished or utilized in the
performance of services. Services include all deliverable requirements in
Clause B.2.

         (b)    The Contractor shall provide and maintain an inspection system
acceptable to the Government covering the services under this contract.
Complete records of all inspection work performed by the Contractor shall be
maintained and made available to the Government during contract performance and
for as long afterwards as the contract requires.



                                     Page 9

<PAGE>   10
                                   NAS5-31350

                      SECTION E INSPECTION AND ACCEPTANCE

E.3      52.246-4 INSPECTION OF SERVICES--FIXED-PRICE (Cont'd)

         (c)    The Government has the right to inspect and test all services
called for by the contract, to the extent practicable at all times and places
during the term of the contract. The Government shall perform inspections and
tests in a manner that will not unduly delay the work (See Clause H.9,
Government Approval and Insight)

         (d)    If any of the services do not conform with the contract
requirements, the Government may proceed in accordance with Clause 1.9
"Default" or use the other remedies as provided for by this contract.

                                (End of clause)





                                    Page 10
<PAGE>   11



                                   NAS5-31350

                      SECTION F DELIVERIES OR PERFORMANCE



F.1      DELIVERY SCHEDULE


<TABLE>
<CAPTION>


                

Item   Description                                Quantity               Schedule
- ----   -----------                                --------               --------
       <S>                                        <C>                    <C>
 1     Five years of On-Board Recorded Data      2 gigabits per         To begin no later than 33 months after effective date of
                                                  day                    contract and continue thereafter in accordance with SOW

 2     Five years of Real-time Downlinked         continuous
       Data                                                              To begin no later than 33 months after effective date of
                                                                         contract and continue thereafter in accordance with SOW

 3     Calibration Data                           1 Copy                 7 working days prior to Pre-Ship Review

 4     Cryptographic Data                         1 per Station          Within 30 days after NASA designation of site(s)

 5     Command List and Description
       Documentation

       a. Draft                                   5 Copies               7 working days prior to CDR

       b. Final                                   5 Copies               60 days prior to instrument calibration


 6     Calibration Plan

       a. Draft                                    5 Copies               7 working days prior to CDR


       b. Final                                    5 Copies               60 days prior to instrument calibration

 7     Source Code/                                1 Copy                 7 working days prior to instrument calibration
       Documentation for
       Instrument Ground Software

 8     Reports of Work                             6 Copies               In accordance with Clause C.1

</TABLE>


                                    Page 11
<PAGE>   12


                                  NAS5-31350

                      SECTION F  DELIVERIES OR PERFORMANCE


F.1      DELIVERY SCHEDULE (Cont'd)


<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Item             Description                       Quantity                  Schedule
- ----             -----------                       --------                  --------
<S>              <C>                               <C>                       <C>
 9               Subcontract                       1 Copy                    As Required
                 Notification

10               Final Performance                 5 Copies                  7 working days
                 Assurance Plan                                              prior to PDR
</TABLE>

                                 (End of text)

F.2      F.O.B. DESTINATION

The term "F.O.B Destination", as used in this clause means -- Free of expense
to the Government, on-board carrier's conveyance, at specified delivery point.

All items identified for delivery in Clause B.2 shall be delivered to the
Government within the fixed price of this contract. Items 1, 2, and 4 are to be
delivered as specified in Clause H.2. Item 3, and Items 5 through 12 are to be
delivered to the Contracting Officer. All other items shall be delivered to
GSFC or as otherwise specified by the Contracting Officer.

                                 (End of text)

F.3      PERIOD OF PERFORMANCE  The period of performance for this effort is
from the effective date of this contract until five (5) years after the data is
declared by NASA to have met the specifications (Attachment B of this contract)
in accordance with Clause H.5.

                                 (End of text)

F.4      52.212--15 GOVERNMENT DELAY OF WORK (APR 1984)

         (a) If the performance of all or any part of the work of this contract
is delayed or interrupted (1) by an act of the Contracting Officer in the
administration of this contract that is not expressly or impliedly authorized
by this contract, or (2) by a failure of the Contracting Officer to act within
the time specified in this contract, or within a reasonable time if not
specified, an adjustment (excluding profit) shall be made for any increase in
the cost of performance of this contract caused by the delay or

                                    Page 12


<PAGE>   13
                                  NAS5-31350

                      SECTION F DELIVERIES OR PERFORMANCE

F.4      52.212-15 GOVERNMENT DELAY OF WORK (Cont'd)

interruption and the contract shall be modified in writing accordingly.
Adjustment shall also be made in the delivery or performance dates and any
other contractual term or condition affected by the delay or interruption.
However, no adjustment shall be made under this clause for any delay or
interruption to the extent that performance would have been delayed or
interrupted by any other cause, including the fault or negligence of the
Contractor, or for which an adjustment is provided or excluded under any other
term or condition of this contract.

         (b)     A claim under this clause shall not be allowed (1) for any
costs incurred more than 20 days before the Contractor shall have notified the
Contracting Officer in writing of the act or failure to act involved, and (2)
unless the claim, in an amount stated, is asserted in writing as soon as
practicable after the termination of the delay or interruption, but not later
than the day of final payment under the contract.

                                (End of clause)

                                    Page 13


<PAGE>   14
                                  NAS5--31350

                     SECTION G CONTRACT ADMINISTRATION DATA

G.1      ACCOUNTING AND APPROPRIATION DATA (GSFC 52.204-91) (OCT 1988)

The accounting and appropriation data are as follows:

B/NC: 254

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
    PCN              JON                       APP          BLI               OC                AMT
    ---              ---                       ---          ---               --                ---

<S>              <C>                       <C>              <C>              <C>              <C>
970-47894A(1C)   970-438-01-00-01          801/20108(91)    A701             97-2511          $9,000,000
971-59445A(1C)   971-161-10-07-01          800/10108(90)    A701             97-2511          $    -0-
971-59445B(1C)   971-161-90-20-01          800/10108(90)    A701             97-2511          $    -0-
971-59445C(1C)   971-692-90-20-01          800/10108(90)    A701             97-2511          $    -0-
971-59445D(1C)   971-693-90-20-01          800/10108(90)    A701             97-2511          $    -0-
</TABLE>


PPC: BY

                                (End of clause)


G.2      CONTRACTING OFFICER'S TECHNICAL REPRESENTATIVE (GSFC 52.242-90) (OCT
         1988)

The Contracting Officer's Technical Representative (COTR) for the purposes of
monitoring and coordinating the technical requirements of this contract is Mr.
Robert G. Kirk, Code 970.2.

Specific duties and responsibilities of the COTR are those delegated in the
Contracting Officer's Technical Representative Delegation Letter (NASA Form
1634) for this contract.

                                (End of clause)

G.3      DESIGNATION OF NEW TECHNOLOGY REPRESENTATIVE AND PATENT REPRESENTATIVE
         (18-52.227-72) (APRIL 1984)

(a) For purposes of administration of the clause of this contract entitled "New
Technology" or "Patent Rights -- Retention by the Contractor (Short Form)",
whichever is included, the following named representatives are hereby designed
by the Contracting Officer to administer such clause:


                                    Page 14


<PAGE>   15
                                  NAS5-31350

                     SECTION G CONTRACT ADMINISTRATION DATA

G.3      DESIGNATION OF NEW TECHNOLOGY REPRESENTATIVE AND PATENT REPRESENTATIVE
         (18-52.227-72) (Cont'd)

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>

                                  Office           Address (including
         Title                    Code             zip code)
         -----                    ------           ------------------
<S>                               <C>             <C>
New Technology                    702.1            Technology Utilization Officer
Representative                                     Goddard Space Flight Center
                                                   Greenbelt, MD  20771

Patent                            204              Office of Patent Counsel
Representative                                     Goddard Space Flight Center
                                                   Greenbelt, MD 20771
</TABLE>

(b) Reports of reportable items, and disclosure of subject inventions, interim
reports, final reports, utilization reports, and other reports required by the
clause, as well as any correspondence with respect to such matters, should be
directed to the New Technology Representative unless transmitted in response to
correspondence or request from the Patent Representative. Inquiries or requests
regarding disposition of rights, election of rights, or related matters should
be directed to the Patent Representative.  This clause shall be included in any
subcontract hereunder requiring a "New Technology" clause or "Patent Rights
- --Retention by the Contractor (Short Form)" clause, unless otherwise authorized
or directed by the Contracting Officer. The respective responsibilities and
authorities of the above-named representatives are set forth in 18-27.375-3 of
the NASA FAR Supplement.

                                (End of clause)

G.4      INVOICES - SUBMISSION OF (GSFC 52.232--95) (OCT 1988)

Invoices shall be prepared in accordance with the Prompt Payment clause of this
contract and submitted to the Financial Management Division, Accounts Payable
Section, Code 212.1, NASA/Goddard Space Flight Center, Greenbelt, MD 20771. For
purposes of the Prompt Payment Act, the above office is considered to be the
"Designated Billing Office" and the "Designated Payment Office".

                                (End of clause)

G.5      ELECTRONIC FUNDS TRANSFER PAYMENT METHODS (52.232-28) (APR 1989) as
         modified by NASA FAR Supplement 18-32.908

         Payments under this contract will be made by the Government either by
check or electronic funds transfer (through the Treasury Fedline Payment System
(FEDLINE) or the Automated Clearing House (ACH)), at the option of the
Government. After award, but no later


                                    Page 15


<PAGE>   16

                                  NAS5-31350

                     SECTION G CONTRACT ADMINISTRATION DATA

G.5      ELECTRONIC FUNDS TRANSFER PAYMENT METHODS (52.232-28) (Cont'd)

than 14 days before an invoice or contract financing request is submitted, the
Contractor shall designate a financial institution for receipt of electronic
funds transfer payments, and shall submit this designation to the Contracting
Officer or other Government official, as directed.

                 (a)      For payment through FEDLINE, the Contractor shall
provide the following information:

                          (1)     Name, address, and telegraphic abbreviation
of the financial institution receiving payment.


                          (2)     The American Bankers Association nine-digit
identifying number for wire transfers of the financing institution receiving
payment if the institution has access to the Federal Reserve Communications
System.

                          (3)     Payee's account number at the financial
institution where funds are to be transferred.

                          (4)     If the financial institution does not have
access to the Federal Reserve Communications System, name, address, and
telegraphic abbreviation of the correspondent financial institution through
which the financial institution receiving payment obtains wire transfer
activity. Provide the telegraphic abbreviation and American Bankers Association
identifying number for the correspondent institution.

                 (b)      For payment through ACH, the Contractor shall provide
the following information;

                          (1)     Routing transit number of the financial
institution receiving payment (same as American Bankers Association identifying
number used for FEDLINE)

                          (2)     Number of account to which funds are to be to
be deposited.

                          (3)     Type of depositor account ("C" for checking,
"S" for savings).

                          (4)     The Contractor shall submit a Standard Form
3881 to the installation awarding this contract. If a Standard Form 3881
previously submitted to the installation awarding this contract is still valid,
resubmittal is not necessary, unless requested by NASA.



                                    Page 16
<PAGE>   17


                                  NAS5-31350

                     SECTION G CONTRACT ADMINISTRATION DATA

G.5      ELECTRONIC FUNDS TRANSFER PAYMENT METHODS (52.232-28) (Cont'd)

                 (c)     In the event the Contractor, during the performance of
this contract, elects to designate a different financial institution for the
receipt of any payment made using electronic funds transfer procedures,
notification of such change and the required information specified above must
be received by the appropriate Government official 30 days prior to the date
such change is to become effective.

                 (d)     The documents furnishing the information required in
this clause must be dated and contain the signature, title, and telephone
number of the Contractor official authorized to provide it, as well as the
Contractor's name.

                 (e)     Contractor failure to properly designate a financial
institution or to provide appropriate payee bank account information may delay
payments of amounts otherwise properly due.

                                (End of clause)

G.6      APPROVAL OF CONTRACT (52.204-1) (DEC 1989)

This contract is subject to the written approval of Goddard Space Flight
Center's Associate Director for Acquisition, and shall not be binding until so
approved.

                                (End of clause)

G.7      USE OF GOVERNMENT PRODUCTION AND RESEARCH PROPERTY ON A NO-CHARGE
         BASIS

In performing this contract, the Contractor is authorized to use on a
no-charge, noninterference basis the Government-owned production and research
property provided to the Contractor under the contract(s) specified below and
identified in the cognizant Contracting Officer's letter approving use of the
property. Use is authorized on the basis that it will not interfere with
performance of the Government contract(s) under which the property was
originally furnished. Use shall be in accordance with the terms and conditions
of these contracts and the cognizant Contracting Officer's approval letter.

Contract No(s):

                                 (End of text)




                                    Page 17



<PAGE>   18
                                  NAS5--31350

                    SECTION H SPECIAL CONTRACT REQUIREMENTS

H.1      TERMINATION LIABILITY

NASA will not provide termination liability beyond the funding amount provided
for in Clause I.11, "Limitation of Funds (Fixed Price Contract)
(18-52.232--77)".

                                 (End of text)

H.2      GROUND RECEIVING STATIONS

The Government will operate a ground receiving station at GSFC for the Ocean
Color direct broadcast and recorded data as specified in the SOW. In addition,
the Government may also operate directly or through its grantees/contractors
ground receiving stations to receive direct broadcast data.

The Contractor shall furnish, at no increase in the firm fixed price of this
contract, cryptographic information necessary for processing the data as
follows:

         To GSFC and 12 other NASA designated research receiving stations, such
         cryptographic information must be furnished FOB the station at least
         30 days prior to its effective period to allow processing the Ocean
         Color data in near real-time. NASA may from time to time redesignate
         these real-time stations.

         To the remainder of NASA designated receiving stations, such
         cryptographic information must be mailed to these stations no later
         than 30 days after the information first becomes effective.

         The Contractor shall provide said cryptographic information to
         Government designated station, by the Government specified date,
         provided the Contractor has been given at least 30 days advance
         notification.

                                 (End of text)

H.3      HANDLING OF SATELLITE IMAGE AND TELEMETRY INFORMATION

The parties to this contract recognize that NASA is purchasing the Ocean Color
Data Sets from a commercial remote sensing business being established by OSC.
NASA is purchasing the data in this way to meet NASA's data requirements for
scientific and research


                                    Page 18


<PAGE>   19
                                  NAS5-31350

                    SECTION H SPECIAL CONTRACT REQUIREMENTS

H.3      HANDLING OF SATELLITE IMAGE AND TELEMETRY INFORMATION (Cont'd)

applications, and to achieve schedule and cost advantages by adopting a
commercial approach rather than a traditional hardware procurement approach.

This arrangement requires special contractual provisions and protections to
control distribution and use of the Ocean Color Data so that NASA will acquire
data for its research objectives without adversely impacting the commercial and
operational markets for OSC.

NASA will own the data it purchases and will have the right to use it for all
research purposes. OSC will have exclusive rights to use and sell the data for
commercial and operational purposes. These use restrictions will be applied to
all Government users, support contractors, grantees and research users.

All image and telemetry information from the Ocean Color Data instrument
received at a NASA authorized ground data processing and archiving facility, in
any amount and on any media, and any information processed, reconstructed,
enhanced or reproduced, by NASA and/or its support contractors, grantees and/or
research users is the property of NASA with the limited right(s) to use same as
hereinafter set forth. These data may be used, reproduced and disclosed by
NASA, its support contractors, grantees and/or research users with the express
limitation that they will not, without written permission of OSC, be used,
reproduced or disclosed by NASA, its support contractors, grantees and/or
research users for commercial or operational purposes.

NASA, its support contractors, grantees and/or research users (as later
defined), are authorized to use and publish that data as well as any data
derived therefrom with the express limitation that they will not, without the
written permission of OSC, use, reproduce, or disclose the data for commercial
or operational purposes. Any such support contractor, grantee or research user
who is provided Ocean Color data directly or indirectly by NASA shall first be
required to execute an appropriate confidentiality agreement to protect against
any unauthorized use or disclosure of the data. OSC shall be considered a third
party beneficiary of this agreement, and shall have any and all right to the
extent available under applicable laws, rules and regulations to enforce the
agreement directly against the support contractor, grantee or research user.
NASA shall have no responsibility, either directly or indirectly, to enforce
the agreement. Upon notification to NASA, OSC shall suspend and, if necessary,
cancel the right to receive data of support contractors, grantees, and/or
research users who are engaged in unauthorized use or otherwise violate their
confidentiality agreements.

                                    Page 19
<PAGE>   20


                                  NAS5-31350

                    SECTION H   SPECIAL CONTRACT REQUIREMENTS

H.3      HANDLING OF SATELLITE IMAGE AND TELEMETRY INFORMATION (Cont'd)

NASA, its support contractors, grantees, and/or research users shall not be
restricted in the use and disclosure of any data that is or becomes generally
available in a public domain.

OSC shall have the sole and exclusive right to market, use and disclose
worldwide all data for commercial and operational purposes, subject to the
right of NASA, its support contractors, grantees and/or research users to the
use of such data as provided herein.

NASA, its support contractors, grantees, and/or its research users shall not
release Ocean Color data or any data or analysis developed or derived therefrom
outside the receiving or processing institution for a period of 14 days after
the data are observed except as provided for under Data Use Definitions below.

NASA may place all data collected under this contract by NASA, its support
contractors, grantees and/or its research users into the public domain
beginning five years after the data are collected.

Notwithstanding this provision, nothing shall prevent the results of any
research undertaken with these Ocean Color Data Sets from publication anytime.

Data Use Definitions

Research:        Use as authorized by NASA by those who:

(a)      submit a brief letter proposal outlining the research and associated
         data needs;

(b)      agree to provide NASA and OSC, if requested, for open use, a copy of
         all products derived from data and algorithms directly used to process
         the data; and

(c)      submit the results of their investigations for publication in the open
         literature.

Commercial:      Use involving the sale or resale of data as well as data
                 derived therefrom for more than the cost of reproduction.

Operational:     Real-time or close to real-time use of the data as well as
                 data derived therefrom during the 14-day embargo period
                 provided above, other than research use expressly authorized
                 by NASA in the users research grant or for positioning of
                 research ships during field experiments.

                                 (End of text)



                                    Page 20


<PAGE>   21
                                  NAS5-31350

                    SECTION H   SPECIAL CONTRACT REQUIREMENTS

H.4      REDUCED CAPABILITY

In the event that any Contractor provided system failure or reduced spacecraft
resources preclude the spacecraft from supporting the complete mission
objectives of all the instruments carried thereon, the Contractor shall not
reduce the operation of the Ocean Color instrument.

                                 (End of text)

H.5      DATA ACCEPTANCE CRITERIA AND PROCEDURES

         a.  The Contractor shall declare the Ocean Color Data instrument
operational within 30 days after launch or on or before October 1, 1993,
whichever first occurs. Within 90 days of the time the Contractor declares the
instrument to be operational, the Government will make an appropriate
inspection in order to determine whether or not the Ocean Color data may be
accepted, i.e., whether or not the data meets the requirements of the Statement
of Work and Specifications. Within the 90 days, if the Contracting Officer
determines that the data, as furnished, are in compliance with the Statement of
Work and Specifications and the Contractor has met the other requirements of
this contract, the Contracting Officer will accept the services and payments
may continue to be made in accordance with Clause B.4, Payment Schedule.

         b.  The Contracting Officer has the right to periodically inspect the
data and contract compliance during the course of contract performance.

         c.  If the Contractor is not in compliance with the provisions of the
contract, the Government may exercise its authority under Clause I.9, Default.
However, if in the sole discretion of the Contracting Officer, the Government
determines that some data valuable to the Government may be obtained if the
contract performance is continued, the Government and Contractor agree that
they will seek to modify the contract and agree to an equitable downward
adjustment in the fixed price. If the parties are unable to agree on such a
contract modification, the Government may enforce its rights under I.9 referred
to above.

                                 (End of text)

H.6      METHOD OF CONTRACT PERFORMANCE (GSFC 52.210-94) (OCT 1988)

The Contractor agrees to achieve the contract Specifications and other
performance goals in accordance with the method of performance set forth in its
final technical proposal titled "SeaStar Ocean



                                    Page 21


<PAGE>   22
                                  NAS5-31350

                   SECTION H   SPECIAL CONTRACT REQUIREMENTS

H.6      METHOD OF CONTRACT PERFORMANCE (GSFC 52.210-94) (Cont'd)

Color Data System Description", dated March 22, 1991. Upon submission and
approval of the Final Performance Assurance Plan, and Final Calibration Plan,
these documents will also be incorporated by attachment as part of the method
of performance. Any Contractor changes to the approved Final Performance
Assurance Plan and Final Calibration Plan requires the approval of the
Contracting Officer.

If, however, during the performance of this contract, the Contractor determines
in writing it is necessary to substantially depart from the method of work
performance in order to accomplish the contract specifications and other
performance goals, the Contractor shall, within 10 days from day of occurrence
of such determination, so notify the Contracting Officer in writing including a
brief resume reflecting the rationale which has led to the belief that such
departure is necessary and a description of the alternate approach to be
pursued. Design changes or hardware implementation changes which do not effect
the capabilities of the system necessary to meet the required performance
specifications of the Ocean Color Data Mission can be made without notification
to the Contracting Officer. In the event the Contractor cannot determine an
alternate approach within a 10 day period, the Contractor shall advise the
Contracting Officer immediately and state when it anticipates that a
description of an alternate approach will be provided.

Except as may otherwise be specifically approved or directed in writing by the
Contracting Officer, any change in method of performance shall not relieve the
Contractor from any responsibility for complying with the contract SOW and
specifications, delivery schedule, or other provisions of this contract.

Nothing in this clause shall alter the rights and obligations of the parties
elsewhere stated in this contract.

                                (End of clause)

H.7      PERMITS AND LICENSES

The Contractor shall obtain, and keep effective, all permits, licenses, and
clearances that may be required for performance in accordance with the terms of
this contract. Such permits, licenses, and clearances shall include, but not be
limited to, those required by the Federal, State, or Local Government
authorities, or subdivision thereof, or of any other duly constituted public
authority such as, the Department of Transportation (DOT) for launch licenses
and the Federal Communication Commission (FCC) for frequency approvals.
Further, the Contractor shall comply with all applicable


                                    Page 22


<PAGE>   23
                                  NAS5-31350

                   SECTION H   SPECIAL CONTRACT REQUIREMENTS

H.7      PERMITS AND LICENSES (Cont'd)

laws, regulations and ordinances as in effect on the date of this contract. All
costs and fees associated with obtaining licenses, permits and clearances are
included in the fixed price of this contract.

                                 (End of text)

H.8      INSURANCE

The Contractor is not required to obtain insurance for loss of the Ocean Color
Instrument, the spacecraft or the launch vehicle.  However, if, in order to
protect against the loss or failure of the Ocean Color Instrument, the
spacecraft or launch services, the contractor

         (i)      purchases insurance or

         (ii)     requires a subcontractor to purchase insurance or replace the
Ocean Color Instrument, spacecraft or launch vehicle and/or launch services, at
a reduced price or at no additional cost to the Contractor,

                 then the Contractor shall repay to NASA all progress payments
paid to the Contractor equal to the full amount of insurance proceeds recovered
or equal to the reduced price or cost of the replaced instrument, spacecraft or
launch vehicle, but only to the extent that amount exceeds the Contractor's
unrecovered cost of the lost or failed instrument, spacecraft or launch vehicle
and/or launch services.

                                 (End of text)

H.9      GOVERNMENT APPROVAL AND INSIGHT

In order for NASA to perform its role in the purchase of highly reliable data
and assure that all reasonable steps have been taken to ensure the highest
practical probability of mission success, NASA must be provided an adequate
level of insight into and/or approval of certain Contractor tasks and
milestones.

Government approval is defined as providing authority to proceed and/or formal
acceptance. Where Government approval is required, the Contractor shall submit
the necessary documentation to the NASA/GSFC Contracting Officer and copies to
the COTR specified in Clause G.2.

Performance of insight by the Government includes the attending of meetings,
reviews, and tests, and obtaining for review, certain


                                    Page 23


<PAGE>   24
                                  NAS5-31350

                    SECTION H SPECIAL CONTRACT REQUIREMENTS

H.9 GOVERNMENT APPROVAL AND INSIGHT (Cont'd)

documents from the prime and its subcontractor(s). The Government will provide
inputs and comments on these items, but will not have the right of approval.
Where Government insight is required, the Contractor shall notify the
Contracting Officer, the COTR or the appropriate NASA operations organization
at the launch site, of meetings, reviews, or tests, in sufficient time to
permit Government participation.

In the case of the Government approval or insight, the Contractor shall
acknowledge and be responsive to the inquires, requests, and recommendations of
the NASA reviewers within the scope of contract requirements but need not take
action or implement changes which may impact the scope of the contract unless
written contractual direction is received.

These individuals providing Government insight do not have the authority to,
and shall not, offer any insight that--

         (1)     Constitutes an assignment of additional work outside the
                 statement of work;

         (2)     Constitutes a change as defined in the changes clause;

         (3)     In any manner causes an increase or decrease of the total
                 price, or the time required for contract performance;

         (4)     Changes any of the expressed terms, conditions, or
                 specifications of the contract; or

         (5)     Interferes with the Contractor's rights to perform the terms
                 and conditions of the contract.

Any action(s) taken by the Contractor in response to any Government insight
shall be at the Contractor's risk.

Specific areas where the Government requires insight and/or right of approval
are outlined below:

Government approval is required for the following:

         1.      Additional instruments or missions to spacecraft (OSC shall
                 have the right to add additional instruments or missions to
                 the spacecraft unless it is reasonably determined by NASA that
                 such an addition would adversely effect the performance or
                 overall success of the Ocean Color Data Mission)

         2.      Final Calibration Plan

         3.      Final Performance Assurance Plan

Any Contractor changes to items 2 and 3 require the approval of the Contracting
Officer.



                                    Page 24


<PAGE>   25
                                  NAS5-31350

                    SECTION H SPECIAL CONTRACT REQUIREMENTS

H.9      GOVERNMENT APPROVAL AND INSIGHT (Cont'd)

Government insight is required for the following:

         1.      Project Reviews (including but not limited to Preliminary
                 Design, Critical Design, Pre-ship, Pre-launch)
         2.      Calibration Activities
         3.      Test Activities
         4.      Launch Site Safety Review

                                 (End of text)

H.10     SUBMISSION OF REQUESTS FOR PROGRESS PAYMENTS (18-52.232-82) (MAR 1989)

The Contractor shall request progress payments in accordance with the Progress
Payments clause by submitting to the Contracting Officer an original and two
copies of Standard Form (SF) 1443, Contractor's Request for Progress Payment,
and the contractor's invoice (if applicable) . The Contracting Officer's office
(or Administrative Contracting Officer's Office, if approval of progress
payments is delegated) is the designated billing office for progress payments
for purposes of the Prompt Payment clause.

                                (End of clause)




                                    Page 25

<PAGE>   26
                                  NAS5-31350

                           SECTION I CONTRACT CLAUSES

I.1 CLAUSES INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE (52.252-2) (JUN 1988)

This contract incorporates one or more clauses by reference, with the same
force and effect as if they were given in full text. Upon request, the
Contracting Officer will make their full text available.


<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
CLAUSE NO.               TITLE
- ----------               -----
<S>                      <C>
52.202-1                 DEFINITIONS (APR 1984)
52.203-1                 OFFICIALS NOT TO BENEFIT (APR 1984)
52.203-3                 GRATUITIES (APR 1984)
52.203-5                 COVENANT AGAINST CONTINGENT FEES (APR 1984)
52.203-6                 RESTRICTIONS ON SUBCONTRACTOR SALES TO THE GOVERNMENT (JUL 1985)
52.203-7                 ANTI-KICKBACK PROCEDURES (OCT 1988)
52.203-10                REMEDIES FOR ILLEGAL OR IMPROPER ACTIVITY (MAY 1989)
52.203-12                LIMITATION ON PAYMENTS TO INFLUENCE CERTAIN FEDERAL TRANSACTIONS (JAN 1990)
52.209-6                 PROTECTING THE GOVERNMENT'S INTEREST WHEN SUBCONTRACTING WITH CONTRACTORS DEBARRED,
                         SUSPENDED, OR PROPOSED FOR DEBARMENT (MAY 1989)
52.212-8                 DEFENSE PRIORITY AND ALLOCATION REQUIREMENTS (MAY 1986)
52.215-1                 EXAMINATION OF RECORDS BY COMPTROLLER GENERAL (APR 1984)
52.215-2                 AUDIT--NEGOTIATION (DEC 1989)
52.215-30                FACILITIES CAPITAL COST OF MONEY (SEP 1987)
52.215-32                CERTIFICATION OF COMMERCIAL PRICING (JUN 1985)
52.219-8                 UTILIZATION OF SMALL BUSINESS CONCERNS AND SMALL DISADVANTAGED BUSINESS CONCERNS (FEB 1990)
52.219-9                 SMALL BUSINESS AND SMALL DISADVANTAGED BUSINESS SUBCONTRACTING PLAN (FEB 1990)
52.219-13                UTILIZATION OF WOMEN-OWNED SMALL BUSINESSES (AUG 1986)
52.220-3                 UTILIZATION OF LABOR SURPLUS AREA CONCERNS (APR 1984)
52.222-3                 CONVICT LABOR (APR 1984)
52.222-20                WALSH-HEALEY PUBLIC CONTRACTS ACT (APR 1984)
52.222-26                EQUAL OPPORTUNITY (APR 1984)
52.222-28                EQUAL OPPORTUNITY PREAWARD CLEARANCE OF SUBCONTRACTS (APR 1984)
52.222-35                AFFIRMATIVE ACTION FOR SPECIAL DISABLED AND VIETNAM ERA VETERANS (APR 1984)
52.222-36                AFFIRMATIVE ACTION FOR HANDICAPPED WORKERS (APR 1984)
52.222-37                EMPLOYMENT REPORTS ON SPECIAL DISABLED VETERANS AND VETERANS OF THE VIETNAM ERA (JAN 1988)
52.223-2                 CLEAN AIR AND WATER (APR 1984)
52.223-6                 DRUG FREE WORK PLACE (JUL 1990)
</TABLE>




                                    Page 26


<PAGE>   27
                                  NAS5-31350

                           SECTION I CONTRACT CLAUSES

I.1      CLAUSES INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE (52.252-2) (Cont'd)

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
CLAUSE NO.              TITLE
- ----------              -----
<S>                     <C>
52.225-13               RESTRICTIONS ON CONTRACTING WITH SANCTIONED PERSONS (MAY 1989)
52.227-1                AUTHORIZATION AND CONSENT (APR 1984)
52.227-2                NOTICE AND ASSISTANCE REGARDING PATENT AND COPY-RIGHT INFRINGEMENT
                        (APR 1984)
52.227-11               PATENT RIGHTS--RETENTION BY CONTRACTOR (SHORT FORM) (JUN 1989) as modified by
                        NASA FAR Supplement 18-52.227-11
52.227-14               RIGHTS IN DATA-GENERAL (JUN 1987) as modified by NASA FAR Supplement 18-27.409(e)
52.229-3                FEDERAL, STATE, AND LOCAL TAXES (JAN 1991)
52.229-5                TAXES--CONTRACTS PERFORMED IN U.S. POSSESSIONS OR PUERTO RICO (APR 1984)
52.232-1                PAYMENTS (APR 1984)
52.232-8                DISCOUNTS FOR PROMPT PAYMENT (APR 1989)
52.232-17               INTEREST (JAN 1991)
52.232-23               ASSIGNMENT OF CLAIMS (JAN 1986)
52.232-25               PROMPT PAYMENT (APR 1989) (b) (2), second sentence, shall have a 30 day period for
                        any financing payments.
52.233-1                DISPUTES (APR 1984)--ALTERNATE I (APR 1984)
52.233-3                PROTEST AFTER AWARD (AUG 1989)
52.243-1                CHANGES--FIXED PRICE (AUG 1987)
52.244-1                SUBCONTRACTS (FIXED PRICE CONTRACTS) (JAN 1986)
52.244-5                COMPETITION IN SUBCONTRACTING (APR 1984)
18-52.208-81            PRINTING AND DUPLICATING (DEC 1988)
18-52.223-71            FREQUENCY AUTHORIZATION (DEC 1988)
18-52.252-70            COMPLIANCE WITH NASA FAR SUPPLEMENT (MAR 1989)
</TABLE>


I.2      52.215-33 ORDER OF PRECEDENCE (JAN 1986) (DEVIATION)

Any inconsistency in this solicitation or contract shall be resolved by giving
precedence in the following order: (a) the Schedule (excluding the
specifications) ; (b) representations and certifications; (c) the Statement of
Work and Specifications; and (d) other documents including Contractor's
technical proposal, Contractor's Final Performance Assurance Plan and
Contractor's Final Calibration Plan.

                                (End of clause)



                                    Page 27

<PAGE>   28
                                  NAS5-31350

                           SECTION I CONTRACT CLAUSES


I.3      52.220-1 PREFERENCE FOR LABOR SURPLUS AREA CONCERNS (APR 1984)

         (a)     This acquisition is not a set aside for labor surplus area
(LSA) concerns. However, the offeror's status as such a concern may affect (1)
entitlement to award in case of tie offers or (2) offer evaluation in
accordance with the Buy American Act clause of this solicitation. In order to
determine whether the offeror is entitled to a preference under (1) or (2)
above, the offeror must identify, below, the LSA in which the costs to be
incurred on account of manufacturing or production (by the offeror or the
first-tier subcontractors) amount to more than 50 percent of the contract
Price.

                                      NONE

         (b)     Failure to identify the locations as specified above will
preclude consideration of the offeror as an LSA concern.  If the offeror is
awarded a contract as an LSA concern and would not have otherwise qualified for
award, the offeror shall perform the contract or cause the contract to be
Performed in accordance with the obligations of an LSA concern.

                                (End of clause)

I.4      52.222-4 CONTRACT WORK HOURS AND SAFETY STANDARDS ACT - OVERTIME
                  COMPENSATION (MAR 1986)

(a) OVERTIME REQUIREMENTS. No Contractor or subcontractor contracting for any
part of the contract work which may require or involve the employment of
laborers or mechanics (see Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR) 22.300) shall
require or permit any such laborers or mechanics in any workweek in which the
individual is employed on such work to work in excess of forty hours in such
workweek unless such laborer or mechanic receives compensation at a rate not
less than one and one-half times the basic rate of pay for all hours worked in
excess of forty hours in such workweek.

(b) VIOLATION; LIABILITY FOR UNPAID WAGES; LIQUIDATED DAMAGES. In the event of
any violation of the provisions set forth in paragraph (a) of this clause, the
Contractor and any subcontractor responsible therefor shall be liable for the
unpaid wages. In addition, such Contractor and subcontractor shall be liable to
the United States (in the case of work done under contract for the District of
Columbia or a territory, to such District or to such territory), for liquidated
damages. Such liquidated damages shall be computed with respect to each
individual laborer or mechanic employed in violation of the provisions set
forth in paragraph (a) of this clause in the

                                    Page 28




<PAGE>   29
                                  NAS5--31350

                           SECTION I CONTRACT CLAUSES

I.4    52.222-4 CONTRACT WORK HOURS AND SAFETY STANDARDS ACT - OVERTIME
                COMPENSATION (Cont'd)

sum of $10 for each calendar day on which such individual was required or
permitted to work in excess of the standard workweek of forty hours without
payment of the overtime wages required by provisions set forth in paragraph (a)
of this clause.

(c)  WITHHOLDING FOR UNPAID WAGES AND LIQUIDATED DAMAGES. The Contracting
Officer shall upon his or her own action or upon written request of an
authorized representative of the Department of Labor withhold or cause to be
withheld, from any moneys payable on account of work performed by the
Contractor or subcontractor under any such contract or any other Federal
contract with the same Prime Contractor, or any other Federally-assisted
contract subject to the Contract Work Hours and Safety Standards Act which is
held by the same Prime Contractor, such sums as may be determined to be
necessary to satisfy any liabilities of such Contractor or subcontractor for
unpaid wages and liquidated damages as provided in the provisions set forth in
paragraph (b) of this clause.

(d)  PAYROLLS AND BASIC RECORDS.

         (1)  The Contractor or subcontractor shall maintain payrolls and basic
payroll records during the course of contract work and shall preserve them for
a period of three years from the completion of the contract for all laborers
and mechanics working on the contract. Such records shall contain the name and
address of each such employee, social security number, correct classification,
hourly rates of wages paid, daily and weekly number of hours worked, deductions
made, and actual wages paid. Nothing in this paragraph shall require the
duplication of records required to be maintained for construction work by
Department of Labor regulations at 29 CFR 5.5(a) (3) implementing the
Davis-Bacon Act.

         (2)  The records to be maintained under paragraph (d) (1) of this
clause shall be made available by the Contractor or subcontractor for
inspection, copying or transcription by authorized representatives of the
Contracting Officer or the Department of Labor. The Contractor or subcontractor
shall permit such representatives to interview employees during working hours
on the job.

(e)  SUBCONTRACTS. The Contractor or subcontractor shall insert in any
subcontracts the provisions set forth in paragraphs (a) through (e) of this
clause and also a clause requiring the subcontractors to include these
provisions in any lower tier subcontracts. The Prime Contractor shall be
responsible for compliance by any subcontractor or lower tier subcontractor
with the provisions set forth in paragraphs (a) through (e) of this clause.

                                (End of clause)

                                    Page 29


<PAGE>   30
                                   NAS5-31350

                           SECTION I CONTRACT CLAUSES

I.5      52.232-9 LIMITATION ON WITHHOLDING OF PAYMENTS (APR 1984)

         If more than one clause or Schedule term of this contract authorizes
the temporary withholding of amounts otherwise payable to the Contractor for
supplies delivered or services performed, the total of the amounts withheld at
any one time shall not exceed the greatest amount that may be withheld under
any one clause or Schedule term at that time; provided, that this limitation
shall not apply to--

         (a)   Withholdings pursuant to any clause relating to wages or hours
of employees;

         (b)   Withholdings not specifically provided for by this contract;

         (c)   The recovery of overpayments; and

         (d)   Any other withholding for which the Contracting Officer
determines that this limitation is inappropriate.

                               (End of clause)

I.6      52.252-6 AUTHORIZED DEVIATIONS IN CLAUSES (APR 1984)

         (a)   The use in this solicitation or contract of any Federal
Acquisition Regulation (48 CFR Chapter 1) clause with an authorized deviation
is indicated by the addition of "(DEVIATION)" after the date of the clause.

         (b)   The use in this solicitation or contract of any NASA FAR
Supplement Regulation (48 CFR Chapter 18) clause with an authorized deviation
is indicated by the addition of "(DEVIATION)" after the name of the regulation.

                               (End of clause)

I.7      52.232-16 PROGRESS PAYMENTS (AUG 1987) (DEVIATION)

Milestones

a.       Progress payments, for the deliverable requirements described in
Clause B.2, shall be made to the Contractor in accordance with the following
schedule:


<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                  Approx.       Amount           Accum.                     Contract
Milestone                         Date           $(M)            $(M)               FY       Month
- ---------                         ------        ------           -----              --      --------
<S>                               <C>            <C>             <C>                <C>      <C>
Evidence of Binding
   Financial Commitment           1 Apr 91       $9.0            $ 9.0              91         1
Preliminary Design
   Review                         1 Dec 91       $6.0            $15.0              92         9
Award Rocket Motors               1 Dec 91       $6.0            $21.0              92         9
Critical Design Review            1 Mar 92       $1.0            $22.0              92        12
</TABLE>



                                    Page 30


<PAGE>   31
                                   NAS5-31350

                           SECTION I CONTRACT CLAUSES

I.7      52.232-16 PROGRESS PAYMENTS (AUG 1987) (Cont'd)


<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
          
                                                    Approx.          Amount   Accum.           Contract
Milestone                                           Date              $(M)     $(M)     FY      Month
- ---------                                           -------          ------   ------    --     --------

<S>                                                <C>              <C>     <C>         <C>   <C>
 Complete Spacecraft ETV Integration and Test       1 Nov 92         $5.0     $27.0     93       20
 Complete Spacecraft Integration                    1 Jan 93         $6.0     $33.0     93       22
 Complete Spacecraft System Testing                 1 Apr 93         $0.57    $33.57    93       25
 Pre-Ship Review                                    1 Jul 93         $3.0     $36.57    93       28
 Release of Spacecraft from Carrier Aircraft        1 Aug 93         $0.5     $37.07    93       29
*Launch Success                                     1 Aug 93         $0.5     $37.57    93       29
 Initial Data Certification                         1 Dec 93         $3.0     $40.57    94       33
</TABLE>

*Launch Success includes the spacecraft being placed in a orbit with a signal
 received from the instrument.

Small Business Subcontracts

         b.      To facilitate small business participation in subcontracting
under this contract, the Contractor agrees to provide progress payments to
small business concerns, in conformity with the standards for customary
progress payments, stated in Subpart 32.5 of the Federal Acquisition
Regulation. The Contractor further agrees that the need for such progress
payments shall not be considered as a weakness or adverse factor in the award
of subcontracts.

Conditions

         c.      The following are conditions to the payment of each progress
payment. No progress payment shall be made until:

                 1.     The Contractor provides evidence of, and the
Contracting Officer determines that, the Contractor has obtained binding
financial commitments or otherwise has the financial capability that will
enable the contractor to perform its obligations under this contract;

                 2.     The Contractor is in compliance with all terms and
conditions of the contract;

                 3.     The Contracting Officer determines that both the
milestone has been achieved and the corresponding date for payment has
occurred; and



                                    Page 31


<PAGE>   32
                                   NAS5-31350

                           SECTION I CONTRACT CLAUSES

I.7      52.232-16 PROGRESS PAYMENTS (AUG 1987) (Cont'd)

                 4.      The Contracting Officer has the latitude to make
payments ahead of schedule if the milestone has been accomplished and funding
is available.

Liquidation

         d.      Beginning with the first month after the initial calibrated
data has been accepted by the Government, all progress payments shall be
liquidated in the following manner:

Monthly

<TABLE>
         <S>                              <C>
         Invoiced Amount                   $725,333

         Less Liquidated Amount            -675,333
                                           --------

         Amount Paid by Government        $  50,000
</TABLE>

In the event of a launch failure or termination for convenience, all paid
progress payments will be deemed liquidated.

Should the data services effort be discontinued for any reason and if the
Government has not invoked its right under the default provision all progress
payments will be deemed liquidated.

Reduction or suspension

         e.      The Contracting Officer may reduce or suspend progress
payments, increase or decrease the rate of liquidation, or take a combination
of these actions, after finding any of the following conditions:

                 (1)    The Contractor failed to comply with any material
requirement of this contract.

                 (2)    Performance of this contract is endangered by the
Contractor's (i) failure to make progress or (ii) unsatisfactory financial
condition.

                 (3)    The Contractor is delinquent in payment of the costs
of performing this contract in the ordinary course of business.

Security

         f.      Adequate security for payments made under this contract shall
be required. Accordingly, the Contractor shall establish and record in all
appropriate jurisdictions a creditor's lien on behalf of the Government, i.e.,
a first lien paramount to all other liens,                               



                                    Page 32
<PAGE>   33

                                   NAS5-31350

                           SECTION I CONTRACT CLAUSES

I.7      52.232-16 PROGRESS PAYMENTS (AUG 1987) (Cont'd)

on all work in process sufficient to compensate the Government for all monies
paid by the Government pursuant to this clause. The Contractor shall require
its subcontractors to provide adequate security to the Government for any
similar progress payments to subcontractors.

Title

         g.      Title to the Ocean Color Instrument, Spacecraft, launch
vehicle or ground control facilities and equipment shall not vest in the
Government except as may be provided for in the Termination for Convenience of
the Government clause and Default clause of this contract or except as may be
required in the enforcement of the lien specified in paragraph f of this
clause.

Control of Costs

         h.      The Contractor shall maintain an accounting system and
controls adequate for the proper administration of this clause. The Contractor
shall maintain records of all costs incurred under this contract.

Reports and access to records

         i.      The Contractor shall promptly furnish reports, certificates,
financial statements, and other pertinent information reasonably requested by
the Contracting Officer. Also, the Contractor shall give the Government
reasonable opportunity to examine and verify the Contractor's books, records,
and accounts.

Reservations of rights

         j.      No payment shall (i) excuse the Contractor from performance of
obligations under this contract or (ii) constitute a waiver of any of the
rights or remedies of the parties under the contract.

                 The Government's rights and remedies under this clause (i)
shall not be exclusive but rather shall be in addition to any other rights and
remedies provided by law or this contract and (ii) shall not be affected by
delayed, partial, or omitted exercise of any right, remedy, power, or
privilege, nor shall such exercise or any single exercise preclude or impair
any further exercise under this clause or the exercise of any other right,
power, or privilege of the Government.

                                (End of clause)


                                    Page 33
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                                  NAS5-31350

                            SECTION I CONTRACT CLAUSES



I.8     52.249-2 TERMINATION FOR CONVENIENCE OF THE GOVERNMENT
        (FIXED-PRICE) (APR 1984) (DEVIATION)

        (a) The Government may terminate performance of work under this contract
in whole or, from time to time, in part if the Contracting Officer determines
that a termination is in the Government's best interest. The Contracting Officer
shall terminate by delivering to the Contractor a Notice of Termination
specifying the extent of termination and the effective date. Notwithstanding any
other provision of this clause, the Government's liability for terminating
performance of work pursuant to this clause is limited to the amount specified
as being available for payment and allotted to this contract in Clause I.11,
Limitation of Funds, and Clause H.1, Termination Liability.
        (b) After receipt of a Notice of Termination, and except as directed by
the Contracting Officer, the Contractor shall immediately proceed with the
following obligations, regardless of any delay in determining or adjusting any
amounts due under this clause:
                       (1) Stop work as specified in the notice.
                       (2) Place no further subcontracts or orders (referred to
as subcontracts in this clause) for materials, services, or facilities, except
as necessary to complete the continued portion of the contract.
                       (3) Terminate all subcontracts to the extent they relate
to the work terminated.
                       (4) With approval or ratification to the extent required
by the Contracting Officer, settle all outstanding liabilities and termination
settlement proposals arising from the termination of subcontracts; the approval
or ratification will be final for purposes of this clause.
                       (5) Complete performance of the work not terminated.
        (c) After termination, the Contractor shall submit a final termination
settlement proposal to the Contracting Officer in the form and with the
certification prescribed by the Contracting Officer. The Contractor shall submit
the proposal promptly, but no later than 1 year from the effective date of
termination, unless extended in writing by the Contracting Officer upon written
request of the Contractor within this 1-year period. However, if the Contracting
Officer determines that the facts justify it, a termination settlement proposal
may be received and acted on after 1 year or any extension. The Government's
liability is limited to the amount funded under this contract, as stated in
Clause I.11, Limitation of Funds, and Clause H.1, Termination Liability.
        (d) Subject to paragraph (c) above, the Contractor and the Contracting
Officer may agree upon the whole or any part of the amount to be paid because of
the termination. The amount may include a reasonable allowance for profit on
work done.
        (e) The cost principles and procedures of Part 31 of the Federal
Acquisition Regulation, in effect on the date of this contract, shall govern all
costs claimed, agreed to, or determined under this clause.


                                     Page 34
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                                   NAS5-31350

                           SECTION I CONTRACT CLAUSES



I.8     52.249-2 TERMINATION FOR CONVENIENCE OF THE GOVERNMENT
                 (FIXED-PRICE) (APR 1984) (Cont'd)

        (f) The Contractor shall have the right of appeal, under the Disputes
clause, from any determination made by the Contracting Officer under paragraph
(c) or (h), except that if the Contractor failed to submit the termination
settlement proposal within the time provided in paragraph (c) or (h), and failed
to request a time extension, there is no right of appeal. If the Contracting
Officer has made a determination of the amount due under paragraph (c) or (h),
the Government shall pay the Contractor (1) the amount determined by the
Contracting Officer if there is no right of appeal or if no timely appeal has
been taken, or (2) the amount finally determined on an appeal.
        (g) In arriving at the amount due the Contractor under this clause,
there shall be deducted--
                (1) All unliquidated advance or other payments to the Contractor
under the terminated portion of this contract; and
                (2) Any claim which the Government has against the Contractor
under this contract.
        (h) If the termination is partial, the Contractor may file a
proposal with the Contracting Officer for an equitable adjustment of the
price(s) of the continued portion of the contract. The Contracting Officer shall
make an equitable adjustment agreed upon. Any proposal by the Contractor for an
equitable adjustment under this clause shall be requested within 90 days from
the effective date of termination unless extended in writing by the Contracting
Officer.
        (i) Unless otherwise provided in this contract or by statute, the
Contractor shall maintain all records and documents relating to the terminated
portion of this contract for 3 years after final settlement. This includes all
books and other evidence bearing on the Contractor's costs and expenses under
this contract. The Contractor shall make these records and documents available
to the Government, at the Contractor's office, at all reasonable times, without
any direct charge. If approved by the Contracting Officer, photographs,
microphotographs, or other authentic reproductions may be maintained instead of
original records and documents.

                                 (End of clause)


I.9     52.249-8 DEFAULT (FIXED-PRICE SUPPLY AND SERVICE)
                 (APR 1984) (DEVIATION)

        (a) (1) The Government may, by written notice of default to the
Contractor, terminate this contract in whole or in part if the Contractor fails
to--


                                     Page 35
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                                  NAS5-31350

                           SECTION I CONTRACT CLAUSES



I.9     52.249-8 DEFAULT (FIXED-PRICE SUPPLY AND SERVICE)
                 (APR 1984) (Cont'd)

                       (i)   Deliver the supplies or to perform the services 
within the time specified in this contract or any extension;
                       (ii)  Make progress, so as to endanger performance of
this contract (but see subparagraph (a)(2) below); or
                       (iii) Perform any of the other provisions of this
contract (but see subparagraph (a)(2) below).
        (2) The Government's right to terminate this contract under subdivisions
(1)(ii) and (1)(iii) above, may be exercised if the Contractor does not cure
such failure within 10 days (or more if authorized in writing by the Contracting
Officer) after receipt of the notice from the Contracting Officer specifying the
failure.

        (b) If the Government terminates this contract in part, the Contractor
shall continue the work not terminated.

        (c) If this contract is terminated for default:

            1.    Default Prior to Launch

        The Government shall have the following rights in the event of a default
prior to launch:

                       (i)     The Contracting Officer may direct the Contractor
to assign to the Government, all right, title and interest of the Contractor
under one or more of its subcontracts, in which event the Government shall have
the right to require the subcontractor to perform the subcontract work. The
Contractor agrees to provide to the Contracting Officer, within 90 days of
contract award, evidence of the agreement of all subcontractors to the aforesaid
assignment if this contract should be terminated for default; and/or

                       (ii)    The Contracting Officer may direct the Contractor
to transfer title and deliver to the Government any (1) completed supplies, and
(2) partially completed supplies and materials, parts, tools, dies, jigs,
fixtures, plans, drawings, information and contract rights that the Contractor
has specifically produced or acquired for the terminated portion of this
contract. Upon direction of the Contracting Officer, the Contractor shall also
protect and preserve property in its possession in which the Government has an
interest; and/or

                       (iii)   The Contracting Officer may direct the Contractor
to repay to the Government all progress payments paid to the Contractor. The
Contracting Officer shall take into account in his determination as to the
amount of the progress payments to be repaid the Government, to the extent to
which the Government exercises its right under (c) 1. (i) and (ii) of this
clause; and/or


                                     Page 36
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                                   NAS5-31350


                           SECTION I CONTRACT CLAUSES



I.9     52.249-8 DEFAULT (FIXED-PRICE SUPPLY AND SERVICE)
                 (APR 1984) (Cont'd)

                       (iv) The Government may acquire, under the terms and in
the manner the Contracting Officer considers appropriate, supplies or services
similar to those terminated, and the Contractor will be liable to the Government
for any excess costs for those supplies or services. However, the Contractor
shall continue the work not terminated.

                2.   Default After Launch

        The Government shall have the following rights in the event of a default
after launch:
                       (i)   The Contacting Officer may direct the Contractor to
assign to the Government, all right, title and interest of the Contractor under
one or more of its subcontracts, in which event the Government shall have the
right to require the subcontractor to perform the subcontract work. The
Contractor agrees to provide to the Contracting Officer, within 90 days of
contract award, evidence of the agreement of all subcontractors to the aforesaid
assignment if this contract should be terminated for default.

In addition, at no additional cost to the Government the Contracting Officer may
direct the Contractor to deliver to the Government all records, drawings,
software and other documents and data necessary for housekeeping, maintenance,
command and control of the Ocean Color Data Instrument and Spacecraft. Further,
the Contractor may be directed to furnish an O & M manual to the Government for
the Instrument which shall describe the Instrument, Instrument specifications,
bench test procedures and routine repair of the Instrument including schematic
diagrams, printed circuit board layouts, theory of operation, and parts and
supplier lists. The Government will have unlimited rights to all data provided
under this subparagraph (i); and/or

                       (ii)   At no additional cost to the Government, the
Government shall have the right to operate the spacecraft and Ocean Data
Instrument or have other do so on its behalf. The Contracting Officer will
provide a written notice as to the effective date of the exercise of this right.
In the event the Government's operation of the spacecraft and Instrument would
infringe any patent or copyright which is owned, licensed or which becomes owned
or licensed to the Contractor, the Contractor on a royalty-free basis hereby
licenses the Government and such others who operate the spacecraft and
Instrument. At no additional cost to the Government, the Contractor shall have
the obligation to negotiate and obtain rights in favor of the Government for
those other necessary licenses

                                     Page 37
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                                   NAS5-31350

                           SECTION I CONTRACT CLAUSES



I.9     52.249-8 DEFAULT (FIXED-PRICE SUPPLY AND SERVICE)
                  (APR 1984) (Cont'd)

to carry out this provision and the Government shall have unlimited rights to
all data derived from operation of the spacecraft and Instrument.

                       (iii) The Contractor will not be liable to the
Government for any excess costs the Government incurs in the acquisition of
services similar to those terminated.

        (d) In the event of the Government's exercise of its rights under this
clause, the Contractor shall protect the Government, hold the Government
harmless and indemnify the Government from all claims (and related liabilities
and costs) by the Contractor's customers or third parties who have instruments
onboard the spacecraft and/or have the right to data or the product of the
instruments onboard the spacecraft.

        (e) If, after termination, it is determined that the Contractor was not
in default, or that the default was excusable, the rights and obligations of the
parties shall be the same as if the termination had been issued for the
convenience of the Government.

        (f) The rights and remedies of the Government in this clause are in
addition to any other rights and remedies provided by law or under this
contract.

                                 (End of clause)


I.10    FEDERAL ACQUISITION REGULATION REFERENCES (18-52.252-71)
        (MAY 1986)

This solicitation/contract may contain numerical references to segments of the
Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR) that, as of April 1, 1984, had not been
promulgated or fully distributed. Pending such action, these segments have been
published in NASA Procurement Notice 85-17 and thereby incorporated into the
NASA FAR Supplement temporarily. Consequently, a numerical reference to such
segments of the FAR contained in the solicitation/contract shall be deemed to
refer to the equivalent reference, prefixed by the number "18" as set forth in
NASA Procurement Notice 85-17; e.g., a reference to FAR 22.10 would be referring
to 18-22.10 as set forth in NASA Procurement Notice 85-17.

                                 (End of clause)


                                     Page 38
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                                   NAS5-31350

                           SECTION I CONTRACT CLAUSES



I.11    LIMITATION OF FUNDS (FIXED-PRICE CONTRACT) (18-52.232-77)
        (MAR 1989) (DEVIATION)

(a) Of the total price of items 1 through 10, the sum of $9,000,000 is presently
available for payment and allotted to this contract. It is anticipated that from
time to time additional funds will be allocated to the contract in accordance
with the following schedule, until the total price of said item is allotted:

                         SCHEDULE FOR ALLOTMENT OF FUNDS
               Date                                         Amounts
               ----                                         -------
        Upon Contract Award                               $ 9,000,000
        November 15, 1991                                 $13,000,000
        November 15, 1992                                 $15,570,000
        November 15, 1993                                 $ 3,450,000
        November 15, 1994                                 $   600,000
        November 15, 1995                                 $   600,000
        November 15, 1996                                 $   600,000
        November 15, 1997                                 $   600,000
        November 15, 1998                                 $   100,000

(b) The Contractor agrees to perform or have performed work on the items
specified in paragraph (a) above up to the point at which, if this contract is
terminated pursuant to the Termination for Convenience of the Government clause
of this contract, the total amount payable by the Government (including amounts
payable for subcontracts and settlement costs) pursuant to paragraphs (f) and
(g) if that clause would, in the exercise of reasonable judgment by the
Contractor, approximate the total amount at the time allotted to the contract.
The Government is not obligated in any event to pay or reimburse the Contractor
more than the amount from time to time allotted to the contract.

(c) It is contemplated that funds presently allotted to this contract will be
applied to the work to be performed until November 15, 1991.

(d) When additional funds are allotted from time to time for continued
performance of the work under this contract, the parties shall agree on the
applicable period of contract performance to be covered by these funds. The
provisions of paragraphs (b) and (c) above shall apply to these additional
allotted funds and substituted date pertaining to them, and the contract shall
be modified accordingly.

(e) If, solely by reason of the Government's failure to allot additional funds
in amounts sufficient for the timely performance of this contract, the
Contractor incurs additional costs or is delayed in the performance of the work
under this contract, and if


                                     Page 39
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                                   NAS5-31350

                           SECTION I CONTRACT CLAUSES



I.11    LIMITATION OF FUNDS (FIXED-PRICE CONTRACT) (18-52.232-77)
        (MAR 1989) (Cont'd)

additional funds are allotted, an equitable adjustment shall be made in the
price or prices (including appropriate target, billing, and ceiling prices where
applicable) of the items to be delivered, or in the time of delivery or both.

(f) The Government may at any time before termination, and, with the consent of
the Contractor, after notice of termination, allot additional funds for this
contract.

(g) The provisions of this clause with respect to termination shall in no way be
deemed to limit the rights of the Government under the Default clause of this
contract. The provisions of this Limitation of Funds clause are limited to the
work on and allotment of funds for the items set forth in paragraph (a) above.
This clause shall become inoperative upon the allotment of funds for the total
price of said work except for rights and obligations then existing under this
clause.

(h) Nothing in this clause shall affect the right of the Government to terminate
this contract pursuant to the Termination for Convenience of the Government
clause of this contract.

                                 (End of clause)


I.12    REQUIREMENT FOR CERTIFICATE OF PROCUREMENT INTEGRITY--
        MODIFICATION (52.203-9) (NOV 1990) (ADVANCE VERSION)

        (a) Definitions. The definitions set forth in FAR 3.104-4 are hereby
incorporated in this clause.

        (b) The Contractor agrees that it will execute the certification set
forth in paragraph (c) of this clause when requested by the Contracting Officer
in connection with the execution of any modification of this contract.

        (c) Certification. As required in paragraph (b) of this clause, the
officer or employee responsible for the modification proposal shall execute the
following certification:

          CERTIFICATE OF PROCUREMENT INTEGRITY--MODIFICATION (NOV 1990)

                (1) I, [Name of certifier] _____________________________ am the
officer or employee responsible for the preparation of this modification
proposal and hereby certify that, to the best of my knowledge and belief, with
the exception of any information described in this certification, I have no
information concerning a violation or possible violation of subsection 27(a),
(b), (d), or


                                     Page 40
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                                   NAS5-31350

                           SECTION I CONTRACT CLAUSES



I.12    REQUIREMENT FOR CERTIFICATE OF PROCUREMENT INTEGRITY--
        MODIFICATION (52.203-9) (Cont'd)

(f) of the Office of Federal Procurement Policy Act, as amended* (41 U.S.C.
423), (hereinafter referred to as "the Act"), as implemented in the FAR,
occurring during the conduct of this procurement (contract and modification
number)__________________________________________.

                (2) As required by subsection 27(e) (1) (B) of the Act, I
further certify that to the best of my knowledge and belief, each officer,
employee, agent, representative, and consultant of _____________________________
________________________________________________
who has participated personally and substantially in the preparation or
submission of this proposal has certified that he or she is familiar with, and
will comply with, the requirements of subsection 27(a) of the Act, as
implemented in the FAR, and will report immediately to me any information
concerning a violation or possible violation of subsections 27(a), (b), (d), or
(f) of the Act, as implemented in the FAR, pertaining to this procurement.

                (3) Violations or possible violations:







/s/_____________________________________               Date:____________________




________________________________________
              Typed Name


* Subsections 27(a), (b), and (d) are effective on December 1, 1990. Subsection
27 (f) is effective on June 1, 1991.

THIS CERTIFICATION CONCERNS A MATTER WITHIN THE JURISDICTION OF AN AGENCY OF THE
UNITED STATES AND THE MAKING OF A FALSE, FICTITIOUS, OR FRAUDULENT CERTIFICATION
MAY RENDER THE MAKER SUBJECT TO PROSECUTION UNDER TITLE 18, UNITED STATES CODE,
SECTION 1001.

                             (End of certification)


                                     Page 41
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                                   NAS5-31350

                           SECTION I CONTRACT CLAUSES



I.12    REQUIREMENT FOR CERTIFICATE OF PROCUREMENT INTEGRITY--
        MODIFICATION (52.203-9) (Cont'd)

        (d) In making the certification in paragraph (2) of the certificate, the
officer or employee of the competing contractor responsible for the offer or
bid, may rely upon a one-time certification from each individual required to
submit a certification to the competing contractor, supplemented by periodic
training. These certifications shall be obtained at the earliest possible date
after an individual required to certify begins employment or association with
the Contractor. If a contractor decides to rely on a certification executed
prior to suspension of section 27, the Contractor shall ensure that each
individual who has so certified is notified that section 27 has been reinstated.
These certifications shall be maintained by the Contractor for a period of six
years from the date a certifying employee's employment with the company ends or,
for an agency, representative, or consultant, six years from the date such
individual ceases to act on behalf of the Contractor.

        (e) The certification required by paragraph (c) of this clause is a
material representation of fact upon which reliance will be placed in executing
this modification.

                                 (End of clause)


I.13    PRICE OR FEE ADJUSTMENT FOR ILLEGAL OR IMPROPER ACTIVITY
        (52.203-10) (SEP 1990)

        (a) The Government, at its election, may reduce the price of a
fixed-price type contract or contract modification and the total cost and fee
under a cost-type contract or contract modification by the amount of profit or
fee determined as set forth in paragraph (b) of this clause if the head of the
contracting activity or his or her designee determines that there was a
violation of subsection 27(a) of the Office of Federal Procurement Policy Act,
as amended (41 U.S.C. 423), as implemented in the FAR. In the case of a contract
modification, the fee subject to reduction is the fee specified in the
particular contract modification at the time of execution, except as provided in
subparagraph (b) (5) of this clause.

        (b) The price or fee reduction referred to in paragraph (a) of this
clause shall be --

                (1) For cost-plus-fixed-fee contracts, the amount of the fee 
specified in the contract at the time of award;

                (2) For cost-plus-incentive-fee contracts, the target fee
specified in the contract at the time of award, notwithstanding any minimum fee
or "fee floor" specified in the contract;


                                     Page 42
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                                   NAS5-31350

                           SECTION I CONTRACT CLAUSES



I.13    PRICE OR FEE ADJUSTMENT FOR ILLEGAL OR IMPROPER ACTIVITY
        (52.203-10) (Cont'd)

                (3) For cost-plus-award-fee contracts --

                       (i)  The base fee established in the contract at the
time of contract award;

                       (ii) If no base fee is specified in the contract, 30
percent of the amount of each award fee otherwise payable to the Contractor for 
each award fee evaluation period or at each award fee determination point.

                (4) For fixed-price-incentive contracts, the Government may--

                       (i)  Reduce the contract target price and contract
target profit both by an amount equal to the initial target profit specified in
the contract at the time of contract award; or

                       (ii) If an immediate adjustment to the contract target
price and contract target profit would have a significant adverse impact on the
incentive price revision relationship under the contract, or adversely affect
the contract financing provisions, the Contracting Officer may defer such
adjustment until establishment of the total final price of the contract. The
total final price established in accordance with the incentive price revision
provisions of the contract shall be reduced by an amount equal to the initial
target profit specified in the contract at the time of contract award and such
reduced price shall be the total final contract price.

                (5) For firm-fixed-price contracts or contract modifications,
by 10 percent of the initial contract price; 10 percent of the contract
modification price; or a profit amount determined by the Contracting Officer
from records or documents in existence prior to the date of the contract award
or modification.

        (c) The Government may, at its election, reduce a prime contractor's
price or fee in accordance with the procedures of paragraph (b) of this clause
for violations of the Act by its subcontractors by an amount not to exceed the
amount of profit or fee reflected in the subcontract at the time the subcontract
was first definitively priced.

        (d) In addition to the remedies in paragraphs (a) and (c) of this
clause, the Government may terminate this contract for default. The rights and
remedies of the Government specified herein are not exclusive, and are in
addition to any other rights and remedies provided by law or under this
contract.

                                 (End of clause)


                                     Page 43
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                                   NAS5-31350

                          SECTION J   LIST OF ATTACHMENTS



J.l LIST OF ATTACHMENTS (GSFC 52.210-101) (OCT 1988)

The following attachments constitute part of this contract:

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                       No. of
Attachment      Description                   Date                     Pages
- ----------      -----------                   ----                     -----

<S>             <C>                           <C>                      <C>
    A           Statement of Work             December 1990               3

    B           Performance                   December 1990               1
                Specifications

    C           SeaStar Ocean Color           March 23, 1991              3
                Data System Description
</TABLE>

                                 (End of clause)

























                                     Page 44
<PAGE>   45








                                  ATTACHMENT A





                                STATEMENT OF WORK


                                  December 1990


<PAGE>   46
                                                                        1


                                                                   December 1990


                                STATEMENT OF WORK


I. Introduction.

The objective of this procurement is to obtain reflected radiances of Earth,
measured relative to solar irradiance, over a five year period, with sufficient
radiometric, spectral, spatial, and temporal resolution and accuracy to enable
calculations of the variability of ocean color, ocean chlorophyll concentration,
and other oceanic bio-optical properties.

Global ocean color observations are required for understanding the oceanic
component of critical global biogeochemical cycles, especially the carbon cycle.
It is becoming increasingly clear that primary productivity and resultant
sequestering of carbon dioxide in deep ocean repositories is a significant
factor in the global carbon and carbon dioxide budgets, which are, on the whole,
poorly quantified. For example, estimates of the amount of carbon converted from
dissolved CO(2) to marine biomass through photosynthesis range from 30 to 45 x
10/\9 tons (gigatons) per year. The uncertainty (7-8 gigatons) in this estimate
is large, and in fact, exceeds the amount of fossil fuel carbon released into
the atmosphere on an annual basis (6 gigatons). Better quantification and
understanding of the marine carbon system will enable ramifications of the
atmospheric CO(2) increase to be evaluated with greater confidence.

Progress in quantifying the oceanic carbon budget requires a combination of
comprehensive in situ observations, extensive computational analyses, and
satellite ocean color observations. These ocean color data, which are used to
calculate the concentration the photosynthetic chlorophyll pigments, will
provide the global perspective on surface phytoplankton variability to
complement the experimental program of the Joint Global Ocean Flux Study
(JGOFS). JGOFS, a key element in the International Geosphere Biosphere Program,
is a major international research effort dedicated to understanding processes
regulating primary production and carbon flux within the oceans. Already, JGOFS
studies have demonstrated that production of particulate carbon by marine
phytoplankton in the North Atlantic lowers the dissolved CO(2) concentrations 
well below saturation levels, forcing a net flux of CO(2) from the atmosphere 
into the sea.

The quantitative research uses for which the data are required place stringent
demands on the data quality, exceeding that from CZCS. The objectives of the
NASA Ocean Color Project have been developed in concert with the NASA Ocean
Color Science Working Group over a period of years. The major objectives are to
obtain continuing global observations of ocean color from space, along with
ancillary data required for processing, and to produce global gridded data sets
of ocean leaving radiances and bio-optical properties derived from them which
are useful for studying the magnitude and variability of phytoplankton and
primary productivity. Therefore, the satellite ocean color observations must be
of sufficient quality to permit:


<PAGE>   47
                                                                               2


Development of atmospheric correction algorithms which will permit the
derivation of water leaving radiances from the satellite data which are accurate
to within plus or minus 5 percent on a routine basis over the global ocean;

Development of bio-optical algorithms for derivation of chlorophyll
concentration from water leaving radiances which are routinely accurate to
within plus or minus 35 percent for case I optical waters over a range of 0.05
to 50 mg/m/\3, and to within a factor of 2 everywhere.

As part of the JGOFS proqram, significant portions of the worlds biological
oceanographic resources (ships, scientists, funding) will be allocated to
regional, process-oriented experiments (such as the Equatorial Pacific
Experiment in 1992-1993 and the Indian Ocean Experiment in 1993) and also to a
global survey of ocean dissolved carbon and pigment concentrations to be
conducted between 1991 and 1996. Synoptic satellite observations are required to
measure variability of phytoplankton globally during these sampling programs.
Data collected by JGOFS is equally crucial for validation of satellite
observations and will provide the understanding necessary to extrapolate
information derived from surface ocean color observations to the underlying
water column.

Additionally, the satellite observations will provide important insights useful
for studying marine ecosystems dynamics, ocean physics, estuarine processes, and
freshwater environments.


II.  Statement of work

1. The Contractor shall provide an ocean color data set from a Contractor
developed, owned, and operated system to be flown in a nominal circular 705 KM
sun--synchronous noon orbit, as follows:

        a. Launch shall be within 28 months of contract signing and data shall
        be provided commencing upon Contractor's declaration that the system is
        operational, and continuing after Government acceptance for five years.

        B. The data set shall meet the requirements of the attached document,
        performance specifications, dated December 1990. The data set will
        contain all necessary information required for processing the radiance
        data, including predicted ephemerides, spacecraft attitude, time, tilt,
        gain, and other necessary spacecraft and sensor information. The data
        shall be capable of calibration from direct moon observations and either
        an on board solar diffuser or comparably stable internal method.


2. The data set shall consist of ocean color Global Area Coverage (GAC) and
Local Area Coverage (LAC) as defined below, and transmitted to NASA as follows:

        a. Two Gigabits of recorded data per day, consisting of a combination of
        GAC and LAC in a proportion to be specified by NASA and downlinked from
        the satellite to the NASA processing facility at Goddard Space


<PAGE>   48
                                                                               3


        Flight Center within 24 hours of observation at mutually agreed
        frequencies.

        b. Real time LAC data downlinked directly to NASA designated receiving
        sites at mutually agreed upon frequencies. The Contractor shall furnish
        any specific cryptographic information necessary to receive direct
        broadcast data.

3. During the performance of this contract, the Government will have the rights
of approval and insight as defined within the contract schedule.


4.   Operation of Sensor

        a. NASA shall provide the Contractor with prioritized requests for LAC
        and GAC high and low resolution data recording as provided for in
        Paragraph 2a above, as well as timing for mirror tilt, gain, and
        calibration commands. The real time data downlinks as provided for in
        Paragraph 2b above shall be operated continuously as defined below.

        b. The Contractor shall conduct calibrations of the sensor from direct
        moon observations and either an on board solar diffuser or stable
        internal method at times mutually agreed upon, and shall provide the
        calibration data to NASA in the GAC data stream. NASA shall provide the
        Contractor with the results of all calibration testing and analysis.

        c. The Contractor shall provide NASA monthly reports of the spacecraft
        operations and housekeeping status.


                                  Definitions:

Continuous: Operation of the sensor and real time transmission to the ground
whenever the satellite is in daylight and within acquisition range of a NASA
ground receiver.

GAC: Global Area Coverage: LAC high resolution data which has been subsampled to
represent approximately 4 km resolution for coarser recording and/or
transmission; also "low resolution".

LAC: Local Area Coverage: Color data taken and recorded and/or transmitted at
approximately 1 km resolution; also "high resolution".
<PAGE>   49









                                  ATTACHMENT B





                            PERFORMANCE SPECIFICATION


                                  DECEMBER 1990


<PAGE>   50
                                                                   December 1990

                            PERFORMANCE SPECIFICATION


1.      SCOPE

This specification establishes the performance, testing, calibration,
verification and product assurance requirements for the Ocean Color Data that
will be acquired as part of the Ocean Color Mission.

Basis for Performance Specifications

These performance specifications are based on the scientific requirements of the
NASA Ocean Color Science Working Group and their experience using data from the
Coastal Zone Color Scanner, a proof of concept instrument for using satellite
observations to observe phytoplankton pigment concentrations. The specifications
address several limitations of the CZCS data set which must be overcome to
achieve desired scientific objectives. These limitations fall in the areas of
observational frequency and coverage, sensitivity, spectral band positions, and
monitoring calibration and stability. Spatial and temporal coverage
specifications are based on observed decorrelation lengths and times for
phytoplankton pigment concentrations (approximately 1-5 kilometers and 1-10
days, respectively), and are intended to allow for cloud free composites of
geophysical products for the global ocean weekly at about 4 km resolution.
Quantitative geophysical products are useful only from scan angles less than 45
degrees and solar elevation angles above 20 degrees which is reflected in the
specifications for recorded GAC data, while allowing for qualitative operational
use of real time data within broader limits. Accuracy and sensitivity
specifications are based on analysis of error sources in chlorophyll pigment
derivations using Clark-Gordon CZCS algorithms described in 1983, and permit
equal errors from the sensor radiometry and in situ bio-optical variability.
Radiance levels have been determined using radiative transfer simulations, which
have been validated using CZCS observations.


                                       1
<PAGE>   51
2.      SPECIFICATIONS

2.1     General Overview

The data required fall into prelaunch information required and inflight data
categories.

        Prelaunch information is acquired during sensor test and calibration,
        spacecraft integration and testing, and mission planning. This
        information is required to characterize instrument performance, process
        orbital data, calibrate orbital data, assess the accuracy of orbital
        data, and to prepare the NASA science data processing system. All
        information describing spacecraft and instrument conditions taken prior
        to launch which are relevant to processing the data and assessing its
        radiometric accuracy and Earth location are included.

        Inflight data include S/C and sensor operations and housekeeping data
        for navigation, processing, and assessing the accuracy of the
        radiometric data; and the scientific radiometric data which constitutes
        the primary scientific output of the mission. Included in radiometric
        data are normal Earth surface viewing, and viewing of the calibration
        targets (dark space, onboard source or solar diffuser, lunar surface).

Not only the radiometric qualities of the data, but also the sampling and
coverage qualities, calibrations, and stability of the radiometric data are of
prime concern in the usefulness of the data to achieve NASA scientific goals and
objectives.

Full global coverage shall be provided every 2 days. This means that there will
be no gaps in a gridded composite of sensor data (including clouds and glint)
covering all areas of Earth experiencing solar zenith angles less than 70
degrees, which is made of data from a 1500 kilometer swath centered about the
satellite ground track taken over any consecutive 2 day period (excepting that
area missed during tilt changes required to avoid sun glint). Sun glint
contamination shall be minimized by varying the along-track viewing angle by 20
degrees minimum fore and aft.

The data delivered to NASA shall meet the radiometric performance specifications
set forth in Table 1 below. The radiometric performance of the instrument shall
be determined in the laboratory in comparison to absolute standards or standards
maintained by the National Institute of Standards & Technology, and in orbit in
comparison to incident solar spectral irradiance. The data streams shall also
contain all necessary information required for processing the radiance data,
including predicted ephemerides and calibrations, spacecraft attitude, time,
tilt, gain, and other necessary spacecraft and sensor information.


                                       2
<PAGE>   52

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
TABLE 1. Ocean Color Data Bands, SNR, and Radiance Levels
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Band     Band Edge                 Saturation     Input            SNR(2)       Cloud
         Wavelengths               Radiance(1)    Radiance(1)                   Radiance(1,4)
         (nm, plus or minus 2 nm)  (L(max))       (L(typical))                  (L(cloud))

<S>      <C>                       <C>             <C>              <C>          <C>
1        402-422                   13.63           9.10             499          57.5
2        433-453                   13.25           8.41             674          58.5
3        480-500                   10.50           6.56             667          54.0
4        510-530                    8.75           5.44             616          54.0
5        555-575                    7.25           4.45             581          53.0
6        655-675                    4.25           2.60             447          47.0
7        745-785(3)                 3.00           1.61             455          37.3
8        845-885                    2.13           1.09             467          28.6

    (1) in milliwatts/(cm(2) micrometer steradian).
    (2) measured at Input Radiance (L(typical)), unity gain (G = 1).
    (3) notched (blocked) between 759 - 770 nm to avoid O(2) absorbance peak.
    (4) at 22.5 degree solar zenith, for reference.
L(cloud)       - Spectral Radiance from a 100% reflectance Lambertian scene
L(max)         - Maximum Spectral Radiance in a spectral band
L(typical)     - Typical Spectral Radiance in a spectral band
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
</TABLE>

2.2     Specifications

Instantaneous-Field-of-View (IFOV)

        The IFOV at nadir and zero tilt shall be 1 plus or minus .15 kilometer. 
        Sampling shall be once per nominal (square) IFOV.

Cross-track Scan

        The active portion of the cross-track scan shall not be less than 90
        degrees ( plus or minus 45 degrees ) about nadir nor greater than 116.6
        degrees (or plus or minus 58.3 Degrees) about nadir. The swath width
        shall not be less than 1500 kilometers for tilts of plus or minus 20
        degrees to enable 2 day global coverage from the nominal altitude. All
        scan data shall be transmitted in the LAC broadcast. GAC data
        subsampled from the cross track scan need not include data taken at
        greater than plus or minus 45 degrees.

Fore-and-Aft Pointing

The data shall be taken with a sensor capable of pointing the swath
fore-and-aft (positive and negative with respect to the velocity vector,
respectively) to avoid specular solar reflectance from the ocean's surface. The
sensor scan must be capable of tilts of 0.0, +20.0, and -20.0 degrees from
nadir. Changes in tilt angle from - 20 to + 20 degrees shall take less than 30
seconds. Data describing the tilt angle shall be accurate to within 0.01
degrees.


                                       3
<PAGE>   53
Dark Level Measurements

        A portion of every scan shall contain sensor output data while the field
        of view is obscured and the input radiance is less than the Noise
        Equivalent Differential Spectral Radiance (NEdL).

Spectral Bands

        The spectral bands are given in Table 1. Definitions are included in
        "Band Definitions" below.

     Band Tolerances

            The location of the band edges shall be plus or minus 2 nm (3
            sigma) of the values in Table 1 and be stable to less than plus or
            minus 1 nm over the duration of the ground test program. The edge
            range shall not exceed 50% of the bandwidth in any spectral band.


     Out-of-Band Characteristics

            The out-of-band response shall be less than 5% of the within-band
            value. Each one-percent response point shall be within 1.5 times
            the bandpass from the corresponding band edge. Compliance with this
            specification shall be determined for a source with spectral shape
            equivalent to L(cloud) (the spectral radiance of a Lambertian 
            surface of 100% reflectance illuminated by the sun at 22.5 Degrees 
            zenith angle). L(cloud) is given in Table 1.

     Within-Band Spectral Differences

            If multiple detector elements are used within a band, the spectral
            response of all detector elements in a band shall be compared as to
            location and shape by use of normalized spectral response curves.
            The central wavelength of any element must be within plus or minus
            0.5 nm of the average central wavelength for all elements of the
            band. Integrated spectral response between the ten percent response
            points shall not differ by more than ten percent for any two
            elements in the band.

     Spectral Band-Band Registration

            The IFOV's from all spectral bands shall be co-registered to within
            0.3 pixel (1 sigma).

Radiometric Sensitivity

        Table 1 presents the SNR specifications for all bands at unity gain. The
        required SNR shall be achieved at the typical spectral radiance levels
        L(typical). NEdL may be calculated from the expression: NEdL = 
        L(typical)/SNR.

Polarization Insensitivity


                                        4
<PAGE>   54
        The radiometric data shall be nominally insensitive to linear
        polarization. The polarization factor, PF as defined below, shall be no
        greater than 2% over scan angles from +45 to -45 degrees for all bands
        and tilt angles between -20 and +20 degrees. I(max) and I(min) are the
        recorded maximum and minimum outputs when the plane of incoming 100
        percent linearly polarized light is rotated through 180 degrees. 

               PF = (I(max) - I(min))/(I(max) + I(min)) < 0.020

        Data sufficient to describe the magnitude and direction of the
        polarization sensitivity as a function of scan and tilt angle over plus
        or minus 45 degrees of scan, and over plus or minus 20 degrees of tilt
        and at angles necessary to view the moon for all bands shall be
        provided from pre-launch testing.

Dynamic Range

        The sensor shall be designed to operate over a dynamic range that
        extends from the noise floor (NEdL) in each spectral band to the maximum
        levels L(max) given in Table 1.

Quantization

        Data shall be quantized at 10 bits. Differential linearity of the
        quantizer(s) shall be better than one-half a least significant bit.

Modulation Transfer Function

        The MTF of the data shall equal or exceed the values tabulated below in
        both the along-track and cross-track directions for a sine wave input.
        The Nyquist frequency has a spatial period equal to two IFOV's on the
        ground.

        Frequency/Nyquist Frequency               MTF

                 0.00                             1.0
                 0.25                             0.9
                 0.50                             0.7
                 0.75                             0.5
                 1.00                             0.3

        The MTF specifications shall be satisfied for modulations between dark
        and L(typical) and between dark and L(max), for every detector element
        in each spectral band. Data describing the MTF's shall be provided from
        pre-launch testing to verify that the specification is met. Data from
        lunar views and/or internal stabilized source will also be provided for
        analysis of MTF on orbit.

Gains

        Band-independent gains shall be provided, which are commandable band by
        band, which will increase or decrease sensitivity according to the
        following:


                                        5
<PAGE>   55
                                S(n) = G(n) S(i),

        where S(i) and S(n) are the initial detector signal and the signal with
        gain, respectively, G(n) is the gain factor at gain setting n.

        The nominal G values for gain settings n = 2, 3, and 4 shall be 1, 1.5,
        and 2.0 for all channels. The value of G for n=l must be determined
        based upon the characteristics of onboard solar and/or lunar
        capabilities, and specified by channel, to avoid saturation.

        The values of G will be within 5% of the above specifications, and shall
        be known relative to G=1 (unity gain, n=2) with an accuracy of greater
        than 99.5%.

Transient Response (Bright Target Recovery)

        Radiometric data should be relatively free of effects of overshoot and
        ringing when the IFOV scans across a steep gradient in radiance, from a
        maximum of L(cloud) to a minimum of L(typical). For this radiance step
        change the output signal shall settle to within 0.5% of its final value
        within ten IFOV's.

Absolute Radiometric Accuracy

        An absolute radiometric accuracy of 5% (one-sigma) shall be achieved at
        the typical spectral radiance levels given in Table 1. At spectral
        radiances between 0.2 L(typical) and 0.9 L(max) the absolute radiometric
        accuracy shall be within plus or minus 6%. Measurements of the accuracy 
        shall be made, as a minimum, at scan angles centered at 0, -40, and +40 
        degrees, tilt angles of 0, -20, and +20 degrees, special tilt angles 
        (should they be required) used to view the moon, and at all gains.

Relative Radiometric Accuracy

        The design shall be capable of achieving an accuracy within 2% (one
        sigma) relative to the sun. The calibrated data shall be linear to
        within plus or minus 1% over the full range of input signals.

System Noise Measurements

        The signal-to-noise ratio shall be determined for all bands at a
        sufficient number of spectral radiance levels between 0.2 L(typical) and
        0.9 L(max) to characterize the signal dependence of the system noise.

Pointing Knowledge

        The Contractor shall provide in the downlinked data stream data
        describing the S/C attitude and location and sensor pointing angles
        required for calculation of the location (in latitude and longitude) of
        each ocean IFOV to within one IFOV at all scan and tilt angles.


                                        6
<PAGE>   56

Radiometric Stability and Repeatability


        Bias errors will be removed from the data during ground processing in
        order to improve radiometric accuracy. To accomplish this the sensor
        data shall be stable over time as defined below.

     Short-Term Stability                  -

            Short-term stability applies to time intervals less than two weeks.
            The mean radiometric response of each spectral band, corrected on
            the ground using calibration data, shall not differ by more than
            plus or minus 1% from another response measurement made while
            viewing the same source operating at equal radiance levels, but
            separated by any time period up to two weeks, including the effects
            of perturbations at the orbital period. This stability requirement
            shall also be met for short-term temperature excursions that may be
            expected to occur during sunlit portions of the orbit. Data from
            lunar views, corrected for secular changes in lunar radiance
            exitance, collected on several consecutive orbits while the moon is
            near full phase, shall be provide with sufficient frequency to
            assess short term and long term stability.

     Long-Term Stability

            Long-term stability applies to time intervals between two weeks and
            5 years. The mean corrected and calibrated radiometric response of
            each spectral band shall not change by more than plus or minus 2%
            over these time intervals. Compliance will be demonstrated by an
            estimate based upon short-term tests plus analysis.

     Band-to-Band Stability

            The relative amplitude stability between all pairs of spectral bands
            shall be better than plus or minus 0.5% measured at full-scale, and
            plus or minus 1% at half-scale. Each band shall be exposed to a
            source and the mean calibrated responses determined. To compare
            outputs between bands, the ratio of the means shall be calculated
            for each band with respect to a common band. In addition, ratios
            shall be calculated for selected pairs of bands which will be used
            in common retrieval algorithms. These ratios shall remain constant
            within plus or minus 0.5% at full-scale and plus or minus 1% at half
            scale over times separated by any interval up to two weeks.

Inflight Calibration Data

        Data for calibration and stability monitoring shall be obtained from
        direct lunar views when the moon is greater than 80% full phase, and
        either an on-board stabilized source viewed by all optical elements or
        solar diffuser. The sources shall fill the optical aperture of the
        sensor. These data shall be obtained for all channels with a signal to
        noise ratio (SNR) no less than 10% of the SNR values specified in Table
        1, and shall measure changes in gain or throughput of the optical, focal


                                        7
<PAGE>   57
        plane, and electronic subsystems, using either on-board, lunar, or
        solar sources. Inflight radiometric characterization, i.e., output
        digital value versus input spectral radiance, shall be made with
        sufficient accuracy to assure that the calibration and stability
        requirements delineated in this specification are achieved.

                Lunar - Provision shall be made to use the moon at near full
                        phase as a target source for monitoring stability. The
                        lowest (least sensitive) gain shall accommodate direct
                        viewing at near full lunar phase without saturation in
                        any band.

                Solar Diffuser - If a solar illuminated diffuser is selected,
                        data on the diffuser characteristics shall be provided
                        which, when combined with that from other calibration
                        systems, will be adequate to maintain knowledge of the
                        calibration and stability of the radiometric data to
                        within stated specifications throughout the 5 year
                        mission lifetime.

                Internal Source - Inflight data on characteristics of on-board
                        sources to show performance within the specifications
                        are required should that approach be taken.

Data Delivery

        Instrument data shall be included with the digital radiometric data
        stream. Selected S/C housekeeping and ancillary data shall be included
        in the data as required for independent processing by LAC ground
        stations. This will include predicted orbital ephemerides, on-board
        clock time and synchronization, spacecraft attitude information,
        predicted radiometric calibration coefficients, tilt angle, channel
        gain settings, temperatures, and other necessary parameters.

        For recorded data, transmission shall achieve a maximum overall bit
        error rate of less than 10/\-6 upon acquisition of signal at 5 degrees
        above the horizon when transmitting at 2.65 MB/second into a ground
        system with a gain to antenna temperature ratio (G/T) of 12.5 db.

        The real time data transmission shall achieve a maximum overall bit
        error rate of less than l0/\-6 upon acquisition of signal at 5 degrees
        above the horizon when transmitting into a ground system at 665
        KB/second with a gain to antenna temperature ratio (G/T) of 6.5 db.



                                        8
<PAGE>   58
3.      PRELAUNCH INFORMATION REQUIRED

Command List and Description

        The Contractor shall furnish, prior to critical design review, a draft
        Command List and Description document which describes all commands and
        command sequences necessary for operation of the instrument to enable
        GSFC to generate prioritized requests for inflight operations,
        including tilt, gain, calibration, recording, and transmitting
        operations. The contractor shall furnish the final document prior to
        instrument calibration.

Instrument Ground Software

        The Contractor shall furnish, prior to Critical Design Review, a self
        describing digital copy of the source code and documentation for
        software necessary to operate, test, and calibrate the instrument at the
        developer's facilities and at the spacecraft integrator's facilities.
        The contractor shall furnish the final document prior to instrument
        calibration. The software shall support prelaunch instrument
        calibration, as well as supporting evaluation of data acquired during
        inflight operations.

Calibration Plan

        The Contractor shall conduct prelaunch calibration of the instrument to
        establish baseline performance characteristics and that the instrument
        meets the requirements of this specification for Ocean Color Data. The
        Contractor shall prepare a draft calibration plan and provide NASA with
        copies prior to Critical Design Review. The Contractor shall furnish the
        final plan 60 days prior to instrument calibration. NASA shall review
        the instrument calibration plan and procedures, and may have an observer
        present during calibration and test activities.

Calibration Data

        The Contractor shall furnish prior to Pre-Ship Review, the calibration
        data, including such data as calibration and characterization results,
        spectral response curves, measured signal-to-noise ratios, and
        calibration curves, equations and procedures. Performance and ground
        calibration data shall be analyzed and presented (with software) in a
        format which enables data calibration and location.

Performance Assurance Plan

        The contractor shall furnish, prior to Preliminary Design Review, a
        final plan for performance assurance procedures pertaining to the
        instrument and spacecraft systems and their integration.


                                       9
<PAGE>   59






4.      BAND DEFINITIONS

                                   [GRAPHIC]

Band Edge - The wavelength at which the response is half of the peak response; 
     there is a lower and an upper band edge.

Center Wavelength - The wavelength midway between the band edges.

Bandpass (or bandwidth) - The wavelength interval between the lower and upper
     band edges. This is also referred to as the FWHM response or within-band
     response.

One-percent Response Point - The wavelength, nearest to the center wavelength,
     at which the response is one-percent of the peak response; there is a 
     lower and an upper one-percent response point.

Extended Bandpass - The wavelength interval between the lower and upper
     one-percent response points.

Out-of-Band Response Regions - The spectral regions beyond the extended
     bandpass.

Out-of-Band Response - The ratio of integrated out-of-band spectral response
     to integrated extended bandpass spectral response. This ratio includes
     both the upper and lower wings of the response.

Out-of-Band Blocking - The inverse of the ratio defined as the out-of-band
     response.

Edge Range - The wavelength interval, in nanometers, between 5% of peak
     response and 80% of peak response.



                                       10

<PAGE>   60

                                  ATTACHMENT C








                       SeaStar Ocean Color Data System
                                      
                                 Description
                                      
                                      
                                      
                                      
                                March 22, 1991


<PAGE>   61
              SeaStar Ocean Color Data System Description 3/22/91

1.0 Overview-The SeaStar Ocean Color Data System consists of four major
segments; the SeaWiFS instrument, the SeaStar spacecraft, the Pegasus launch
vehicle and the satellite's ground station. Each of these segments and the
interfaces between them will be described in this document. NASA/GSFC
Contracting officer approval is required for system design changes that affect
the top level design descriptions given in this document. OSC shall produce the
SeaStar system consistent with the design description given in this document.
The system shall be launched in August 1993.

2.0 Applicable Document(s)-The following document(s), of the exact issue shown,
apply to the extent specified herein.
- - NASA/GSFC Ocean Color Data Performance Specification, 12/90

3.0 SeaWiFS Instrument-The instrument shall:
- - Be procured from Hughes Santa Barbara Research Center.
- - Meet the requirements of the Ocean Color Data Performance Specification.
- - Be designed for a relative radiometric calibration accuracy of 4% (one sigma)
  with a goal of 2% (one sigma).
- - Consist of a scanner and an electronic module.
- - Use an off-axis folded telescope and a rotating half angle mirror that is
  phase synchronized with, and rotating at half the speed of the folded 
  telescope.
- - Use a multichannel TDI process in each of the eight spectral bands to achieve
  the required SNR.
- - Incorporate a tilt mechanism that allows the entire scanner to be oriented in 
  the along-track direction to avoid sun glint while keeping uniform 
  calibration, polarization, specular and angular scanning characteristics for 
  all tilt positions.
- - Include a solar radiation diffuser for solar calibration of the instrument. 
  The diffuser shall be closed when not in use to avoid degradation.
- - Perform lunar calibration through the identical optical path as that used for 
  earth viewing. Pointing of the instrument for lunar calibration shall be 
  performed by the spacecraft.
- - Use an angular momentum wheel to compensate for the angular momentum of the 
  rotating portions of the instrument in order to minimize spacecraft attitude 
  disturbances during sensor tilt.
- - Be compatible with the interfaces to the SeaStar spacecraft.

4.0 SeaStar Spacecraft-The spacecraft shall:
- - Be produced by Orbital Sciences Corporation and its subcontractors.
- - Meet the requirements of the Ocean Color Data Performance
  Specification.
- - Provide the services to the SeaWiFS instrument necessary for the instrument to
  meet its performance requirements.
- - Have a mass that is compatible with the mission orbit requirements of the 
  SeaWiFS instrument and the performance capabilities of the Pegasus launch 
  vehicle.
- - Be designed for a 5 year mission requirement with a goal of 10 years.


                                       1

<PAGE>   62
- - Incorporate an Electrical Power System (EPS) that provides sufficient power
  for SeaStar throughout all operational phases over its design lifetime. The
  EPS shall include deployable rigid solar panels, a redundant nickel-hydrogen
  battery system and a battery charge regulator to control the spacecraft's
  power.
- - Incorporate a Data Management System (DMS) consisting of a spacecraft
  computer, a payload services module and a solid state data recorder. The
  spacecraft computer shall serve as the central controller for spacecraft
  housekeeping and attitude control. The payload services module shall provide
  the spacecraft electrical interface with the SeaWiFS instrument and the solid
  state data recorder. The data recorder shall be adequately sized to store and
  support the transmission of 2 gigabits of Ocean Color Data to a NASA/Wallops
  island ground station each day over the mission design lifetime. Two data
  downloads per day may be used to meet this requirement. The DMS shall merge
  into the downlinked data stream additional data on the orbit ephemeris,
  spacecraft attitude, spacecraft housekeeping and time-tags.
- - Incorporate a redundant GPS receiver to provide accurate real-time spacecraft
  position knowledge.
- - Incorporate a 3 axis stabilized momentum biased Attitude Control System (ACS)
  consisting of two momentum wheels, three magnetic torque rods, two horizon
  sensors, two 2 axis sun sensors and two 2 axis magnetometers. The attitude
  knowledge provided by the ACS along with the instrument pointing accuracy
  shall be sufficient to meet a one pixel (1.6 Milliradians, 2 sigma) pointing
  knowledge requirement at all normal scan and tilt angles.
- - Incorporate a Telemetry, Tracking and Command (TT&C) subsystem that includes
  redundant S-band components for command, launch telemetry and stored GAC/LAC
  data downlink transmission at 2.65 Mbps and redundant L-band transmitters for
  real-time LAC (HRPTlike) data downlink at 665 kbps.
- - Incorporate a monopropellent Hydrazine Propulsion System (HPS) to raise the
  orbit from the parking orbit provided by the Pegasus launch vehicle to the
  final mission orbit and maintain it there during the design lifetime of the
  spacecraft.
- - Incorporate a cold gas Reaction Control System (RCS) to provide 3 axis
  attitude control of the launch vehicle during ascent. Residual gas left in
  the RCS tankage may be used to perform initial spacecraft on-orbit
  operations.
- - Incorporate a Thermal Control System (TCS) to maintain all spacecraft
  components within their allowable temperature ranges during all mission
  phases
- - Incorporate a Structure Subsystem that shall withstand the naturally
  occurring worse case combinations of the spacecraft design loads
- - Incorporate radiation hardened electrical components whenever practical
  and/or use radiation resistant components in the design. Selection and
  shielding of these parts shall be consistent with the 5 year (10 year goal)
  mission life requirements.
- - Be compatible with the interfaces to and the environments from the Pegasus
  launch vehicle.

5.0 Pegasus Launch Vehicle-The Launch Vehicle shall:


                                       2
<PAGE>   63
- - Be provided by Orbital Sciences Corporation with solid rocket motors and
  their associated subsystems provided by Hercules.
- - Be air launched from a carrier aircraft. OSC shall select the type of carrier
  aircraft to be used.
- - Maintain significant commonality with the configuration of the first
  successful Pegasus flight vehicle. Differences between the initial Pegasus
  configuration and the launch vehicle used for SeaStar include modifications
  required to integrate the third stage avionics assembly with the spacecraft
  to create the integrated spacecraft bus configuration and modifications used
  to enhance the performance of the launch vehicle.
- - Provide the performance necessary to place the spacecraft into a parking
  orbit that will allow the spacecraft's HPS to raise the orbit to the final
  mission orbit stated in the Ocean Color Data performance specification.

6.0 Ground Segment-The ground Segment shall:
- - Be provided by Orbital Sciences Corporation and its subcontractors.
- - Perform the on orbit control of the spacecraft and instrument.
- - Include four major subsystems: the antenna subsystem, the RF/baseband
  subsystem, the front end subsystem and the control center computers.
- - Accept NASA/GSFC requests for LAC & GAC data and on orbit instrument
  calibrations. The ground segment shall convert these requests into spacecraft
  commands, transmit these commands to the spacecraft and verify that the
  commands were properly received prior the execution of the commands by the
  spacecraft.
- - Monitor the health and status of the spacecraft.
- - Take timely and appropriate corrective action to resolve perceived and real on
  orbit spacecraft and instrument anomalies.


                                       3
<PAGE>   64


<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
<S>                                  <C>                      <C>                              <C>    <C>     <C>      <C>
____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

                                                                                               1. CONTRACT ID CODE     PAGE OF PAGES
AMENDMENT OF SOLICITATION/MODIFICATION OF CONTRACT                                                                       1       2

____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

2. AMENDMENT/MODIFICATION NO.        3. EFFECTIVE DATE        4. REQUISITION/PURCHASE REQ. NO.        5. PROJECT NO. (If applicable)
          One (1)                       Nov. 05 1991                          N/A             

____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

6. ISSUED BY                    CODE         289              7. ADMINISTERED BY (If other than item 6)       CODE
                                     _________________                                                             _________________

National Aeronautics and Space Administration
Goddard Space Flight Center
Greenbelt Road 
Greenbelt, MD 20771

____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

8. NAME AND ADDRESS OF CONTRACTOR (No., street, county, State and ZIP Code)                    (x) 9A. AMENDMENT OF SOLICITATION NO.
                                                                                               ___ 
     Orbital Sciences Corporation                                                                  _________________________________
     Space Systems Division                                                                        9B. DATED (SEE ITEM 11) 
     14119-A Sullyfield Circle                                                                 _____________________________________
     P.O. Box 10840                                                                                10A. MODIFICATION OF CONTRACT/
     Chantilly, Virginia 22022                                                                          ORDER NO.
                                                                                                        NAS5-31350
                                                                                                   _________________________________
_______________________________________________________________________________________________  X 10B. DATED (SEE ITEM 13)
CODE                                 FACILITY CODE                                                             3-29-91

</TABLE>
________________________________________________________________________________

           11. THIS ITEM ONLY APPLIES TO AMENDMENTS OF SOLICITATIONS

________________________________________________________________________________

[ ] The above numbered solicitation is amended as set forth in Item 14. The hour
and date specified for receipt of Offers [ ] is extended, [ ] is not extended.

Offers must acknowledge receipt of this amendment prior to the hour and date
specified in the solicitation or as amended, by one of the following methods:

(a) By completing Items 8 and 15, and returning _____ copies of the amendment;
(b) By acknowledging receipt of this amendment on each copy of the offer
submitted; or (c) By separate letter or telegram which includes a reference to
the solicitation and amendment numbers. FAILURE OF YOUR ACKNOWLEDGEMENT TO BE
RECEIVED AT THE PLACE DESIGNATED FOR THE RECEIPT OF OFFERS PRIOR TO THE HOUR AND
DATE SPECIFIED MAY RESULT IN REJECTION OF YOUR OFFER. If by virtue of this
amendment you desire to change an offer already submitted, such change may be
made by telegram or letter, provided each telegram or letter makes reference to
the solicitation and this amendment, and is received prior to the opening hour
and date specified.

________________________________________________________________________________
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
<S>                                                    <C>   <C>         <C> 

12. ACCOUNTING AND APPROPRIATION DATA (If required) 
                                                       N/A   B/NC: 254   PPC: KX
</TABLE>

________________________________________________________________________________

13.    THIS ITEM APPLIES ONLY TO MODIFICATIONS OF CONTRACTS/ORDERS,
       IT MODIFIES THE CONTRACT/ORDER NO. AS DESCRIBED IN ITEM 14.

________________________________________________________________________________

(x) A. THIS CHANGE ORDER IS ISSUED PURSUANT TO: (Specify authority) THE CHANGES
       SET FORTH IN ITEM 14 ARE MADE IN THE CONTRACT/ORDER NO. IN ITEM 10A.

________________________________________________________________________________

    B. THE ABOVE NUMBERED CONTRACT/ORDER IS MODIFIED TO REFLECT THE
       ADMINISTRATIVE CHANGES (such as changes in paying office, appropriation
       date, etc.) SET FORTH IN ITEM 14, PURSUANT TO THE AUTHORITY OF
       FAR 43.103(b).

________________________________________________________________________________

    C. THIS SUPPLEMENTAL AGREEMENT IS ENTERED INTO PURSUANT TO AUTHORITY OF:
X            Clause 52.243-1 CHANGES--FIXED PRICE

________________________________________________________________________________

    D. OTHER (Specify type of modification and authority)

________________________________________________________________________________

    E. IMPORTANT: Contractor [ ] is not, [X] is required to sign this document 
       and return 4 copies to the issuing office.

________________________________________________________________________________

14. DESCRIPTION OF AMENDMENT/MODIFICATION (Organized by UCF section headings,
    including solicitation/contract subject matter where feasible.)

This Supplemental Agreement modifies Attachment B, Performance Specification of
the subject contract to reflect new channel tuning for the SeaWiFS instrument
and changes the data rate on the Wallops downlink.

Accordingly:

(See Page 2)

Except as provided herein, all terms and conditions of the document referenced
in item 9A and 10A, as heretofore changed, remains unchanged and in full force
and effect.

________________________________________________________________________________

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
<S>                                                           <C> 
15A. NAME AND TITLE OF SIGNER (Type or print)                 16A. NAME AND TITLE OF CONTRACTING OFFICER (Type or print)
       Michael R. Long                                                             Bernard J. Pagliaro
       Contracts/Subcontracts Administrator                                        Contracting Officer
</TABLE>

________________________________________________________________________________

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
<S>                                       <C>                 <C>                                             <C>  
15B. CONTRACTOR/OFFEROR                   15C. DATE SIGNED    16B. UNITED STATES OF AMERICA                   16C. DATE SIGNED
                                             30 OCT 91
/s/ Michael R. Long                                              /s/ Bernard J. Pagliaro
________________________________________                      BY ________________________________________        NOV 05 1991
(Signature of person authorized to sign)                         (Signature of Contracting Officer)
</TABLE>
________________________________________________________________________________
ISN 7540-01-152-8070                              STANDARD FORM 30 (REV 10.83) 
PREVIOUS EDITION UNUSABLE                         Prescribed by GSA
                                                  FAR (48 CFR) 53.243
 
<PAGE>   65
Contract NAS5-31350
Modification No. 1
Page 2


1.   Revise Attachment B, Performance Specification as follows:

     a)   Section 2.1 General Overview, page 3, Table 1, "OceanColor Data 
          Bands, SNR, and Radiance Levels" is changed to reflect the  
          following new channel tunings:

                    FROM                             TO
                    ----                             --
          BAND          WAVELENGTHS          BAND           WAVELENGTHS
          ----          -----------          ----           -----------

            4            510 - 530             4             500 - 520 
            5            555 - 575             5             545 - 565 
            6            655 - 675             6             660 - 680 
            7            745 - 785(3)          7             745 - 785 


     Channels 1, 2, 3, and 8 remain unchanged.

     b)   Section 2.2 Specifications, page 8, "Data Delivery," second paragraph
          is changed to reflect the decrease in the data rate on the Wallops
          downlink from 2.65MB to 2.0MB.

2.   Revise ARTICLE C.1-REPORTS OF WORK, to reflect the change in the number
     of copies to the Technical Officer from 5 to 3.

3.   It is understood that the above changes are made without effect upon the
     fixed price, schedule, or any other term or condition, of this contract.


                             "End of Modification"
<PAGE>   66


<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
<S>                                  <C>                      <C>                              <C>    <C>     <C>      <C>
____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

                                                                                               1. CONTRACT ID CODE     PAGE OF PAGES
AMENDMENT OF SOLICITATION/MODIFICATION OF CONTRACT                                                                       1       2

____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

2. AMENDMENT/MODIFICATION NO.        3. EFFECTIVE DATE        4. REQUISITION/PURCHASE REQ. NO.        5. PROJECT NO. (If applicable)
          Two (2)                       Nov. 08 1991                                      

____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

6. ISSUED BY                    CODE         289              7. ADMINISTERED BY (If other than item 6)       CODE
                                     _________________                                                             _________________

National Aeronautics and Space Administration 
Goddard Space Flight Center 
Greenbelt Road 
Greenbelt, MD 20771

____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

8. NAME AND ADDRESS OF CONTRACTOR (No., street, county, State and ZIP Code)                    (x) 9A. AMENDMENT OF SOLICITATION NO.
    
     Orbital Sciences Corporation                                                                  _________________________________
     Space Systems Division                                                                        9B. DATED (SEE ITEM 11) 
     14119-A Sullyfield Circle                                                                 _____________________________________
     P.O. Box 10840                                                                                10A. MODIFICATION OF CONTRACT/
     Chantilly, Virginia 22022                                                                          ORDER NO. 
                                                                                                        NAS5-31350
                                                                                                   X________________________________
_______________________________________________________________________________________________    10B. DATED (SEE ITEM 13)
CODE                                 FACILITY CODE                                                             3-29-91

</TABLE>
________________________________________________________________________________

           11. THIS ITEM ONLY APPLIES TO AMENDMENTS OF SOLICITATIONS

________________________________________________________________________________

[ ] The above numbered solicitation is amended as set forth in Item 14. The hour
and date specified for receipt of Offers [ ] is extended, [ ] is not extended.

Offers must acknowledge receipt of this amendment prior to the hour and date
specified in the solicitation or as amended, by one of the following methods:

(a) By completing Items 8 and 15, and returning _____ copies of the amendment;
(b) By acknowledging receipt of this amendment on each copy of the offer
submitted; or (c) By separate letter or telegram which includes a reference to
the solicitation and amendment numbers. FAILURE OF YOUR ACKNOWLEDGEMENT TO BE
RECEIVED AT THE PLACE DESIGNATED FOR THE RECEIPT OF OFFERS PRIOR TO THE HOUR AND
DATE SPECIFIED MAY RESULT IN REJECTION OF YOUR OFFER. If by virtue of this
amendment you desire to change an offer already submitted, such change may be
made by telegram or letter, provided each telegram or letter makes reference to
the solicitation and this amendment, and is received prior to the opening hour
and date specified.

________________________________________________________________________________
12. ACCOUNTING AND APPROPRIATION DATA (If required) 
    BNC: 254           See Page 2                PPC: KX
________________________________________________________________________________
13. THIS ITEM APPLIES ONLY TO MODIFICATIONS OF CONTRACTS/ORDERS, IT MODIFIES THE
    CONTRACT/ORDER NO. AS DESCRIBED IN ITEM 14.
________________________________________________________________________________
(x) A. THIS CHANGE ORDER IS ISSUED PURSUANT TO: (Specify authority) THE CHANGES
       SET FORTH IN ITEM 14 ARE MADE IN CONTRACT/ORDER NO. IN ITEM 10A.
_______________________________________________________________________________
    B. THE ABOVE NUMBERED CONTRACT/ORDER IS MODIFIED TO REFLECT THE 
       ADMINISTRATIVE CHANGES (such as changes in paying office, appropriation 
       date, etc.) SET FORTH IN ITEM 14, PURSUANT TO THE AUTHORITY OF 
       FAR 43.103(b).
________________________________________________________________________________
    C. THIS SUPPLEMENTAL AGREEMENT IS ENTERED INTO PURSUANT TO AUTHORITY OF:
________________________________________________________________________________
 X  D. OTHER (Specify type of modification and authority)

       18-52.232-77 Limitation of Funds (Fixed Price Contract)
________________________________________________________________________________
    E. IMPORTANT: Contractor [X] is not, [ ] is required to sign this document
       and return ____ copies to the issuing office.
________________________________________________________________________________
14. DESCRIPTION OF AMENDMENT/MODIFICATION (Organized by UCF section headings,
    including solicitation/contract subject matter where feasible.)

The purpose of this modification is to provide an additional allotment of funds
for continued performance under the contract.

Accordingly:

(See Page 2)

Except as provided herein, all terms and conditions of the document referenced
in item 9A and 10A, as heretofore changed, remains unchanged and in full force
and effect.

________________________________________________________________________________
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
<S>                                                           <C> 
15A. NAME AND TITLE OF SIGNER (Type or print)                 16A. NAME AND TITLE OF CONTRACTING OFFICER (Type or print)
                                                                                   Bernard J. Pagliaro
</TABLE>
________________________________________________________________________________
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
<S>                                       <C>                 <C>                                             <C>  
15B. CONTRACTOR/OFFEROR                   15C. DATE SIGNED    16B. UNITED STATES OF AMERICA                   16C. DATE SIGNED

                                                                  /s/ Bernard J. Pagliaro
________________________________________                      BY ________________________________________        NOV 08 1991
(Signature of person authorized to sign)                          (Signature of Contracting Officer)
</TABLE>
________________________________________________________________________________
NSN 7540-01-152-8070               30-105         STANDARD FORM 30 (REV 10.83) 
PREVIOUS EDITION UNUSABLE                         Prescribed by GSA
                                                  FAR (48 CFR) 53.243
 












<PAGE>   67

Contract NAS5-31350
Modification No.2
Page 2 of 2



1. Revise Clause I.11--LIMITATION OF FUNDS (Fixed Price Contract) as follows:

Paragraph (a) - Increase the total funds allotted to this contract by
$13,000,000 from $9,000,000 to $22,000,000.

Paragraph (c) - Change the period of allotment to extend from the effective date
of the contract through November 15, 1992.

2. Revise Clause G.1--ACCOUNTING AND APPROPRIATION DATA--by adding the
following:

PCN              JON                APPN            OC        BLI    AMT
- ---              ---                ----            --        ---    ---  
970-97979A(1C)   970-438-01-00-01   802/30108(92)   97-2511   A701   $13,000,000


                             "End of Modification"
<PAGE>   68


<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
<S>                                  <C>                      <C>                              <C>    <C>     <C>      <C>
____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

                                                                                               1. CONTRACT ID CODE     PAGE OF PAGES
AMENDMENT OF SOLICITATION/MODIFICATION OF CONTRACT                                                                       1       3

____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

2. AMENDMENT/MODIFICATION NO.        3. EFFECTIVE DATE        4. REQUISITION/PURCHASE REQ. NO.        5. PROJECT NO. (If applicable)
        Three (3)                       APR 16 1992                         N/A             

____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

6. ISSUED BY                    CODE         289              7. ADMINISTERED BY (If other than item 6)       CODE
                                     _________________                                                             _________________

National Aeronautics and Space Administration
Goddard Space Flight Center
Greenbelt Road
Greenbelt, MD 20771

____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

8. NAME AND ADDRESS OF CONTRACTOR (No., street, county, State and ZIP Code)                    (x) 9A. AMENDMENT OF SOLICITATION NO.

     Orbital Sciences Corporation                                                                  _________________________________
     Space Systems Division                                                                        9B. DATED (SEE ITEM 11) 
     14119-A Sullyfield Circle                                                                 _____________________________________
     P.O. Box 10840                                                                                10A. MODIFICATION OF CONTRACT/
     Chantilly, Virginia 22022                                                                          ORDER NO.
                                                                                                        NAS5-31350
                                                                                                   X_______________________________
_______________________________________________________________________________________________    10B. DATED (SEE ITEM 13)
CODE                                 FACILITY CODE                                                             3-29-91

</TABLE>
________________________________________________________________________________

           11. THIS ITEM ONLY APPLIES TO AMENDMENTS OF SOLICITATIONS

________________________________________________________________________________

[ ] The above numbered solicitation is amended as set forth in Item 14. The hour
and date specified for receipt of Offers [ ] is extended, [ ] is not extended.

Offers must acknowledge receipt of this amendment prior to the hour and date
specified in the solicitation or as amended, by one of the following methods:

(a) By completing Items 8 and 15, and returning _____ copies of the amendment;
(b) By acknowledging receipt of this amendment on each copy of the offer
submitted; or (c) By separate letter or telegram which includes a reference to
the solicitation and amendment numbers. FAILURE OF YOUR ACKNOWLEDGEMENT TO BE
RECEIVED AT THE PLACE DESIGNATED FOR THE RECEIPT OF OFFERS PRIOR TO THE HOUR AND
DATE SPECIFIED MAY RESULT IN REJECTION OF YOUR OFFER. If by virtue of this
amendment you desire to change an offer already submitted, such change may be
made by telegram or letter, provided each telegram or letter makes reference to
the solicitation and this amendment, and is received prior to the opening hour
and date specified.
________________________________________________________________________________
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
<S>                                                   <C>        <C>     <C> 

12. ACCOUNTING AND APPROPRIATION DATA (If required) 
                                                      B/NC: 254   N/A    PPC: KX
</TABLE>
________________________________________________________________________________

13. THIS ITEM APPLIES ONLY TO MODIFICATIONS OF CONTRACTS/ORDERS, 
    IT MODIFIES THE CONTRACT/ORDER NO. AS DESCRIBED IN ITEM 14.
________________________________________________________________________________

(x) A. THIS CHANGE ORDER IS ISSUED PURSUANT TO: (Specify authority) THE CHANGES
       SET FORTH IN ITEM 14 ARE MADE IN THE CONTRACT ORDER NO. IN ITEM 10A.
________________________________________________________________________________

    B. THE ABOVE NUMBERED CONTRACT/ORDER IS MODIFIED TO REFLECT THE
       ADMINISTRATIVE CHANGES (such as changes in paying office, appropriation
       date, etc.) SET FORTH IN ITEM 14, PURSUANT TO THE AUTHORITY OF
       FAR 43.103(b).
________________________________________________________________________________

    C. THIS SUPPLEMENTAL AGREEMENT IS ENTERED INTO PURSUANT TO AUTHORITY OF:
X      Clause 52.243-1 CHANGES--FIXED PRICE
________________________________________________________________________________

    D. OTHER (Specify type of modification and authority)
________________________________________________________________________________

    E. IMPORTANT: Contractor [ ] is not, [X] is required to sign this document
       and return 4 copies to the issuing office.
________________________________________________________________________________

14. DESCRIPTION OF AMENDMENT/MODIFICATION (Organized by UCF section headings,
    including solicitation/contract subject matter where feasible.)

This Supplemental Agreement modifies Attachment B, Performance Specification of
the subject contract to (1) reflect changes to the saturation radiances, input
radiances, and signal-to-noise ratios, and (2) modify the Gains Specifications.

Accordingly:

(See Page 2)

Except as provided herein, all terms and conditions of the document referenced
in item 9A and 10A, as heretofore changed, remains unchanged and in full force
and effect.

________________________________________________________________________________

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
<S>                                                           <C> 
15A. NAME AND TITLE OF SIGNER (Type or print)                 16A. NAME AND TITLE OF CONTRACTING OFFICER (Type or print)
       Michael R. Long                                                          Bradley J. Poston
       Manager, Contracts and Subcontracts                                        
</TABLE>

________________________________________________________________________________

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
<S>                                       <C>                 <C>                                             <C>  
15B. CONTRACTOR/OFFEROR                   15C. DATE SIGNED    16B. UNITED STATES OF AMERICA                   16C. DATE SIGNED
                                             09 APR 92
/s/ Michael R. Long                                              /s/ Bradley J. Poston   
________________________________________                      BY ________________________________________        APR 16 1992
(Signature of person authorized to sign)                         (Signature of Contracting Officer)
</TABLE>
________________________________________________________________________________
NSN 7540-01-152-8070                              STANDARD FORM 30 (REV 10.83)
PREVIOUS EDITION UNUSABLE                         Prescribed by GSA
                                                  FAR (48 CFR) 53.243
 

<PAGE>   69
Contract NAS5-31350
Modification No. 3
Page 2


1.   Revise Attachment B, Performance Specification, as follows:

     a)   Section 2.1, General Overview, Page 3, Table 1, "Ocean Color Data
          Bands, SNR, and Radiance Levels" is changed to reflect the following
          new saturation radiances, input radiances, and signal-to-noise 
          ratios;

                               CHANGES TO TABLE 1

                Band Edge     Saturation      Input          
     Band      Wavelengths     Radiance      Radiance       SNR
     ----      -----------    ----------     --------       ---

       4       500 - 520         9.08          5.64         640
       5       545 - 565         7.44          4.57         596
       6       660 - 680         4.20          2.46         442

     The cloud radiances for these three bands remains unchanged.

     The Band 7 notch is deleted (see note #3 in the Table). Band 7 will thus
     not be notched (blocked) between 759 - 770 nm.


     b)   Section 2.2.11, Gains Specifications, Page 6, is revised as follows:

          Delete the following sentences:

            "The nominal G values for the gain settings n=2, 3, and 4 shall be
            1.0, 1.5, and 2.0 for all channels. The value of G for n=1 must be
            determined based upon the characteristics of onboard solar and/or
            lunar capabilities, and specified by channel, to avoid 
            saturation." 

          Insert the following sentences and table in place of the above 
          deleted sentence:

            "The nominal G values for the gain settings n=1, 2, 3, and 4 shall
            be based on the values in Table 2. These G values include those
            required for onboard solar and lunar capabilities."
<PAGE>   70
Contract NAS5-31350
Modification No. 3
Page 3



         Table 2. Nominal G Values for Gain Settings n=1,2,3, and 4
         ----------------------------------------------------------
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
         Band          G,n=1      G,n=2      G,n=3      G,n=4          
         <S>           <C>        <C>        <C>        <C>          
          1              1          2         1.7        1.3         
          2              1          2         1.7        1.3         
          3              1          2         1.25       1.7         
          4              1          2         1.7        1.25        
          5              1          2         0.77       1.6         
          6              1          2         0.46       0.7         
          7              1          2         0.32       0.61        
          8              1          2         0.26       0.55        
</TABLE>




2.  It is understood that the above changes are made without effect
upon the fixed price, schedule, or any other term or condition, of 
this contract.




                    "End of Modification"
<PAGE>   71


<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
<S>                                  <C>                      <C>                              <C>    <C>     <C>      <C>
____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
                                                                                               1. CONTRACT ID CODE     PAGE OF PAGES
AMENDMENT OF SOLICITATION/MODIFICATION OF CONTRACT                                                                       1       3
____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
2. AMENDMENT/MODIFICATION NO.        3. EFFECTIVE DATE        4. REQUISITION/PURCHASE REQ. NO.        5. PROJECT NO. (If applicable)
          Four (4)                      JUL 07 1992                                      
____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
6. ISSUED BY                    CODE         289              7. ADMINISTERED BY (If other than item 6)       CODE
                                     _________________                                                             _________________

     National Aeronautics and Space Administration
     Goddard Space Flight Center
     Greenbelt Road 
     Greenbelt, MD 20771
____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
8. NAME AND ADDRESS OF CONTRACTOR (No., street, county, State and ZIP Code)                    (x) 9A. AMENDMENT OF SOLICITATION NO.
    
     Orbital Sciences Corporation                                                                  _________________________________
     Space Systems Division                                                                        9B. DATED (SEE ITEM 11) 
     14119-A Sullyfield Circle                                                                 _____________________________________
     P.O. Box 10840                                                                                10A. MODIFICATION OF CONTRACT/
     Chantilly, Virginia 22022                                                                          ORDER NO. 
                                                                                                        NAS5-31350
                                                                                               X   _________________________________
_______________________________________________________________________________________________    10B. DATED (SEE ITEM 13)
CODE                                 FACILITY CODE                                                             3-29-91

</TABLE>
________________________________________________________________________________
           11. THIS ITEM ONLY APPLIES TO AMENDMENTS OF SOLICITATIONS
________________________________________________________________________________
[ ] The above numbered solicitation is amended as set forth in Item 14. The hour
and date specified for receipt of Offers [ ] is extended, [ ] is not extended.

Offers must acknowledge receipt of this amendment prior to the hour and date
specified in the solicitation or as amended, by one of the following methods:

(a) By completing Items 8 and 15, and returning _____ copies of the amendment;
(b) By acknowledging receipt of this amendment on each copy of the offer
submitted; or (c) By separate letter or telegram which includes a reference to
the solicitation and amendment numbers. FAILURE OF YOUR ACKNOWLEDGEMENT TO BE
RECEIVED AT THE PLACE DESIGNATED FOR THE RECEIPT OF OFFERS PRIOR TO THE HOUR AND
DATE SPECIFIED MAY RESULT IN REJECTION OF YOUR OFFER. If by virtue of this
amendment you desire to change an offer already submitted, such change may be
made by telegram or letter, provided each telegram or letter makes reference to
the solicitation and this amendment, and is received prior to the opening hour
and date specified.

- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------

12. ACCOUNTING AND APPROPRIATION DATA (If required) 
                                          N/A      B/NC: 253   PPC: KX
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
13. THIS ITEM APPLIES ONLY TO MODIFICATIONS OF CONTRACTS/ORDERS, IT MODIFIES THE
                  CONTRACT/ORDER NO. AS DESCRIBED IN ITEM 14.

- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
(x) A. THIS CHANGE ORDER IS ISSUED PURSUANT TO: (Specify authority) THE CHANGES
       SET FORTH IN ITEM 14 ARE MADE IN THE CONTRACT ORDER NO. IN ITEM 10A.

- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
    B. THE ABOVE NUMBERED CONTRACT/ORDER IS MODIFIED TO REFLECT THE 
       ADMINISTRATIVE CHANGES (such as changes in paying office, appropriation 
      date, etc.) SET FORTH IN ITEM 14, PURSUANT TO THE AUTHORITY OF 
      FAR 43.103(b).                                 
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
    C. THIS SUPPLEMENTAL AGREEMENT IS ENTERED INTO PURSUANT TO AUTHORITY OF:
X      Basic Contract Authority

- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------

    D. OTHER (Specify type of modification and authority)

- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------

    E. IMPORTANT: Contractor [ ] is not, [X] is required to sign this document 
       and return 4 copies to the issuing office.
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
14. DESCRIPTION OF AMENDMENT/MODIFICATION (Organized by UCF section headings,
    including solicitation/contract subject matter where feasible.)

This Supplemental Agreement modifies Clause B.3 Firm Fixed Price, to reflect
painting of the SeaStar spacecraft solar array panels by the Government.

Accordingly:

(See Page 2)

Except as provided herein, all terms and conditions of the document referenced
in item 9A and 10A, as heretofore changed, remains unchanged and in full force
and effect.

- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
<S>                                                           <C> 
15A. NAME AND TITLE OF SIGNER (Type or print)                 16A. NAME AND TITLE OF CONTRACTING OFFICER (Type or print)
               Michael R. Long                                                     Bradley J.  Poston
       Manager, Contracts and Subcontracts                                         
</TABLE>

- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
<S>                                       <C>                 <C>                                             <C>  
15B. CONTRACTOR/OFFEROR                   15C. DATE SIGNED    16B. UNITED STATES OF AMERICA                   16C. DATE SIGNED
                                             06 JUL 92        
  /s/ Michael R. Long                                            /s/ Bradley J. Poston
                                                              BY                                                 JUL 07 1992
- ----------------------------------------                         ----------------------------------------
(Signature of person authorized to sign)                         (Signature of Contracting Officer)
</TABLE>
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
NSN 7540-01-152-8070                              STANDARD FORM 30 (REV 10.83) 
PREVIOUS EDITION UNUSABLE                         Prescribed by GSA
                                                  FAR (48 CFR) 53.243
<PAGE>   72
Contract NAS5-31350
Modification No. 4
Page 2 of 3


1.  The Government shall apply the thermal white coating to the SeaStar solar
array panels in accordance with the appropriate drawings. Orbital Science
Corporation shall provide the thermal white coating as required at time of
panel delivery to Goddard Space Flight Center and provide the appropriate
drawings per the following table:

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                   SUBSTRATE                PAINT & MASK                       NEED DATE/
ITEM         PANEL NAME            DRAWING NO.              DRAWING NO.         QTY.           (PRIORITY)
- ----         ----------            -----------              -------------       ----           ----------
<S>          <C>                   <C>                      <C>                 <C>            <C>            

1            Solor Array           E20025                   E30011              5              4 by 7/30/92 (High)
             Panel (Long)                                                                      1 by 8/21/92 (Low)

2            Side Solar            E20030                   E30030              3              2 by 7/30/92 (High)
             Array Panel                                                                       1 by 8/21/92 (Low)

3            Extension             E20028                   E30028              5              4 by 7/30/92 (Med)
             Solar Array                                                                       1 by 8/21/92 (Low)
             Panel
</TABLE>

The following Clause B.3--Firm Fixed Price--is modified to reflect a cost
savings to the Government in the amount of $6,000:

          THE TOTAL FIRM FIXED PRICE OF THIS CONTRACT IS REDUCED FROM
          $43,520,000 BY $6,000 TO $43,514,000.

Orbital Science Corporation is not relieved of any responsibility to comply with
the Deliverable Requirements, the Statement of Work, the Performance
Specifications, and the SeaStar Ocean Color Data System Description of the
contract as a result of the Government performing the work cited above. It is
understood that the above change is made without effect upon schedule or any
other term or condition of this contract.
<PAGE>   73
Contract NAS5-31350
Modification No. 4
Page 3 of 3

2.  Clause B.4--Payment Schedule--is revised as follows:

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>

                          APPROX.       AMOUNT          ACCUM.            CONTRACT
MILESTONE                 DATE          $(M)            $(M)      FY      MONTH  
- ---------                --------       ------         -------    --     --------
<S>                      <C>            <C>            <C>         <C>    <C>
Complete Spacecraft ETU
  Integration and Test   1 Nov 92       $4.994         $26.994     93     20
Complete Spacecraft
  Integration            1 Jan 93       $6.0           $32.994     93     22
Complete Spacecraft 
  System Testing         1 Apr 93       $0.57          $33.564     93     25
Pre-Ship Review          1 Jul 93       $3.0           $36.564     93     28
Release of Spacecraft
  from Carrier Aircraft  1 Aug 93       $0.5           $37.064     93     29
*Launch Success          1 Aug 93       $0.5           $37.564     93     29
Initial Data 
  Certification          1 Dec 93       $3.0           $40.564     94     33
</TABLE>
<PAGE>   74


<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
<S>                                  <C>                      <C>                              <C>    <C>     <C>      <C>
____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
                                                                                               1. CONTRACT ID CODE     PAGE OF PAGES
AMENDMENT OF SOLICITATION/MODIFICATION OF CONTRACT                                                                       1       2
____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
2. AMENDMENT/MODIFICATION NO.        3. EFFECTIVE DATE        4. REQUISITION/PURCHASE REQ. NO.        5. PROJECT NO. (If applicable)
         Five (5)                       DEC 16 1992              Block 14            
____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
6. ISSUED BY                    CODE         289              7. ADMINISTERED BY (If other than item 6)       CODE
                                     _________________                                                             _________________

National Aeronautics and Space Administration
Goddard Space Flight Center
Greenbelt, MD 20771
____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
8. NAME AND ADDRESS OF CONTRACTOR (No., street, county, State and ZIP Code)                    (x) 9A. AMENDMENT OF SOLICITATION NO.
    
     Orbital Sciences Corporation                                                                  _________________________________
     Space Systems Division                                                                        9B. DATED (SEE ITEM 11)
     14119-A Sullyfield Circle                                                                 _____________________________________
     P.O. Box 10840                                                                                10A. MODIFICATION OF CONTRACT/
     Chantilly, VA 22022                                                                                ORDER NO.
                                                                                                        NAS5-31350
                                                                                                   _________________________________
_______________________________________________________________________________________________  X 10B. DATED (SEE ITEM 13)
CODE                                 FACILITY CODE                                                             3-29-91

</TABLE>
________________________________________________________________________________

           11. THIS ITEM ONLY APPLIES TO AMENDMENTS OF SOLICITATIONS

________________________________________________________________________________

[ ] The above numbered solicitation is amended as set forth in Item 14. The hour
and date specified for receipt of Offers [ ] is extended, [ ] is not extended.

Offers must acknowledge receipt of this amendment prior to the hour and date
specified in the solicitation or as amended, by one of the following methods:

(a) By completing Items 8 and 15, and returning _____ copies of the amendment;
(b) By acknowledging receipt of this amendment on each copy of the offer
submitted; or (c) By separate letter or telegram which includes a reference to
the solicitation and amendment numbers. FAILURE OF YOUR ACKNOWLEDGEMENT TO BE
RECEIVED AT THE PLACE DESIGNATED FOR THE RECEIPT OF OFFERS PRIOR TO THE HOUR AND
DATE SPECIFIED MAY RESULT IN REJECTION OF YOUR OFFER. If by virtue of this
amendment you desire to change an offer already submitted, such change may be
made by telegram or letter, provided each telegram or letter makes reference to
the solicitation and this amendment, and is received prior to the opening hour
and date specified.

________________________________________________________________________________
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
<S>                                                    <C>    
12. ACCOUNTING AND APPROPRIATION DATA (If required) 
                                                       See Block 14
</TABLE>
________________________________________________________________________________
13. THIS ITEM APPLIES ONLY TO MODIFICATIONS OF CONTRACTS/ORDERS, IT MODIFIES THE
    CONTRACT/ORDER NO. AS DESCRIBED IN ITEM 14.
________________________________________________________________________________
(x) A. THIS CHANGE ORDER IS ISSUED PURSUANT TO: (Specify authority) THE CHANGES
       SET FORTH IN ITEM 14 ARE MADE IN THE CONTRACT/ORDER NO. IN ITEM 10A.
________________________________________________________________________________
    B. THE ABOVE NUMBERED CONTRACT/ORDER IS MODIFIED TO REFLECT THE 
       ADMINISTRATIVE CHANGES (such as changes in paying office, appropriation 
       date, etc.) SET FORTH IN ITEM 14, PURSUANT TO THE AUTHORITY OF 
       FAR 43.103(b).
________________________________________________________________________________
    C. THIS SUPPLEMENTAL AGREEMENT IS ENTERED INTO PURSUANT TO AUTHORITY OF:
________________________________________________________________________________
    D. OTHER (Specify type of modification and authority)
 X     This is a unilateral modification pursuant to the  Limitation of Funds 
       (Fixed Price Contract) -- Clause I.11
________________________________________________________________________________
    E. IMPORTANT: Contractor [XX] is not, [ ] is required to sign this document
       and return _____ copies to the issuing office.
________________________________________________________________________________
14. DESCRIPTION OF AMENDMENT/MODIFICATION (Organized by UCF section headings,
    including solicitation/contract subject matter where feasible.)

The purpose of this modification is to provide an additional allotment of funds
for continued performance of this contract.

Accordingly:

Except as provided herein, all terms and conditions of the document referenced
in item 9A or 10A, as heretofore changed, remains unchanged and in full force
and effect.
________________________________________________________________________________
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
<S>                                                           <C> 
15A. NAME AND TITLE OF SIGNER (Type or print)                 16A. NAME AND TITLE OF CONTRACTING OFFICER (Type or print)
                                                                                    William A. Hatchl
                                                                                   
</TABLE>
________________________________________________________________________________
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
<S>                                       <C>                 <C>                                             <C>  
15B. CONTRACTOR/OFFEROR                   15C. DATE SIGNED    16B. UNITED STATES OF AMERICA                   16C. DATE SIGNED

                                                                 /s/ WILLIAM A. HATCHL 
________________________________________                      BY ________________________________________        DEC 16 1992
(Signature of person authorized to sign)                         (Signature of Contracting Officer)
</TABLE>
________________________________________________________________________________
ISN 7540-01-152-8070                              STANDARD FORM 30 (REV 10.83) 
PREVIOUS EDITION UNUSABLE                         Prescribed by GSA
                                                  FAR (48 CFR) 53.243
 
<PAGE>   75
Contract NAS5-31350
Modification No. 5
Page 2



1.   Clause G.1--Accounting and Appropriation Data revise to include
the following:

PCN: 970-48232A(1C)
JON: 970-438-01-00-01
APP: 803/40108(93)
 OC: 97-2511
BLI: A702
AMT: $11,000,000


2.   Clause I.11--Limitation of Funds (Fixed Price Contract) revise
as follows:

Paragraph (a) - Increase the total funds to this contract by
$11,000,000 FROM $22,000,000 TO $33,000,000.

Paragraph (c) - Change the period of allotment to extend from the
effective date of the contract through January 1, 1993.
<PAGE>   76


<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
<S>                                  <C>                      <C>                              <C>    <C>     <C>      <C>
____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
                                                                                               1. CONTRACT ID CODE     PAGE OF PAGES
AMENDMENT OF SOLICITATION/MODIFICATION OF CONTRACT                                                                       1       2
____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
2. AMENDMENT/MODIFICATION NO.        3. EFFECTIVE DATE        4. REQUISITION/PURCHASE REQ. NO.        5. PROJECT NO. (If applicable)
          (6)                            Jun 08 1993                    See Block 12             
____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
6. ISSUED BY                    CODE         289              7. ADMINISTERED BY (If other than Item 6)       CODE
                                     _________________                                                             _________________

National Aeronautics & Space Admin
Goddard Space Flight Center
Greenbelt Road
Greenbelt, MD 20771
____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
8. NAME AND ADDRESS OF CONTRACTOR (No., street, county, State and ZIP Code)                    (x) 9A. AMENDMENT OF SOLICITATION NO.

   Orbital Sciences Corporation                                                                    _________________________________
   Space Systems Division                                                                          9B. DATED (See Item 11)
   21700 Atlantic Boulevard                                                                        _________________________________
   Dulles, VA 20166                                                                                10A. MODIFICATION OF CONTRACT/
                                                                                                   ORDER NO. NAS5-31350
                                                                                                   _________________________________
_______________________________________________________________________________________________  X 10B. DATED (See Item 13)
CODE                                 FACILITY CODE                                                             3-29-91

__________________________________________________________________________________
           11. THIS ITEM ONLY APPLIES TO AMENDMENTS OF SOLICITATIONS
__________________________________________________________________________________

[ ] The above number solicitation is amended as set forth in Item 14. The hour
and date specified for receipt of Offers [ ] is extended, [ ] is not extended.
Offers must acknowledge receipt of this amendment prior to the hour and date
specified in the solicitation or as amended, by one of the following methods:

(a) By completing Items 8 and 15, and returning _____ copies of the amendment;
(b) By acknowledging receipt of this amendment on each copy of the offer
submitted; or (c) By separate letter or telegram which includes a reference to
the solicitation and amendment numbers. FAILURE OF YOUR ACKNOWLEDGMENT TO BE
RECEIVED AT THE PLACE DESIGNATED FOR THE RECEIPT OF OFFERS PRIOR TO THE HOUR AND
DATE SPECIFIED MAY RESULT IN REJECTION OF YOUR OFFER. If by virtue of this
amendment you desire to change an offer already submitted, such change may be
made by telegram or letter, provided each telegram or letter makes reference to
the solicitation and this amendment, and is received prior to the opening hour
and date specified.
__________________________________________________________________________________
12. ACCOUNTING AND APPROPRIATION DATA (If required) 
     NC: 253, PCN: 970-48279A(1C), JON: 970-438-01-00-01,
     C: 97-2511, BLI: A702, AMT: $3,866,553, PPC: KX
__________________________________________________________________________________
13. THIS ITEM APPLIES ONLY TO MODIFICATIONS OF CONTRACTS/ORDERS, IT MODIFIES THE
    CONTRACT/ORDER NO. AS DESCRIBED IN ITEM 14.
__________________________________________________________________________________
(x) A. THIS CHANGE ORDER IS ISSUED PURSUANT TO: (Specify authority) THE CHANGES
       SET FORTH IN ITEM 14 ARE MADE IN THE CONTRACT/ORDER NO. IN ITEM 10A.
__________________________________________________________________________________
    B. THE ABOVE NUMBERED CONTRACT/ORDER IS MODIFIED TO REFLECT THE ADMINISTRATIVE
       CHANGES (such as changes in paying office, appropriation date, etc.) SET
       FORTH IN ITEM 14, PURSUANT TO THE AUTHORITY OF FAR 43.103(b).
__________________________________________________________________________________
    C. THIS SUPPLEMENTAL AGREEMENT IS ENTERED INTO PURSUANT TO AUTHORITY OF:

__________________________________________________________________________________
     D. OTHER (Specify type of modification and authority)
        This is an unilateral modification entered into pursuant to the
        Limitation of Funds Clause (52.232.22)
__________________________________________________________________________________
IMPORTANT: Contractor [X] is not, [ ] is required to sign this document and
return ___ copies to the issuing office.
__________________________________________________________________________________

14. DESCRIPTION OF AMENDMENT/MODIFICATION (Organized by UCF section headings,
    including solicitation/contract subject matter where feasible.)

The purpose of this modification provides an additional allotment of funds for
continued performance under this contract.

Accordingly:

Except as provided herein, all terms and conditions of the document referenced
in item 9A and 10A, as heretofore changed, remains unchanged and in full force
and effect.

______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
15A. NAME AND TITLE OF SIGNER (Type or print)                 16A. NAME AND TITLE OF CONTRACTING OFFICER (Type or print)
                                                                                Contracting Officer

_______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
15B. CONTRACTOR/OFFEROR                   15C. DATE SIGNED    16B. UNITED STATES OF AMERICA                   16C. DATE SIGNED


                                                            BY        [SIGNATURE]
________________________________________                         ________________________________________        JUN 08 1993
(Signature of person authorized to sign)                         (Signature of Contracting Officer)
_______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
</TABLE>

NSN 7540-01-152-8070               30-105         STANDARD FORM 30 (Rev. 10-83)
PREVIOUS EDITION UNUSABLE                         Prescribed by GSA
                                                  FAR (48CFR) 53.243
<PAGE>   77
Contract NAS5-31350
Modification No. 6
Page 2



1.   Clause G.1--Accounting and Appropriation Data revise to include
the following:

PCN: 970-48279A(1C)
JON: 970-438-01-00-01
APP: 803/40108(93)
 OC: 97-2511
BLI: A702
AMT: $3,866,553


2.   Clause I.11--Limitation of Funds (Fixed Price Contract) revise
as follows:

Paragraph (a) - Increase the total funds to this contract by
$3,866,553 from $33,000,000 to $36,866,533.

Paragraph (c) - Change the period of allotment to extend from the
effective date of the contract through August 15, 1993.
<PAGE>   78



<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
<S>                                  <C>                      <C>                              <C>    <C>     <C>      <C>
____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

                                                                                               1. CONTRACT ID CODE     PAGE OF PAGES
AMENDMENT OF SOLICITATION/MODIFICATION OF CONTRACT                                                                       1       2

____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

2. AMENDMENT/MODIFICATION NO.        3. EFFECTIVE DATE        4. REQUISITION/PURCHASE REQ. NO.        5. PROJECT NO. (If applicable)
          Seven (7)                      Aug. 20 1993                   See Block 14             

____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

6. ISSUED BY                    CODE         289              7. ADMINISTERED BY (If other than item 6)       CODE
                                     _________________                                                             _________________


National Aeronautics and Space Administration
Goddard Space Flight Center
Greenbelt Road
Greenbelt, MD 20771

____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

8. NAME AND ADDRESS OF CONTRACTOR (No., street, county, State and ZIP Code)                    (x) 9A. AMENDMENT OF SOLICITATION NO.

     Orbital Sciences Corporation                                                                  _________________________________
     Space Systems Division                                                                        9B. DATED (SEE ITEM 11)
     21700 Atlantic Boulevard                                                                  _____________________________________
     Dulles, VA 20166                                                                              10A. MODIFICATION OF CONTRACT/
                                                                                                        ORDER NO. NAS5-31350
                                                                                                   _________________________________
_______________________________________________________________________________________________  X 10B. DATED (SEE ITEM 13)
CODE                                 FACILITY CODE                                                             3-29-91

</TABLE>
________________________________________________________________________________

           11. THIS ITEM ONLY APPLIES TO AMENDMENTS OF SOLICITATIONS

________________________________________________________________________________

[ ] The above numbered solicitation is amended as set forth in Item 14. The hour
and date specified for receipt of Offers [ ] is extended, [ ] is not extended.

Offers must acknowledge receipt of this amendment prior to the hour and date
specified in the solicitation or as amended, by one of the following methods:

(a) By completing Items 8 and 15, and returning _____ copies of the amendment;
(b) By acknowledging receipt of this amendment on each copy of the offer
submitted; or (c) By separate letter or telegram which includes a reference to
the solicitation and amendment numbers. FAILURE OF YOUR ACKNOWLEDGEMENT TO BE
RECEIVED AT THE PLACE DESIGNATED FOR THE RECEIPT OF OFFERS PRIOR TO THE HOUR AND
DATE SPECIFIED MAY RESULT IN REJECTION OF YOUR OFFER. If by virtue of this
amendment you desire to change an offer already submitted, such change may be
made by telegram or letter, provided each telegram or letter makes reference to
the solicitation and this amendment, and is received prior to the opening hour
and date specified.
________________________________________________________________________________
12. ACCOUNTING AND APPROPRIATION DATA (If required) 
    BNC:253                        See Block 14                       PPC: KX
________________________________________________________________________________
13. THIS ITEM APPLIES ONLY TO MODIFICATIONS OF CONTRACTS/ORDERS, IT MODIFIES THE
    CONTRACT/ORDER NO. AS DESCRIBED IN ITEM 14.
________________________________________________________________________________
(x) A. THIS CHANGE ORDER IS ISSUED PURSUANT TO: (Specify authority) THE CHANGES
       SET FORTH IN ITEM 14 ARE MADE IN THE CONTRACT ORDER NO. IN ITEM 10A.
________________________________________________________________________________
    B. THE ABOVE NUMBERED CONTRACT/ORDER IS MODIFIED TO REFLECT THE 
       ADMINISTRATIVE CHANGES (such as changes in paying office, appropriation 
       date, etc.) SET FORTH IN ITEM 14, PURSUANT TO THE AUTHORITY OF 
       FAR 43.103(b).
________________________________________________________________________________
    C. THIS SUPPLEMENTAL AGREEMENT IS ENTERED INTO PURSUANT TO AUTHORITY OF:
________________________________________________________________________________
    D. OTHER (Specify type of modification and authority)
       This unilateral modification is entered into pursuant to the Limitation 
X      of Funds Clause (52.232.22)
________________________________________________________________________________
    E. IMPORTANT: Contractor [X] is not, [ ] is required to sign this document 
       and return ___ copies to the issuing office.
________________________________________________________________________________
14. DESCRIPTION OF AMENDMENT/MODIFICATION (Organized by UCF section headings,
    including solicitation/contract subject matter where feasible.)

The purpose of this modification is to provide an additional allotment of funds
for continued performance under this contract.

Accordingly:


Except as provided herein, all terms and conditions of the document referenced
in item 9A and 10A, as heretofore changed, remains unchanged and in full force
and effect.
________________________________________________________________________________
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
<S>                                                           <C> 
15A. NAME AND TITLE OF SIGNER (Type or print)                 16A. NAME AND TITLE OF CONTRACTING OFFICER (Type or print)
                                                                   William A. Hatchl
</TABLE>

________________________________________________________________________________

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
<S>                                       <C>                 <C>                                             <C>  
15B. CONTRACTOR/OFFEROR                   15C. DATE SIGNED    16B. UNITED STATES OF AMERICA                   16C. DATE SIGNED

                                                                 /s/ William A. Hatchl
________________________________________                      BY ________________________________________        AUG 20 1993
(Signature of person authorized to sign)                         (Signature of Contracting Officer)
</TABLE>
________________________________________________________________________________
NSN 7540-01-152-8070             30-105           STANDARD FORM 30 (REV 10-83) 
PREVIOUS EDITION UNUSABLE                         Prescribed by GSA
                                                  FAR (48CFR) 53.243
<PAGE>   79
Contract NAS5-31350
Modification No. 7
Page 2

1. Clause G.1--ACCOUNTING AND APPROPRIATION DATA is revised to include the
following:

PCN: 970-48300A(1C)
JON: 970-438-01-00-01
APP: 803/40108(93)
 OC: 97-2511
BLI: A703
AMT: $670,000

2. Clause I.11-LIMITATION OF FUNDS (FIXED PRICE CONTRACT) revise as follows:

Paragraph (a) - Increase the total funds to this contract by $670,000 from
$36,866,533 to $37,536,533.

Paragraph (c) - change the period of allotment to extend from the effective
date of the contract through September 30, 1993.
<PAGE>   80


<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
<S>                                  <C>                      <C>                              <C>    <C>     <C>      <C>
____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
                                                                                               1. CONTRACT ID CODE     PAGE OF PAGES
AMENDMENT OF SOLICITATION/MODIFICATION OF CONTRACT                                                                       1       4
____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

2. AMENDMENT/MODIFICATION NO.        3. EFFECTIVE DATE        4. REQUISITION/PURCHASE REQ. NO.        5. PROJECT NO. (If applicable)
        Eight (8)                       Aug. 05 1993                                      
____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
6. ISSUED BY                    CODE                          7. ADMINISTERED BY (If other than Item 6)       CODE
                                     _________________                                                             _________________

   NASA/Goddard Space Flight Center
   Earth Sciences Procurement Office
   Greenbelt Road
   Greenbelt MD 20771
____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
8. NAME AND ADDRESS OF CONTRACTOR (No., street, county, State and ZIP Code)                    (x) 9A. AMENDMENT OF SOLICITATION NO.

   Orbital Sciences Corporation                                                                    _________________________________
   14119-A Sullyfield Circle                                                                       9B. DATED (See Item 11)
   P.O. Box 10840                                                                                  _________________________________
   Chantilly, Virginia 22022                                                                       10A. MODIFICATION OF CONTRACT/
                                                                                                        ORDER NO.
                                                                                                        NAS5-31350
   Attn: Michael R. Long                                                                           _________________________________
_______________________________________________________________________________________________  X 10B. DATED (See Item 13)
CODE                                 FACILITY CODE                                                       July 7, 1992
____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
                                      11. THIS ITEM ONLY APPLIES TO AMENDMENTS OF SOLICITATIONS
____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
[ ] The above numbered solicitation is amended as set forth in Item 14. The hour and date specified for receipt of Offers [ ] is
extended, [ ] is not extended.

Offers must acknowledge receipt of this amendment prior to the hour and date specified in the solicitation or as amended, by
one of the following methods:

(a) By completing Items 8 and 15, and returning _____ copies of the amendment; (b) By acknowledging receipt of this amendment on
each copy of the offer submitted; or (c) By separate letter or telegram which includes a reference to the solicitation and amendment
numbers. FAILURE OF YOUR ACKNOWLEDGMENT TO BE RECEIVED AT THE PLACE DESIGNATED FOR THE RECEIPT OF OFFERS PRIOR TO THE HOUR AND
DATE SPECIFIED MAY RESULT IN REJECTION OF YOUR OFFER. If by virtue of this amendment you desire to change an offer already
submitted, such change may be made by telegram or letter, provided each telegram or letter makes reference to the solicitation and
this amendment, and is received prior to the opening hour and date specified.
____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
12. ACCOUNTING AND APPROPRIATION DATA (If required) 
    Not Applicable                                                    
____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
13. THIS ITEM ONLY APPLIES TO MODIFICATIONS OF CONTRACTS/ORDERS, IT MODIFIES THE CONTRACT/ORDER NO. AS DESCRIBED IN ITEM 14.
____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
(x) A. THIS CHANGE ORDER IS ISSUED PURSUANT TO: (Specify authority) THE CHANGES SET FORTH IN ITEM 14 ARE MADE IN THE
       CONTRACT/ORDER NO. IN ITEM 10A. FAR 52.243-1--Changes--Fixed Price
____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
    B. THE ABOVE NUMBERED CONTRACT/ORDER IS MODIFIED TO REFLECT THE ADMINISTRATIVE CHANGES (such as changes in paying office,
       appropriation data, etc.) SET FORTH IN ITEM 14, PURSUANT TO THE AUTHORITY OF FAR 43.103(b).
____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
    C. THIS SUPPLEMENTAL AGREEMENT IS ENTERED INTO PURSUANT TO AUTHORITY OF:

____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
    D. OTHER (Specify type of modification and authority)

____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
    E.  IMPORTANT: Contractor [ ] is not, [X] is required to sign this document and return 3 copies to the issuing office.
____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
14. DESCRIPTION OF AMENDMENT/MODIFICATION (Organized by UCF section headings, including solicitation/contract subject matter where
    feasible.)
    See page 2.

Except as provided herein, all terms and conditions of the document referenced in Item 9A and 10A, as heretofore changed, remains
unchanged and in full force and effect.
____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
15A. NAME AND TITLE OF SIGNER (Type or print)                 16A. NAME AND TITLE OF CONTRACTING OFFICER (Type or print)

                 R.E. Palladino                                                     William A. Hatchl
       Director, Contracts and Procurement                                         Contracting Officer
____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
15B. CONTRACTOR/OFFEROR                   15C. DATE SIGNED    16B. UNITED STATES OF AMERICA                   16C. DATE SIGNED
                                                    
/S/ R.E. Palladino                          8/24/93         BY  /s/ William A. Hatchl
________________________________________                         ________________________________________ 
(Signature of person authorized to sign)                          (Signature of Contracting Officer) 
____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
</TABLE>

NSN 7540-01-152-8070             30-105           STANDARD FORM 30 (REV. 10-83)
PREVIOUS EDITION UNUSABLE                         Prescribed by GSA
                                                  FAR (48CFR) 53.243
<PAGE>   81

SF30 (cont'd) Contract NAS5-31350                        Modification Eight (8)



The purpose of this modification is to make changes to the current contract
pursuant to the Changes clause (52.243-1--Changes-Fixed Price).

Therefore:

1) Clause B.4--Payment Schedule is revised as follows:

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                             Approx.          Amt      Accum.          Contract
Milestone                     Date            $(M)     $(M)    FY        Month
- ---------                    ------           ----     ------  --      --------   
<S>                          <C>              <C>      <C>     <C>      <C>

Evidence of binding           
  Financial commitment        4/1/91          $9.0     $9.0    91           1
Preliminary Design           
  Review                     12/1/91          $6.0     $15.0   92           9
Award Rocket Motors          12/1/91          $6.0     $21.0   92           9
Critical Design Review        3/1/92          $1.0     $22.0   92          12
Complete Spacecraft ETU          
  Integration and Test          1/93          $5.0     $27.0   93          20
Instrument pre-ship
  and review                   08/93          $3.0     $30.0   93          29
Instrument deliv.              12/93          $3.0     $33.0   94          33
Spacecraft integration         01/94          $2.0     $35.0   94          34
System Test                    04/94          $1.10    $36.1   94          37
Spacecraft pre-ship            05/94          $1.0     $37.1   94          38
Release of instrument
  from spacecraft              06/94          $0.75    $37.85  94          39
*Launch success                07/94          $0.75    $38.6   94          40
Data Acceptance                10/94          $3.0     $41.6   95          43
Monthly data                   11/94 - 10/99  $ .032   $43.52  95-99       44  
</TABLE>

2) Clause F.1--Delivery Schedule. Items 1 and 2 "Schedule" is revised as
follows:

To begin no later than 43 months after effective date of contract and continue
thereafter in accordance with the SOW.

3) Clause I.7--Progress Payments (a) is revised as follows:

a. Progress payments, for the deliverable requirements described in Clause B.2,
shall be made to the Contractor in accordance with the following schedule:

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                             Approx.          Amt      Accum.          Contract
Milestone                     Date            $(M)     $(M)    FY        Month
- ---------                    ------           ----     ------  --      --------   
<S>                          <C>              <C>      <C>     <C>      <C>

Evidence of binding           
  Financial commitment        4/1/91          $9.0     $9.0    91           1
Preliminary Design           
  Review                     12/1/91          $6.0     $15.0   92           9
</TABLE>



                                     Page 2
<PAGE>   82
SF30 (cont'd) Contract NAS5-31350                        Modification Eight (8)




<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                             Approx.          Amt      Accum.          Contract
Milestone                     Date            $(M)     $(M)    FY        Month
- ---------                    ------           ----     ------  --      --------   
<S>                          <C>              <C>      <C>     <C>      <C>

Award Rocket Motors          12/1/91          $6.0     $21.0   92           9
Critical Design Review        3/1/92          $1.0     $22.0   92          12
Complete Spacecraft ETU          
  Integration and Test          1/93          $5.0     $27.0   93          20
Instrument pre-ship
  and review                   08/93          $3.0     $30.0   93          29
Instrument deliv.              12/93          $3.0     $33.0   94          33
Spacecraft integration         01/94          $2.0     $35.0   94          34
System Test                    04/94          $1.10    $36.1   94          37
Spacecraft pre-ship            05/94          $1.0     $37.1   94          38
Release of instrument
  from spacecraft              06/94          $0.75    $37.85  94          39
*Launch success                07/94          $0.75    $38.6   94          40
Data Acceptance                10/94          $3.0     $41.6   95          43
Monthly data                   11/94 - 10/99  $ .032   $43.52  95-99       44  
</TABLE>


4)   Clause J.1--Attachment B, Section 5.0--Performance Specifications are added
as follows:

"The following modifications to the SEAWiFs instrument to reduce the effects of
stray light and Bright Target Recovery to acceptable levels shall be
implemented as follows:

1.   The polarization scrambler shall be reworked or replaced in order to reduce
along-track ghost effects. This effort shall consist of tilting the scrambler
front surface to attempt to move along-track ghost images into alignment with
the primary image. Replacement of the scrambler with a plane mirror (thus
increasing polarization sensitivity) would be acceptable if the scrambler
modification proves not to be feasible.

2.   Internal BG26 and BG39 filters shall be tilted with a goal of reducing
along scan ghost effects to less than 0.2% of bright target radiance at 5
pixels from the edge of bright targets.

3.   Electronic bright target recovery effects shall be reduced by modification
of the A/D convertor offset circuits.

4.   Instrument radiometric response functions shall be modified with a goal of
resolving bright target radiance in all spectral bands for all science gains
using a bilinear response approach. This reduces the sensitivity of one
detector channel of each spectral band, in order to aid ground processing
reduction of remaining stray light effects. Three detectors for each band shall
have a saturation radiance defined by the maximum science radiance defined by
the maximum science radiance column of Table 1 below. The remaining detector
shall have a saturation radiance defined by the maximum cloud radiance column
of Table 1. Science gains 2, 3, and 4 shall be adjustable by the target ratios
specified in Table 1 (adjustments to conform with available resistors are
acceptable). The cloud channel gain shall be constant with gain choice. Table 1
below provides



                                     Page 3
<PAGE>   83


SF30 (cont'd) Contract NAS5-31350                       Modification Eight (8)

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
changes to Table 1. Attachment B of Section J, Part 2.1: and Tables 1 and 2
of Modification Three to this contract.

          Maximum Science  Maximum Cloud                                            
             Radiance         Radiance     
Spectral  [mW/cm(2) sr     [mW/cm(2) sr     Science  Science  Science  Science
Band           ****           ****          Gain 1   Gain 2   Gain 3   Gain 4
- --------  --------------   --------------  -------  -------  -------  -------
<S>       <C>              <C>             <C>      <C>      <C>      <C>       
1                  10.84            60.02        1        2     1.30     1.70
2                  10.46            66.24        1        2     1.30     1.70 
3                   8.19            68.17        1        2     0.90     1.70
4                   7.05            65.62        1        2     0.79     1.70
5                   5.74            65.16        1        2     0.72     1.60
6                   3.21            53.78        1        2     0.38     0.66
7                   2.29            42.95        1        2     0.32     0.58
8                   1.62            34.05        1        2     0.26     0.50
</TABLE>

5.  The Instrument transient response to bright targets shall be characterized
by performing the following measurements, at a minimum:

a.  measurement of the response of the instrument at two overdrive levels with
three different slit widths, 1, 3, and 10 pixels (10 pixels tall in
cross-track), for all 8 bands, 4:1 TDI, and

b.  measurement of the response of the instrument to a one pixel wide slit,
3 pixels tall, at five along track positions, for one band, 4:1 TDI.

6.  The IFOV at nadir and zero tilt specification in 2.2.1 of Performance
Specifications shall be 1 + 0.21 kilometer.

In addition, the following shall be accomplished in order to screen GAC data
for effects of bright targets which are not sampled in the GAC stream:

The Contractor will attempt to provide a one bit cloud mask based on a single
channel and threshold value. This mask, but not the GAC science data, can be
compressed without risk. Compression ratios of much greater than 100:1 should
enable the mask to be inserted in the header without affecting the GAC data
format structure. If the selection of the particular channel and count
threshold cannot be commanded from the ground, GSFC will provide a
recommendation for a fixed channel and threshold."

5)  The Contractor hereby releases the Government from any and all liability
under this contract for past, present, and future equitable adjustments
attributable to such facts or circumstances giving rise to this change order.

All other terms and conditions of the contract remain unchanged as a result of
this modification.

6)  This bilateral change order constitutes a complete and final settlement and
equitable adjustment at no cost to the subject contract.



                                     Page 4
<PAGE>   84


<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
<S>                                  <C>                      <C>                              <C>    <C>     <C>      <C>
____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

                                                                                               1. CONTRACT ID CODE     PAGE OF PAGES
AMENDMENT OF SOLICITATION/MODIFICATION OF CONTRACT                                                                       1       3

____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

2. AMENDMENT/MODIFICATION NO.        3. EFFECTIVE DATE        4. REQUISITION/PURCHASE REQ. NO.        5. PROJECT NO. (If applicable)
          Nine (9)                             1993                     See Block 14         

____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

6. ISSUED BY                    CODE         289              7. ADMINISTERED BY (If other than Item 6)       CODE
                                     _________________                                                             _________________

National Aeronautics and Space Administration
Goddard Space Flight Center
Greenbelt, MD 20771

____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

8. NAME AND ADDRESS OF CONTRACTOR (No., street, county, State and ZIP Code)                    (x) 9A. AMENDMENT OF SOLICITATION NO.

     Orbital Sciences Corporation                                                                  _________________________________
     14119 Sullyfield Circle                                                                      9B. DATED (SEE ITEM 11)
     P.O. Box 10840                                                                             ____________________________________
     Chantilly, Virginia 22021                                                                    10A. MODIFICATION OF CONTRACT/
                                                                                                       ORDER NO.
                                                                                                       NAS5-31350
                                                                                                   _________________________________
_______________________________________________________________________________________________  X 10B. DATED (SEE ITEM 13)
CODE                                 FACILITY CODE                                                             7/7/92

</TABLE>
________________________________________________________________________________

           11. THIS ITEM ONLY APPLIES TO AMENDMENTS OF SOLICITATIONS

________________________________________________________________________________

[ ] The above numbered solicitation is amended as set forth in Item 14. The hour
and date specified for receipt of Offers [ ] is extended, [ ] is not extended.

Offers must acknowledge receipt of this amendment prior to the hour and date
specified in the solicitation or as amended, by one of the following methods:

(a) By completing Items 8 and 15, and returning _____ copies of the amendment;
(b) By acknowledging receipt of this amendment on each copy of the offer
submitted; or (c) By separate letter or telegram which includes a reference to
the solicitation and amendment numbers. FAILURE OF YOUR ACKNOWLEDGEMENT TO BE
RECEIVED AT THE PLACE DESIGNATED FOR THE RECEIPT OF OFFERS PRIOR TO THE HOUR AND
DATE SPECIFIED MAY RESULT IN REJECTION OF YOUR OFFER. If by virtue of this
amendment you desire to change an offer already submitted, such change may be
made by telegram or letter, provided each telegram or letter makes reference to
the solicitation and this amendment, and is received prior to the opening hour
and date specified.
________________________________________________________________________________

12. ACCOUNTING AND APPROPRIATION DATA (If required) 
    BNC: 253        See Block 14        PPC: KX
________________________________________________________________________________

13. THIS ITEM APPLIES ONLY TO MODIFICATIONS OF CONTRACTS/ORDERS, IT MODIFIES THE
    CONTRACT/ORDER NO. AS DESCRIBED IN ITEM 14.
________________________________________________________________________________

(x) A. THIS CHANGE ORDER IS ISSUED PURSUANT TO: (Specify authority) THE CHANGES
       SET FORTH IN ITEM 14 ARE MADE IN THE CONTRACT/ORDER NO. IN ITEM 10A.
________________________________________________________________________________

    B. THE ABOVE NUMBERED CONTRACT/ORDER IS MODIFIED TO REFLECT THE
       ADMINISTRATIVE CHANGES (such as changes in paying office, appropriation
       date, etc.) SET FORTH IN ITEM 14, PURSUANT TO THE AUTHORITY OF
       FAR 43.103(b).
________________________________________________________________________________

    C. THIS SUPPLEMENTAL AGREEMENT IS ENTERED INTO PURSUANT TO AUTHORITY OF:
X      Clause B.3, B.4, G.1, I.11 and Basic Contract
________________________________________________________________________________

    D. OTHER (Specify type of modification and authority)
X
________________________________________________________________________________

    E. IMPORTANT: Contractor [ ] is not, [X] is required to sign this document
       and return 4 copies to the issuing office.
________________________________________________________________________________

14. DESCRIPTION OF AMENDMENT/MODIFICATION (Organized by UCF section headings,
    including solicitation/contract subject matter where feasible.)

The purpose of this modification is to provide an additional allotment of funds 
for continued performance of this contract. This modification also contains a 
reduction in the firm fixed price of the contract and makes an administrative 
change to the contract.

Accordingly:



Except as provided herein, all terms and conditions of the document referenced
in Item 9A and 10A, as heretofore changed, remains unchanged and in full force
and effect.
________________________________________________________________________________

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
<S>                                                           <C> 
15A. NAME AND TITLE OF SIGNER (Type or print)                 16A. NAME AND TITLE OF CONTRACTING OFFICER (Type or print)
               R.E. Palladino                                                        William A. Hatchl 
     ----------------------------------------                                   ---------------------------
       Director of Contracts                                                        Contracting Officer
</TABLE>
________________________________________________________________________________

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
<S>                                       <C>                 <C>                                             <C>  
15B. CONTRACTOR/OFFEROR                   15C. DATE SIGNED    16B. UNITED STATES OF AMERICA                   16C. DATE SIGNED
                                              12/14/93
 /s/  R.E. PALLADINO                                             /s/  WILLIAM A. HATCHL        
________________________________________                      BY ________________________________________        DEC 16, 1993
(Signature of person authorized to sign)                         (Signature of Contracting Officer)
</TABLE>
________________________________________________________________________________
NSN 7540-01-152-8070               30-105         STANDARD FORM 30 (REV 10.83)
PREVIOUS EDITION UNUSABLE                         Prescribed by GSA
                                                  FAR (48 CFR) 53.243
 
<PAGE>   85


Contract NAS5-31350
Modification No. 9
Page 2


1.  The Government shall perform the Solar Array Thermal Vac Set-up, Solar
Array Thermal Vac Testing, and Verification Support for the Seastar spacecraft.
Orbital Sciences Corporation shall provide the flight hardware and engineers to
oversee and monitor the testing procedures. NASA/Goddard Space Flight Center
also shall provide the testing facilities.

2.  Clause B.3--Firm Fixed Price is modified to reflect a cost savings to the
Government of $31,919 as follows:

The total firm fixed price of this contract is reduced by $31,919 from
$43,514,000 to $43,482,081.

3.  Clause B.4--Payment Schedule is revised as follows:

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
             Approx.                                  Contract
Milestone     Date     Amt ($M)     Accum. ($m)   FY    Month       
- ----------   ------    ---------    -----------   --  ---------
<S>          <C>       <C>          <C>          <C>  <C>  
Instrument    12/93    $2.968081          $30.0   94         33
Delivery
</TABLE>

4.  Orbital Sciences Corporation is not relieved of any responsibility to
comply with the Deliverable Requirements, the Statement of Work, the Performance
Specifications, and the Seastar Ocean Color Data System Description of the
contract as a result of the Government performing the work cited above. It is
understood that the above change is made without effect upon the schedule or
any other term or condition of this contract.

5.  Modification Number 8, Clause B.4--Payment Schedule and Clause
I.7--Progress Payments is revised as follows:

The title of the milestone "Release of Instrument from Spacecraft" is revised to
read "Release of Spacecraft from Carrier Aircraft."

6.  Clause G.1--Accounting and Appropriation Data is revised to include the
following:

PCN: 970-90117A(1C)
JON: 970-438-01-00-01
APP: 803/40108(93)
 OC: 97-2511
BLI: A704
AMT: $33,447


<PAGE>   86


Contract NAS5-31350
Modification No.9
Page 3


7. Clause I.11 -- limitation of funds (FIXED PRICE CONTRACT) is revised as
follows:

Paragraph (a) - Increase the total funds to this contract by $33,447 from
$37,536,553 to $37,570,000.

Paragraph (c) - change the period of allotment to extend from the effective date
of the contract through December 15, 1993.
<PAGE>   87


<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
<S>                                  <C>                      <C>                              <C>    <C>     <C>      <C>
____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

                                                                                               1. CONTRACT ID CODE     PAGE OF PAGES
AMENDMENT OF SOLICITATION/MODIFICATION OF CONTRACT                                                                       1       2

____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

2. AMENDMENT/MODIFICATION NO.        3. EFFECTIVE DATE        4. REQUISITION/PURCHASE REQ. NO.        5. PROJECT NO. (If applicable)
         Ten (10)                       Mar 14 1994              See Block 14            

____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

6. ISSUED BY                    CODE         289              7. ADMINISTERED BY (If other than Item 6)       CODE
                                     _________________                                                             _________________

NASA/Goddard Space Flight Center
Greenbelt Road
Greenbelt, MD 20771

____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

8. NAME AND ADDRESS OF CONTRACTOR (No., street, county, State and ZIP Code)                    (x) 9A. AMENDMENT OF SOLICITATION NO.

     Orbital Sciences Corporation                                                                  _________________________________
     21700 Atlantic Boulevard                                                                      9B. DATED (SEE ITEM 11)
     Dulles, VA 21066                                                                          _____________________________________
                                                                                                   10A. MODIFICATION OF CONTRACT/
                                                                                                        ORDER NO.
                                                                                                        NAS5-31350
                                                                                                   _________________________________
_______________________________________________________________________________________________  X 10B. DATED (SEE ITEM 13)
CODE                                 FACILITY CODE                                                             3-29-91

</TABLE>
________________________________________________________________________________

           11. THIS ITEM ONLY APPLIES TO AMENDMENTS OF SOLICITATIONS

________________________________________________________________________________

[ ] The above numbered solicitation is amended as set forth in Item 14. The hour
and date specified for receipt of Offers [ ] is extended, [ ] is not extended.

Offers must acknowledge receipt of this amendment prior to the hour and date
specified in the solicitation or as amended, by one of the following methods:

(a) By completing Items 8 and 15, and returning _____ copies of the amendment;
(b) By acknowledging receipt of this amendment on each copy of the offer
submitted; or (c) By separate letter or telegram which includes a reference to
the solicitation and amendment numbers. FAILURE OF YOUR ACKNOWLEDGEMENT TO BE
RECEIVED AT THE PLACE DESIGNATED FOR THE RECEIPT OF OFFERS PRIOR TO THE HOUR AND
DATE SPECIFIED MAY RESULT IN REJECTION OF YOUR OFFER. If by virtue of this
amendment you desire to change an offer already submitted, such change may be
made by telegram or letter, provided each telegram or letter makes reference to
the solicitation and this amendment, and is received prior to the opening hour
and date specified.

________________________________________________________________________________

12. ACCOUNTING AND APPROPRIATION DATA (If required) 
    BNC: 253        See Block 14        PPC: KX

________________________________________________________________________________

13. THIS ITEM APPLIES ONLY TO MODIFICATIONS OF CONTRACTS/ORDERS, IT MODIFIES THE
    CONTRACT/ORDER NO. AS DESCRIBED IN ITEM 14.

________________________________________________________________________________

(x) A. THIS CHANGE ORDER IS ISSUED PURSUANT TO: (Specify authority) THE CHANGES
       SET FORTH IN ITEM 14 ARE MADE IN THE CONTRACT/ORDER NO. IN ITEM 10A.

________________________________________________________________________________

    B. THE ABOVE NUMBERED CONTRACT/ORDER IS MODIFIED TO REFLECT THE ADMINISTRA-
       TIVE CHANGES (such as changes in paying office, appropriation date, etc.)
       SET FORTH IN ITEM 14, PURSUANT TO THE AUTHORITY OF FAR 43.103(b).

________________________________________________________________________________

    C. THIS SUPPLEMENTAL AGREEMENT IS ENTERED INTO PURSUANT TO AUTHORITY OF:

________________________________________________________________________________

    D. OTHER (Specify type of modification and authority)
X      This unilateral modification is entered into pursuant to the 
       Limitation of Funds Clause (52.232-22)    
________________________________________________________________________________

    E. IMPORTANT: Contractor [X] is not, [ ] is required to sign this document
       and return ____ copies to the issuing office.
________________________________________________________________________________

14. DESCRIPTION OF AMENDMENT/MODIFICATION (Organized by UCF section headings,
    including solicitation/contract subject matter where feasible.)

The purpose of this modification is to provide an additional allotment of funds 
for continued performance of this contract.

Accordingly:


Except as provided herein, all terms and conditions of the document referenced
in Item 9A and 10A, as heretofore changed, remains unchanged and in full force
and effect.

________________________________________________________________________________

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
<S>                                                           <C> 
15A. NAME AND TITLE OF SIGNER (Type or print)                 16A. NAME AND TITLE OF CONTRACTING OFFICER (Type or print)
                                                                                    Stephen P. Cimino
     ________________________________________                                      Contracting Officer
                Contractor/Offeror
</TABLE>

________________________________________________________________________________

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
<S>                                       <C>                 <C>                                             <C>  
15B. CONTRACTOR/OFFEROR                   15C. DATE SIGNED    16B. UNITED STATES OF AMERICA                   16C. DATE SIGNED

                                                              BY /s/ Stephen P. Cimino                           MAR 14 1994
________________________________________                         ________________________________________
(Signature of person authorized to sign)                            (Signature of Contracting Officer)
</TABLE>
________________________________________________________________________________

NSN 7540-01-152-8070            30-105             STANDARD FORM 30 (Rev. 10-83)
PREVIOUS EDITION UNUSABLE                          Prescribed by GSA
                                                   FAR (48CFR) 53.243
<PAGE>   88
Contract NAS5-31350
Modification No. 10
Page 2

1. Clause G.1--Accounting and Appropriation Data is revised to include the
following:

PCN: 970-90126A(1C)
JON: 970-438-01-00-01
APP: 804/50108(93)
 OC: 97-2511
BLI: A701
AMT: $1,030,000

2. Clause I.11-Limitation of Funds (FIXED PRICE CONTRACT) is revised as follows:

Paragraph (a) - Increase the total funds to this contract by $1,030,000 from
$37,570,000 to $38,600,000.

Paragraph (c) - change the period of allotment to extend from the effective
date of the contract through March 31, 1994.
<PAGE>   89

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>                                                                                   
<S>                                  <C>                      <C>                              <C>    <C>     <C>      <C>
                                                                                                    OMB Approval Number 2700-0042
____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
                                                                                               1. CONTRACT ID CODE     PAGE OF PAGES
AMENDMENT OF SOLICITATION/MODIFICATION OF CONTRACT                                                                       1       2
____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
2. AMENDMENT/MODIFICATION NO.        3. EFFECTIVE DATE        4. REQUISITION/PURCHASE REQ. NO.        5. PROJECT NO. (If applicable)
        Eleven (11)                     SEP 22 1994              See Block 14            
____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
6. ISSUED BY                    CODE         289              7. ADMINISTERED BY (If other than Item 6)       CODE
                                     _________________                                                             _________________
   NASA/Goddard Space Flight Center
   Greenbelt Road
   Greenbelt, MD 20771
____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
8. NAME AND ADDRESS OF CONTRACTOR (No., street, county, State and ZIP Code)                    (x) 9A. AMENDMENT OF SOLICITATION NO.
                                                                                               ___
     Orbital Sciences Corporation                                                                  _________________________________
     21700 Atlantic Boulevard                                                                      9B. DATED (SEE ITEM 11) 
     Dulies, VA 21066                                                                          _____________________________________
                                                                                                   10A. MODIFICATION OF CONTRACT/
                                                                                                        ORDER NO. NAS5-31350
                                                                                                   _________________________________
_______________________________________________________________________________________________  X 10B. DATED (SEE ITEM 13)
CODE                                 FACILITY CODE                                                      March 29, 1991
</TABLE>
________________________________________________________________________________
           11. THIS ITEM ONLY APPLIES TO AMENDMENTS OF SOLICITATIONS
________________________________________________________________________________
[ ] The above numbered solicitation is amended as set forth in Item 14. The hour
and date specified for receipt of Offers [ ] is extended, [ ] is not extended.

Offers must acknowledge receipt of this amendment prior to the hour and date
specified in the solicitation or as amended, by one of the following methods:

(a) By completing Items 8 and 15, and returning _____ copies of the amendment;
(b) By acknowledging receipt of this amendment on each copy of the offer
submitted; or (c) By separate letter or telegram which includes a reference to
the solicitation and amendment numbers. FAILURE OF YOUR ACKNOWLEDGEMENT TO BE
RECEIVED AT THE PLACE DESIGNATED FOR THE RECEIPT OF OFFERS PRIOR TO THE HOUR AND
DATE SPECIFIED MAY RESULT IN REJECTION OF YOUR OFFER. If by virtue of this
amendment you desire to change an offer already submitted, such change may be
made by telegram or letter, provided each telegram or letter makes reference to
the solicitation and this amendment, and is received prior to the opening hour
and date specified.
________________________________________________________________________________
12. ACCOUNTING AND APPROPRIATION DATA  (If required)
    BNC: 253          See Block 14             PPC: KX
________________________________________________________________________________
13. THIS ITEM ONLY APPLIES TO MODIFICATIONS OF CONTRACTS/ORDERS, IT MODIFIES THE
                  CONTRACT/ORDER NO. AS DESCRIBED IN ITEM 14.
________________________________________________________________________________
(x) A. THIS CHANGE ORDER IS ISSUED PURSUANT TO: (Specify authority) THE CHANGES
       SET FORTH IN ITEM 14 ARE MADE IN THE CONTRACT/ORDER NO. IN ITEM 10A.
________________________________________________________________________________
    B. THE ABOVE NUMBERED CONTRACT/ORDER IS MODIFIED TO REFLECT THE 
 X     ADMINISTRATIVE CHANGES (such as changes in paying office, appropriation 
       date, etc.) SET FORTH IN ITEM 14, PURSUANT TO THE AUTHORITY OF 
       FAR 43.103(b).
________________________________________________________________________________
    C. THIS SUPPLEMENTAL AGREEMENT IS ENTERED INTO PURSUANT TO AUTHORITY OF:
________________________________________________________________________________
 X  D. OTHER (Specify type of modification and authority)
       This unilateral modification is entered into pursuant to the Limitation
       of Funds clause of this contract. (52.232-22)
________________________________________________________________________________
    E. IMPORTANT: Contractor [X] is not, [ ] is required to sign this document 
       and return ____ copies to the issuing office.
________________________________________________________________________________
14. DESCRIPTION OF AMENDMENT/MODIFICATION (Organized by UCF section headings,
    including solicitation/contract subject matter where feasible.)

The purpose of this modification is to provide an additional allotment of funds
for continued performance of this contract. This modification also makes an 
administrative change to Clauses I.7 and I.11.

Accordingly:

Accept as provided herein, all terms and conditions of the document referenced
in Item 9A and 10A, as heretofore changed, remains unchanged and in full force
and effect.
________________________________________________________________________________
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
<S>                                                           <C> 
15A. NAME AND TITLE OF SIGNER (Type or print)                 16A. NAME AND TITLE OF CONTRACTING OFFICER (Type or print)
                                                                                    Stephen P. Cimino
     ________________________________________                                      Contracting Officer
                Contractor/Offeror
</TABLE>
________________________________________________________________________________
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
<S>                                       <C>                 <C>                                             <C>  
15B. CONTRACTOR/OFFEROR                   15C. DATE SIGNED    16B. UNITED STATES OF AMERICA                   16C. DATE SIGNED

                                                                  /s/ Stephen P. Cimino 
________________________________________                      BY ________________________________________        SEP 22 1994
(Signature of person authorized to sign)                          (Signature of Contractng Officer)
</TABLE>
________________________________________________________________________________
NSN 7540-01-152-8070             30-105           STANDARD FORM 30 (REV 10.83) 
PREVIOUS EDITION UNUSABLE                         Prescribed by GSA
                                                  FAR (48 CFR) 53.243
<PAGE>   90
Contract NAS5-31350
Modification No. 11
Page 2

1. Clause G.1--Accounting and Appropriation Data is revised to include the
following:

PCN: 970-90217A(1C)
JON: 970-438-01-00-01
APP: 804/50108(94)
 OC: 97-2511
BLI: A702
AMT: $2,170,000

2. Clause I.7--Progress payments is revised as follows:

               APPROX.                                     CONTRACT 
MILESTONE       DATE       AMT($M)    ACCUM.($M)    FY      MONTH
- ---------      -------     -------    ----------    --     --------
Instrument      12/93     $2.968081    $30.0        94        33  
Delivery

3. Clause I.11--Limitation of Funds (FIXED PRICE CONTRACT) is revised as
follows:

Paragraph (a) - Increase the total fund to this contract by $2,170,000 from
$38,600,000 to $40,770,000.

The Schedule for Allotment of Funds - Change the allotment amounts as follows:
     
           Date                           Amounts
           ----                           -------
     November 15, 1992                  $15,564,000
     November 15, 1994                  $   568,081

Paragraph (c) - Change the period of allotment to extend from the effective
date of the contract through September 30, 1995.
<PAGE>   91
                   National Aeronautics and                               [LOGO]
                   Space Administration

                   GODDARD SPACE FLIGHT CENTER
                   Greenbelt, MD 20771

                                                              September 22, 1994
Reply to Attn of:

                   289
              
                   Orbital Sciences Corporation
                   21700 Atlantic Boulevard
                   Dulles, VA 21066
              
                   Subject: Contract NAS5-31350, Modification No. 11.
              
                   Enclosed is a fully executed copy of the subject document.
              
                   Please acknowledge receipt of enclosure on the duplication
                   copy of this letter and return to the undersigned at Code
                   289.


                   Monica Montague
                   Contract Specialist



                   -------------------------------
                   Signature



                   -------------------------------
                   Date
<PAGE>   92
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                                       OMB Approval Number 2700-0042
<S>                                  <C>                      <C>                              <C>    <C>     <C>      <C>
____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
                                                                                               1. CONTRACT ID CODE     PAGE OF PAGES
AMENDMENT OF SOLICITATION/MODIFICATION OF CONTRACT                                                                       1       2
____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
2. AMENDMENT/MODIFICATION NO.        3. EFFECTIVE DATE        4. REQUISITION/PURCHASE REQ. NO.        5. PROJECT NO. (If applicable)
          Twelve (12)                   Dec 5 1994               See Block 14   
____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
6. ISSUED BY                    CODE         289              7. ADMINISTERED BY (If other than Item 6)       CODE
                                     _________________                                                             _________________
   NASA/Goddard Space Flight Center
   Greenbelt Road
   Greenbelt, MD 20771
____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
8. NAME AND ADDRESS OF CONTRACTOR (No., street, county, State and ZIP Code)                    (x) 9A. AMENDMENT OF SOLICITATION NO.
    
     Orbital Sciences Corporation                                                                  _________________________________
     21700 Atlantic Boulevard                                                                      9B. DATED (See Item 11) 
     Dulles, VA 21066                                                                          _____________________________________
                                                                                                  10A. MODIFICATION OF CONTRACT/
                                                                                                       ORDER NO. NAS5-31350
                                                                                                   _________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________________________  X 10B. DATED (See Item 13)
CODE                                 FACILITY CODE                                                     March 29, 1991
</TABLE>
________________________________________________________________________________
           11. THIS ITEM ONLY APPLIES TO AMENDMENTS OF SOLICITATIONS
________________________________________________________________________________
[ ] The above number solicitation is amended as set forth in Item 14. The hour
and date specified for receipt of Offers [ ] is extended, [ ] is not extended.

Offers must acknowledge receipt of this amendment prior to the hour and date
specified in the solicitation or as amended, by one of the following methods:

(a) By completing Items 8 and 15, and returning _____ copies of the amendment;
(b) By acknowledging receipt of this amendment on each copy of the offer
submitted; or (c) By separate letter or telegram which includes a reference to
the solicitation and amendment numbers. FAILURE OF YOUR ACKNOWLEDGEMENT TO BE
RECEIVED AT THE PLACE DESIGNATED FOR THE RECEIPT OF OFFERS PRIOR TO THE HOUR AND
DATE SPECIFIED MAY RESULT IN REJECTION OF YOUR OFFER. If by virtue of this
amendment you desire to change an offer already submitted, such change may be
made by telegram or letter, provided each telegram or letter makes reference to
the solicitation and this amendment, and is received prior to the opening hour
and date specified.
________________________________________________________________________________
12. ACCOUNTING AND APPROPRIATION DATA (If required)
        BNC: 253        See Block 14          PPC: KX
________________________________________________________________________________
13. THIS ITEM APPLIES TO MODIFICATIONS OF CONTRACTS/ORDERS, IT MODIFIES THE
                  CONTRACT/ORDER NO. AS DESCRIBED IN ITEM 14.
________________________________________________________________________________
(x) A. THIS CHANGE ORDER IS ISSUED PURSUANT TO: (Specify authority) THE CHANGES
       SET FORTH IN ITEM 14 ARE MADE IN THE CONTRACT/ORDER NO. IN ITEM 10A.
________________________________________________________________________________
    B. THE ABOVE NUMBERED CONTRACT/ORDER IS MODIFIED TO REFLECT THE 
 X     ADMINISTRATIVE CHANGES (such as changes in paying office, appropriation 
       data, etc.) SET FORTH IN ITEM 14, PURSUANT TO THE AUTHORITY OF 
       FAR 43.103(b).
________________________________________________________________________________
    C. THIS SUPPLEMENTAL AGREEMENT IS ENTERED INTO PURSUANT TO AUTHORITY OF:
________________________________________________________________________________
    D. OTHER (Specify type of modification and authority)
 X     This unilateral modification is entered into pursuant to the Limitation
       of Funds clause of this contract. (52.232-22)
________________________________________________________________________________
IMPORTANT: Contractor [X] is not, [ ] is required to sign this document and
return ____ copies to the issuing office.
________________________________________________________________________________
14. DESCRIPTION OF AMENDMENT/MODIFICATION (Organized by UCF section headings,
    including solicitation/contract subject matter where feasible.)

The purpose of this modification is to provide an additional allotment of funds
for continued performance of this contract.

Accordingly:

(See Page 2)

Accept as provided herein, all terms and conditions of the document referenced
in Item 9A and 10A, as heretofore changed, remains unchanged and in full force
and effect.
________________________________________________________________________________
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
<S>                                                           <C> 
15A. NAME AND TITLE OF SIGNER (Type or print)                 16A. NAME AND TITLE OF CONTRACTING OFFICER (Type or print)
                                                                                    Stephen P. Cimino
     ________________________________________                                      Contracting Officer
               Contractor/Offender
</TABLE>
________________________________________________________________________________
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
<S>                                       <C>                 <C>                                             <C>  
15B. CONTRACTOR/OFFEROR                   15C. DATE SIGNED    16B. UNITED STATES OF AMERICA                   16C. DATE SIGNED

                                                              BY /s/ STEPHEN P. CIMINO
________________________________________                         ________________________________________       Dec 5 1994
(Signature of person authorized to sign)                         (Signature of Contracting Officer)
</TABLE>
________________________________________________________________________________
NSN 7540-01-152-8070              30-105          STANDARD FORM 30 (REV 10.83) 
PREVIOUS EDITION UNUSABLE                         Prescribed by GSA
                                                  FAR (48 CFR) 53.243
<PAGE>   93
Contract NAS5-31350
Modification No. 12
Page 2


1.  Clause G.1--Accounting and Appropriation Data is revised to include the
following:

PCN:  970-22524A(1C)                PCN:  970-22524B(1C)
JON:  970-438-01-00-01              JON:  970-463-11-01-01
APP:  804/50108(94)                 APP:  804/50108(94)
 OC:  97-2511                        OC:  97-2511
BLI:  A703                          BLI:  A702
AMT:  $644,400                      AMT:  $377,739

PCN:  970-22524A(1C)                PCN:  970-22524B(1C)
JON:  976-579-11-05-01              JON:  970-438-01-00-02
APP:  804/50108(94)                 APP:  804/50108(94)
 OC:  97-2511                        OC:  97-2511
BLI:  A701                          BLI:  A715
AMT:  $3,339                        AMT:  $2,000

TOTAL:  $1,027,478

2.  Clause I.11--Limitation of Funds (FIXED PRICE CONTRACT) is revised as
follows:

Paragraph (a) - Increase the total fund to this contract by $1,027,478 from
$40,770,000 to $41,797,478.

Paragraph (c) - Change the period of allotment to extend from the effective
date of the contract through December 31, 1995.
<PAGE>   94
                   National Aeronautics and 
                   Space Administration
                                                                        [LOGO] 
                   GODDARD SPACE FLIGHT CENTER
                   Greenbelt, MD 20771
                                                              December 5, 1994

Reply to Attn of:
               
                   289

                   Orbital Sciences Corporation
                   21700 Atlantic Boulevard
                   Dulles, VA 21066
                   
                   Subject: Contract NAS5-31350, Modification No. 12.
                   
                   Enclosed is a fully executed copy of the subject document.
                   
                   Please acknowledge receipt of enclosure on the duplication
                   copy of this letter and return to the undersigned at Code
                   289.



                   Monica Montague
                   Contract Specialist




                   --------------------------
                   Signature



                   --------------------------
                   Date
<PAGE>   95
                                                   OMB Approval Number 2700-0042
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
<S>                                  <C>                      <C>                              <C>    <C>     <C>      <C>
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
AMENDMENT OF SOLICITATION/MODIFICATION OF CONTRACT                                             1. CONTRACT ID CODE     PAGE OF PAGES
                                                                                                                         1       2
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
2. AMENDMENT/MODIFICATION NO.        3. EFFECTIVE DATE        4. REQUISITION/PURCHASE REQ. NO.        5. PROJECT NO. (If applicable)
        Thirteen (13)                   Jan. 19 1995             See Block 14                    
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
6. ISSUED BY                    CODE         289              7. ADMINISTERED BY (If other than Item 6)       CODE
                                     _________________                                                             _________________

    NASA/Gooddard Space Flight Center
    Greenbelt Road
    Greenbelt, MD 20771
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
8. NAME AND ADDRESS OF CONTRACTOR (No., street, county, State and ZIP Code)                    (x) 9A. AMENDMENT OF SOLICITATION NO.
    
     Orbital Sciences Corporation                                                                  _________________________________
     21700 Atlantic Boulevard                                                                       9B. DATED (SEE ITEM 11) 
     Dulles, VA 21066                                                                          _____________________________________
                                                                                                   10A. MODIFICATION OF CONTRACT/
                                                                                                        ORDER NO.
                                                                                                        NAS5-31350
                                                                                                   _________________________________
_______________________________________________________________________________________________  X 10B. DATED (SEE ITEM 13)
CODE                                 FACILITY CODE                                                      March 29, 1991
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
           11. THIS ITEM ONLY APPLIES TO AMENDMENTS OF SOLICITATIONS
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
</TABLE>
[ ] The above numbered solicitation is amended as set forth in Item 14. The hour
and date specified for receipt of Offers [ ] is extended, [ ] is not extended.
Offers must acknowledge receipt of this amendment prior to the hour and date
specified in the solicitation or as amended, by one of the following methods:

(a) By completing Items 8 and 15, and returning _____ copies of the amendment;
(b) By acknowledging receipt of this amendment on each copy of the offer
submitted; or (c) By separate letter or telegram which includes a reference to
the solicitation and amendment numbers. FAILURE OF YOUR ACKNOWLEDGEMENT TO BE
RECEIVED AT THE PLACE DESIGNATED FOR THE RECEIPT OF OFFERS PRIOR TO THE HOUR AND
DATE SPECIFIED MAY RESULT IN REJECTION OF YOUR OFFER. If by virtue of this
amendment you desire to change an offer already submitted, such change may be
made by telegram or better, provided each telegram or letter makes reference to
the solicitation and this amendment, and is received prior to the opening hour
and date specified.
________________________________________________________________________________
12. ACCOUNTING AND APPROPRIATION DATA (If required) 
       BNC: 253          See Block 14               PPC: KX
________________________________________________________________________________
13. THIS ITEM APPLIES ONLY TO MODIFICATIONS OF CONTRACTS/ORDERS, IT MODIFIES THE
                  CONTRACT/ORDER NO. AS DESCRIBED IN ITEM 14.
________________________________________________________________________________
(x) A. THIS CHANGE ORDER IS ISSUED PURSUANT TO: (Specify authority) THE CHANGES
       SET FORTH IN ITEM 14 ARE MADE IN THE CONTRACT/ORDER NO. IN ITEM 10A.
________________________________________________________________________________
    B. THE ABOVE NUMBERED CONTRACT/ORDER IS MODIFIED TO REFLECT THE
       ADMINISTRATIVE CHANGES (such as changes in paying office, appropriation
       date, etc.) SET FORTH IN ITEM 14, PURSUANT TO THE AUTHORITY OF
       FAR 43.03(b).
________________________________________________________________________________
    C. THIS SUPPLEMENTAL AGREEMENT IS ENTERED INTO PURSUANT TO AUTHORITY OF:
________________________________________________________________________________
    D. OTHER (Specify type of modification and authority)
 X     This unilateral modification is entered into pursuant to the Limitation
       of Funds clause of this contract. (52.232-22)
________________________________________________________________________________
    E. IMPORTANT: Contractor [X] is not, [ ] is required to sign this document 
       and return ______ copies to the issuing office.
________________________________________________________________________________
14. DESCRIPTION OF AMENDMENT/MODIFICATION (Organized by UCF section headings,
    including solicitation/contract subject matter where feasible.)

The purpose of this modification is to provide an additional allotment of funds 
for continued performance of this contract.

Accordingly:

Except as provided herein, all terms and conditions of the document referenced
in Item 9A and 10A, as heretofore changed, remains unchanged and in full force
and effect.
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S>                                                           <C> 
15A. NAME AND TITLE OF SIGNER (Type or print)                 16A. NAME AND TITLE OF CONTRACTING OFFICER (Type or print)
                                                                                    Stephen P. Cimino
                                                                                   Contracting Officer
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
15B. CONTRACTOR/OFFEROR                   15C. DATE SIGNED    16B. UNITED STATES OF AMERICA                   16C. DATE SIGNED

                                                                 /s/ Stephen P. Cimino                                       
________________________________________                      BY ________________________________________        Jan. 19, 1995
(Signature of person authorized to sign)                         (Signature of Contracting Officer)
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
NSN 7540-01-152-8070                                   30-105                                          STANDARD FORM 30 (REV 10.83) 
PREVIOUS EDITION UNUSABLE                                                                              Prescribed by GSA
                                                                                                       FAR (48 CFR) 53.243
</TABLE>

 
<PAGE>   96

Contract NAS5-31350
Modification No. 13
Page 2


1. Clause G.1 -- Accounting and Appropriation Data is revised to include the
following:

PCN:  970-22527B(1C)
JON:  970-438-01-00-01
APP:  804/50108(94)
 OC:  97-2550
BLI:  A701
AMT:  $38,359

2. Clause I.11 -- Limitation of Funds (FIXED PRICE CONTRACT) is revised as
follows:

Paragraph (a) - Increase the total fund to this contract by $38,359 from
$41,797,478 to $41,835,837.
<PAGE>   97
National Aeronautics and
Space Administration
                   
GODDARD SPACE FLIGHT CENTER
Greenbelt, MD 20771
                   
                                                                     [NASA LOGO]
                                                                January 19, 1995

Reply to Attn of:  289
              
Orbital Sciences Corporation
21700 Atlantic Blvd.
Dulles, VA  21066

Subject:  Contract NAS5-31350, Modification No. 13


Enclosed is a fully executed copy of the subject document.

Please acknowledge receipt of enclosure on the duplication copy of this letter 
and return to the undersigned at Code 289.



/s/ MORION M. JONES FOR

Monica Montague
Contract Specialist


 [sig]
- -------------------------------
Signature


  2/3/95
- -------------------------------
Date

<PAGE>   98


<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
<S>                                                           <C>                              
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                                               1. CONTRACT ID CODE     PAGE OF PAGES
AMENDMENT OF SOLICITATION/MODIFICATION OF CONTRACT                                                                      1A       2
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

2. AMENDMENT/MODIFICATION NO.        3. EFFECTIVE DATE        4. REQUISITION/PURCHASE REQ. NO.        5. PROJECT NO. (If applicable)
        14                              See Block 16             *                        
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
6. ISSUED BY                    CODE 219                      7. ADMINISTERED BY (If other than Item 6)       CODE
                                     -----------------                                                             -----------------

   National Aeronautics and Space Administration
   Goddard Space Flight Center
   Code 219, Bldg. 16
   Greenbelt, Maryland 20771
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
8. NAME AND ADDRESS OF CONTRACTOR (No., street, county, State and ZIP Code)                    (x) 9A. AMENDMENT OF SOLICITATION NO.

   ORBITAL SCIENCES CORPORATION                                                                    ---------------------------------
   21700 Atlantic Boulevard                                                                        9B. DATED (SEE ITEM 11)
   Dulles, VA 21066                                                                                ---------------------------------
                                                                                                   10A. MODIFICATION OF CONTRACT/
                                                                                                 X      ORDER NO. NAS5-31350
                                                                                                   ---------------------------------
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------    10B. DATED (SEE ITEM 13)
CODE                                 FACILITY CODE                                                       03/29/91
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                      11. THIS ITEM ONLY APPLIES TO AMENDMENTS OF SOLICITATIONS
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
[ ] The above numbered solicitation is amended as set forth in Item 14. The hour and date specified for receipt of Offers [ ] is
extended, [ ] is not extended.

Offers must acknowledge receipt of this amendment prior to the hour and date specified in the solicitation or as amended, by one of
the following methods:

(a) By completing Items 8 and 15, and returning _____ copies of the amendment; (b) By acknowledging receipt of this amendment on
each copy of the offer submitted; or (c) By separate letter or telegram which includes a reference to the solicitation and amendment
numbers. FAILURE OF YOUR ACKNOWLEDGEMENT TO BE RECEIVED AT THE PLACE DESIGNATED FOR THE RECEIPT OF OFFERS PRIOR TO THE HOUR AND
DATE SPECIFIED MAY RESULT IN REJECTION OF YOUR OFFER. If by virtue of this amendment you desire to change an offer already
submitted, such change may be made by telegram or letter, provided each telegram or letter makes reference to the solicitation and
this amendment, and is received prior to the opening hour and date specified.
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
12. ACCOUNTING AND APPROPRIATION DATA (If required) 
    *                                                   
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
13. THIS ITEM APPLIES ONLY TO MODIFICATIONS OF CONTRACTS/ORDER, IT MODIFIES THE CONTRACT/ORDER NO. AS DESCRIBED IN ITEM 14.
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
(x) A. THIS CHANGE ORDER IS ISSUED PURSUANT TO: (Specify authority) THE CHANGES SET FORTH IN ITEM 14 ARE MADE IN CONTRACT
       ORDER NO. IN ITEM 10A.
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
    B. THE ABOVE NUMBERED CONTRACT/ORDER IS MODIFIED TO REFLECT THE ADMINISTRATIVE CHANGES (such as changes in paying office,
       appropriation date, etc.) SET FORTH IN ITEM 14, PURSUANT TO THE AUTHORITY OF FAR 43.103(b).
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
    C. THIS SUPPLEMENTAL AGREEMENT IS ENTERED INTO PURSUANT TO AUTHORITY OF:

- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
    D. OTHER (Specify type of modification and authority)

- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
    E.  IMPORTANT: Contractor [X] is not, [ ] is required to sign this document and return  _____ copies to the issuing office.
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
14. DESCRIPTION OF AMENDMENT/MODIFICATION (Organized by UCF section headings, including solicitation/contract subject matter where
    feasible.)
    *See next page.

Except as provided herein, all terms and conditions of the document referenced in item 9A and 10A, as heretofore changed, remains
unchanged and in full force and effect.
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
15A. NAME AND TITLE OF SIGNER (Type or print)                 16A. NAME AND TITLE OF CONTRACTING OFFICER (Type or print)

                                                                                     Lynne C. Hoppel
                                                                                   Contracting Officer
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
15B. CONTRACTOR/OFFEROR                   15C. DATE SIGNED    16B. UNITED STATES OF AMERICA                   16C. DATE SIGNED

                                                                 
                                                              BY  /s/ LYNNE C. HOPPEL
- ----------------------------------------                         ----------------------------------------       
(Signature of person authorized to sign)                          (Signature of Contracting Officer)            4/17/96
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
</TABLE>

NSN 7540-010152-8070             30-105           STANDARD FORM 30 (REV 10.83) 
PREVIOUS EDITION UNUSABLE                         Prescribed by GSA
                                                  FAR (48 CFR) 53.243
<PAGE>   99
NAS5-31350, Modification No. 14
Orbital Sciences Corp.
Page 1

The purpose of this modification is to A) change the Contracting Officer's
Technical Representative; B) make administrative updates to the contract; and C)
provide incremental funding. Therefore, the following changes are made:


14A. Article G2 entitled, "CONTRACTING OFFICER'S TECHNICAL REPRESENTATIVE" is
deleted in its entirety to recognize a new representative. 
Article G.2, same title, is replaced as follows:

          "ARTICLE G.2--CONTRACTING OFFICER'S TECHNICAL REPRESENTATIVE

          The Contracting Officer's Technical Representative (COTR) for the
          purposes of monitoring the coordinating the technical requirements of
          this contract is DR. MARY L. CLEAVE, CODE 970.2, TELEPHONE
          301/286-1404.

          Specific duties and responsibilities of the COTR are those delegated
          in the COTR Delegation Letter, NASA Form 1634, for this contract.

                                 (End of Text)"

14B. Make the following administrative changes:

          14B.i. Block 5 of the Standard Form (SF) 26, "ISSUED BY," is deleted
          in its entirety and the following inserted in lieu thereof:

          NASA/Goddard Space Flight Center
          Earth Sciences Procurement Office, Code 219
          Greenbelt Road, Greenbelt, MD 20771


          14B.ii. Block 7 of the SF 26, "NAME AND ADDRESS OF CONTRACTOR," is
          modified to reflect a change in address for the Contractor as follows:

          Orbital Sciences Corporation 
          21700 Atlantic Boulevard 
          Dulles, VA 21066
<PAGE>   100
NAS5-31350, Modification NO. 14
Orbital Sciences Corp.
Page 2

     14B.iii. Modify Block 12 of the SF 26 "PAYMENT WILL BE MADE BY," to reflect
     a different address as follows:

     NASA/Goddard Space Flight Center
     Financial Management Division
     Accounts Payable Section, Code 151.3A
     Greenbelt Road
     Greenbelt, MD 20771

     14.B.iv. Modify Article G.4 entitled, "INVOICES-SUBMISSION OF (GSFC
     52.232.95)(OCT 1988)," to reflect a different address for submission of
     invoices as follows:

     NASA/Goddard Space Flight Center
     Financial Management Division
     Accounts Payable Section, Code 151.3A
     Greenbelt Road
     Greenbelt, MD 20771

14C. Article I.11 entitled, "LIMITATION OF FUNDS (FIXED PRICE
CONTRACT)(18-52-232-77)(MARCH 1989)(DEVIATION)," is modified to increase the
level of incremental funds from: $41,835,837.00; by: $1,100,000.00; to:
$42,935,837.00. It is contemplated that funds presently allotted to this
contract will be applied to the work to be performed until July, 2001.
 
14D. Clause G.1 entitled, "ACCOUNTING AND APPROPRIATION DATA," is revised to
include the following new data resulting from the incremental funding in 14C.
above:

PCN: 970-22559(IC)
JON: 976-438-01-00-01
APP: 908/60110(95)
OC: 97-2550
BLI: A701
PPC: BX
B/NC: 259


(END OF MODIFICATION)
<PAGE>   101
National Aeronautics and                                            [NASA LOGO]
Space Administration

GODDARD SPACE FLIGHT CENTER
Greenbelt, MD 20771

April 17, 1996

Reply to Attn of:  219

Orbital Sciences Corporation
21700 Atlantic Boulevard
Dulles, VA 21066

Subject: Contract NAS5-31350, Modification 14

Enclosed is a fully executed copy of the subject document.

Please acknowledge receipt of enclosure on the duplication copy of this letter
and return to the undersigned at Code 219.


FOR /s/ MARION M. JONES

Lynne C. Hoppel
Contract Specialist



- -------------------------------
Signature



- -------------------------------
Date

<PAGE>   102
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
<S>                                                           <C>                              
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                                               1. CONTRACT ID CODE   PAGE OF PAGE(S)
AMENDMENT OF SOLICITATION/MODIFICATION OF CONTRACT                                                                       1       6
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
2. AMENDMENT/MODIFICATION NO.        3. EFFECTIVE DATE        4. REQUISITION/PURCHASE REQ. NO.        5. PROJECT NO. (If applicable)
         Fifteen (15)                   See Block 16C            N/A                     
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
6. ISSUED BY                                                  7. ADMINISTERED BY (If other than item 6)                             
   National Aeronautics and Space Administration                 National Aeronautics and Space Administration
   Goddard Space Flight Center, Code 219                         Goddard Space Flight Center
   Greenbelt, MD 20771                                           Code 219/Lynne Hoppel    Phone 301-266-3035
                                                                 Greenbelt, MD 20771      Fax 301-266-1739/1775
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
8. NAME AND ADDRESS OF CONTRACTOR (No., street, county, State and ZIP Code)                    (x) 9A. AMENDMENT OF SOLICITATION NO.
                                                                                               --- 
     ORBITAL SCIENCES CORPORATION                                                                  ---------------------------------
     21700 Atlantic Boulevard                                                                       9B. DATED (SEE ITEM 11):
     Dulles, VA 21066                                                                          -------------------------------------
                                                                                                   10A. MODIFICATION OF CONTRACT/
                                                                                                        ORDER NO: NAS5-31350
                                                                                                   ---------------------------------
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------  X 10B. DATED (SEE ITEM 13):
CODE:                                FACILITY CODE:                                                     March 29, 1991
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
           11. THIS ITEM ONLY APPLIES TO AMENDMENTS OF SOLICITATIONS
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
</TABLE>

[ ] The above numbered solicitation is amended as set forth in Item 14. The 
hour and date specified for receipt of Offers [ ] is extended, [ ] is not 
extended. Offerors must acknowledge receipt of this amendment prior to the hour 
and date specified in the solicitation or as amended, by one of the following 
methods: (a) By completing Items 8 and 15, and returning _____ copies of the
amendment; (b) By acknowledging receipt of this amendment on each copy of the
offer submitted; or (c) By separate letter or telegram which includes a
reference to the solicitation and amendment numbers. FAILURE OF YOUR
ACKNOWLEDGEMENT TO BE RECEIVED AT THE PLACE DESIGNATED FOR THE RECEIPT OF OFFERS
PRIOR TO THE HOUR  AND DATA SPECIFIED MAY RESULT IN REJECTION OF YOUR OFFER. If
by virtue of this amendment you desire to change an offer already submitted,
such change may be made by telegram or letter, provided each telegram or letter
makes reference to the solicitation and this amendment, and is received prior to
the opening hour and date specified.
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
12. ACCOUNTING AND APPROPRIATION DATA  (If required)      
BN/C: 259     PPC: KX
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
13. THIS ITEM APPLIES ONLY TO MODIFICATIONS OF CONTRACTS/ORDERS, IT MODIFIES 
                THE CONTRACT/ORDER NO. AS DESCRIBED IN ITEM 14.
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 X  A. THIS CHANGE ORDER IS ISSUED PURSUANT TO: (Specify authority) THE CHANGES
       SET FORTH IN ITEM 14 ARE MADE IN THE CONTRACT ORDER NO. IN ITEM 10A. 
       AUTHORITY: CLAUSE I.1, FAR 52.243-1 ''CHANGES-FIXED PRICE'' (AUG 87)
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
    B. THE ABOVE NUMBERED CONTRACT/ORDER IS MODIFIED TO REFLECT THE 
       ADMINISTRATIVE CHANGES (such as changes in paying office appropriation 
       date, etc.) SET FORTH IN ITEM 14, PURSUANT TO THE AUTHORITY OF 
       FAR 42.103(b).
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
    C. THIS SUPPLEMENTAL AGREEMENT IS ENTERED INTO PURSUANT TO AUTHORITY OF:
       The basic contract authority and mutual agreement of both parties
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
     D. OTHER (Specify type of modification and authority)
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
     E. IMPORTANT: Contractor [X] is not, [ ] is required to sign this document 
        and return ____ copies to the issuing office.
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
14. DESCRIPTION OF AMENDMENT/MODIFICATION (Organized by UCF section headings,
    including solicitation/contract subject matter where feasible.)

SEE PAGE TWO (2)

Except as provided herein, all terms and conditions of the document referenced
in item 9A and 10A, as heretofore changed, remains unchanged and in full force
and effect.

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S>                                                           <C> 
15A. NAME AND TITLE OF SIGNER (Type or print)                 16A. NAME AND TITLE OF CONTRACTING OFFICER (Type or print)
                                                                                     Lynne C. Hoppel
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
15B. CONTRACTOR/OFFEROR                   15C. DATE SIGNED    16B. UNITED STATES OF AMERICA                   16C. DATE SIGNED
                                                                                    
                                                              BY /s/ LYNNE C. HOPPEL
- ----------------------------------------                         ---------------------------------------          5/15/97
(Signature of person authorized to sign)                         (Signature of Contracting Officer)
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
</TABLE>

NSN 7540-01-152-8070                              STANDARD FORM 30 (REV 10.83)
<PAGE>   103
NASA/GODDARD SPACE FLIGHT CENTER
AND
ORBITAL SCIENCES CORPORATION
NAS5-31350, MODIFICATION NO. 15
PAGE 2
PPC: BX             B/NC: 259
STANDARD FORM 30, BLOCK 14 CONTINUED

The purpose of this modification is to unilaterally establish a delivery
schedule for ocean color data under this contract in accordance with Federal
Acquisition Regulation 52.243-1 entitled, "Changes--Fixed Price (August
1987)." Therefore, the following changes are made:

14A.  Article B.4 entitled "PAYMENT SCHEDULE," as last revised, is deleted in
its entirety and insert the following in lieu thereof:

      "ARTICLE B.4--PAYMENT SCHEDULE

      Payment shall be made to the Contractor in accordance with the following
      milestones:


<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                     ACCUM. 
      MILESTONE                   APPROX. DATE       AMOUNT          AMOUNT
      ---------                   ------------       ------          ------ 
<S>                                 <C>            <C>             <C>
      Evidence of Binding 
      Financial Commitment          4/1/91         $9,000,000. 
      Preliminary
      Design Review                 12/1/91        $6,000,000.     $15,000,000.
      Award Rocket Motors           12/1/91        $6,000,000.     $21,000,000. 
      Critical Design Review        3/1/92         $1,000,000.     $22,000,000. 
      Complete Spacecraft 
      ETU Integration & Test        1/1/93         $4,994,000.     $26,994,000. 
      Instrument Pre-Ship &
      Review                        8/1/93         $3,000,000.     $29,994,000. 
      Instrument Delivery           12/1/93        $2,968,081.     $32,962,081. 
      Spacecraft Integration        4/1/95         $2,000,000.     $34,962,081.
      System Test                   NLT 9/1/97     $1,100,000.     $36,062,081.
      Spacecraft Pre-Ship           NLT 10/1/97    $1,000,000.     $37,062,081. 
      Release of Spacecraft 
      from Carrier Aircraft         NLT 11/30/97   $  750,000.     $37,812,081. 
      **Launch Success              NLT 12/30/97   $  750,000.     $38,562,081. 
      Data Acceptance               NLT 3/29/98    $3,000,000.     $41,562,081. 
      *Monthly Data            NLT 4/1/98-3/1/03   $   32,000.     $ 1,920,000. 
                               -----------------   -----------     ------------
      TOTAL AMOUNT                                                 $43,482,081.
      NLT: No Later Than
</TABLE>

      *To begin monthly data delivery NLT 4/1/98 for 60 consecutive months
      thereafter. 
      **Launch success includes the spacecraft being placed in a proper orbit 
      with a signal received from the instrument.
<PAGE>   104
NASA/GODDARD SPACE FLIGHT CENTER
AND
ORBITAL SCIENCES CORPORATION
NAS5-31350, MODIFICATION NO. 15
PAGE 3
PPC:  BX          B/NC:  259
STANDARD FORM 30, BLOCK 14 CONTINUED

14A. Continued

     After the initial data certification, the Contractor shall be paid in
     monthly installments for delivery of the data. The monthly amount to be
     invoiced is $723,941.92, less a liquidated amount as defined in Article
     1.7, paragraph d., for a total monthly payment of $32,000.00. These monthly
     payments will be made as long as the Contractor is providing data in
     compliance with the terms and condition of the contract, the SOW, and the
     Specifications.

                                 (END OF TEXT)"


14B. Article F.1 entitled "DELIVERY SCHEDULE," is modified to reflect the
revised delivery schedule for ocean color data established under this
modification. Item 5 of this Article is also clarified to indicate that the
command list is for the instrument. Therefore, make the following deletions and
insertions to Items 1 and 2 and clarification to Item 5:

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>

     Item  Description                            Qty.               Schedule
     ----  ------------                           ----               --------
    <S>                                        <C>             <C>

     DELETE:
     1     5 Yrs. of On-Board Recorded Data       2GB/Day      To Begin No Later Than
                                                               33 months after effective
                                                               date of contract & continue
                                                               thereafter in accordance w/
                                                               the SOW

     INSERT:
     1     5 Yrs. of On-Board Recorded Data       2GB/Day      To begin no later than
                                                               4/1/98 and continue IAW
                                                               other term & conditions
                                                               of this contract

     DELETE:
     2     5 Yrs. of Real Time Downlinked Data    continuous   To begin no later than
                                                               33 months after effective
                                                               date of contract & continue
                                                               thereafter in accordance w/
                                                               the SOW
</TABLE>
<PAGE>   105
NASA/GODDARD SPACE FLIGHT CENTER
AND
ORBITAL SCIENCES CORPORATION
NAS5-31350, MODIFICATION NO. 15
PAGE 4
PPC: BX             B/NC: 259
STANDARD FORM 30, BLOCK 14 CONTINUED


14B. Continued:

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
     Item   Description                                       Qty.                Schedule
     -----  -----------                                       ----                --------
     <S>    <C>                                             <C>            <C>                     
     INSERT:
     2      5 Yrs. of Real Time Downlinked Data             continuous      To begin no later than
                                                                            4/1/98 and continue IAW
                                                                            other terms & conditions
                                                                            of this contract


     DELETE:
     5      Command List and Description
            Document:

            A.  Draft                                       5 copies        7 working days prior to CDR
            B.  Final                                       5 copies        60 Days prior to instrument
                                                                            calibration


     ADD:
     5      Instrument Command List and Description
            Document:

            A.  Draft                                       5 copies        7 working days prior to CDR
            B.  Final                                       5 copies        60 Days prior to instrument
                                                                            calibration
</TABLE>



                                 (END OF TEXT)
<PAGE>   106
NASA/GODDARD SPACE FLIGHT CENTER
AND 
ORBITAL SCIENCES CORPORATION
NAS5-31350, MODIFICATION NO. 15
PAGE 5
PPC: BX             B/NC:259
STANDARD FORM 30, BLOCK 14 CONTINUED

14C. Article 1.7 entitled, "FAR 52-232-16 PROGRESS PAYMENTS (AUG
1987)(DEVIATION)," is revised to reflect the new ocean color data schedule and
to correct an administrative oversight. This Article was not updated when
Modification No. 0008 altered progress payments. Therefore, delete paragraphs
"Milestones a." and "Liquidation d." in Article I.7 and insert the following in
lieu thereof:

     1.7 FAR 52-232-16 PROGRESS PAYMENTS (AUG 1987)(DEVIATION),
   
     a.:

     MILESTONES

     a. Progress payments, for the deliverable requirements described in Clause
     B.2, shall be made to the Contractor in accordance with the following
     schedule:

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                                            ACCUM.
     MILESTONE                                            APPROX. DATE               AMOUNT                 AMOUNT
     ---------                                            ------------               ------                 ------
     <S>                                                <C>                      <C>                    <C>
     Evidence of Binding 
      Financial Commitment                                4/1/91                   $9,000,000.           
     Preliminary Design
      Review                                              12/1/91                  $6,000,000.           $15,000,000.
     Award Rocket Motors                                  12/1/91                  $6,000,000.           $21,000,000.
     Critical Design
     Review                                               3/1/92                   $1,000,000.           $22,000,000.
     Complete Spacecraft
      ETU Integration & Test                              1/1/93                   $4,994,000.           $26,994,000.
     Instrument Pre-Ship & 
      Review                                              8/1/93                   $3,000,000.           $29,994,000.
     Instrument Delivery                                  12/1/93                  $2,968,081.           $32,962,081.
     Spacecraft Integration                               4/1/95                   $2,000,000.           $34,962,081.
     System Test                                          NLT 9/1/97               $1,100,000.           $36,062,081.
     Spacecraft Pre-Ship                                  NLT 10/1/97              $1,000,000.           $37,062,081.
     Release of Spacecraft
      from Carrier Aircraft                               NLT 11/30/97             $  750,000.           $37,812,081.
     **Launch Success                                     NLT 12/30/97             $  750,000.           $38,562,081.
     Data Acceptance                                      NLT 3/29/98              $3,000,000.           $41,562,081.
     *Monthly Data                                        NLT 4/1/98-3/1/03        $   32,000.           $ 1,920,000.
     ----------------------------------------------------------------------        -----------           ------------
     TOTAL AMOUNT                                                                                        $43,482,081.
     NLT: No Later Than
</TABLE>
<PAGE>   107

NASA/GODDARD SPACE FLIGHT CENTER
AND
ORBITAL SCIENCES CORPORATION
NAS5-31350, MODIFICATION NO.15
PAGE 6
PPC: BX            B/NC: 259
STANDARD FORM 30, BLOCK 14 CONTINUED

14C. CONTINUED:

     * To begin monthly data delivery NLT 4/1/98 for 60 consecutive months
     thereafter.

     **Launch success includes the spacecraft being placed in a proper orbit
     with a signal received from the instrument."

END OF CHANGES TO "MILESTONE a." OF 1.7.

DELETE 1.7 FAR 52-232-16 PROGRESS PAYMENTS (AUG 1987)(DEVIATION), LIQUIDATION d.
IN ITS ENTIRETY AND INSERT THE FOLLOWING:

     "LIQUIDATION OF MONTHLY DATA PAYMENTS

     d. Beginning with the first month after the initial calibrated data has
     been accepted by the Government, all progress payments shall be liquidated
     in the following manner:

     
     Monthly:
     Invoiced Amount.................$ 723,941.92
     Less Liquidated Amount..........$-691,941.92
                                     ------------
     Amount Paid by Government.......$  32,000.00

     In the event of a launch failure or termination for convenience, all paid
     progress payments will be deemed liquidated."

END OF CHANGES TO "LIQUIDATION d." OF 1.7

14D. The firm fixed price of this contract shall not be increased or deemed to
be increased by this Change Order. All other terms and conditions of this
contract remain unchanged.



END OF MODIFICATION
<PAGE>   108

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
<S>                                  <C>                      <C>                              <C>    <C>     <C>      <C>
____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
                                                                                               1. CONTRACT ID CODE        PAGE(S)
AMENDMENT OF SOLICITATION/MODIFICATION OF CONTRACT                                                                        1 OF 2
____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
2. AMENDMENT/MODIFICATION NO.        3. EFFECTIVE DATE        4. REQUISITION/PURCHASE REQ. NO.        5. PROJECT NO. (If applicable)
Sixteen (16)                            See Block 16C         See Page 2                     
____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
6. ISSUED BY                                                  7. ADMINISTERED BY (If other than item 6)
   National Aeronautics and Space Administration              National Aeronautics and Space Administration   
   Goddard Space Flight Center, Code 219                      Goddard Space Flight Center                     
   Greenbelt, MD 20771                                        Code 219/L. Hoppel    Phone 301-286-3035        
                                                              Greenbelt, MD 20771   Fax 301-286-1739/1775     
____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
8. NAME AND ADDRESS OF CONTRACTOR (No., street, county, State and ZIP Code)                    (x) 9A. AMENDMENT OF SOLICITATION NO.
                                                                                                       
   ORBITAL SCIENCES CORPORATION                                                                    _________________________________
   21700 Atlantic Boulevard                                                                        9B. DATED (SEE ITEM 11): 
   Dulles, VA 21066                                                                            _____________________________________
                                                                                                X  10A. MODIFICATION OF CONTRACT/
                                                                                                        ORDER NO. NAS5-31350
                                                                                                   _________________________________
_______________________________________________________________________________________________    10B. DATED (SEE ITEM 13):
CODE:                                 FACILITY CODE:                                                    March 29, 1991
</TABLE>
________________________________________________________________________________
           11. THIS ITEM ONLY APPLIES TO AMENDMENTS OF SOLICITATIONS
________________________________________________________________________________
[ ] The above numbered solicitation is amended as set forth in Item 14. The hour
and date specified for receipt of Offers [ ] is extended, [ ] is not extended.
Offerors must acknowledge receipt of this amendment prior to the hour and date
specified in the solicitation or as amended, by one of the following methods:
(a) By completing Items 8 and 15, and returning _____ copies of the amendment;
(b) By acknowledging receipt of this amendment on each copy of the offer
submitted; or (c) By separate letter or telegram which includes a reference to
the solicitation and amendment numbers. FAILURE OF YOUR ACKNOWLEDGMENT TO BE
RECEIVED AT THE PLACE DESIGNATED FOR THE RECEIPT OF OFFERS PRIOR TO THE HOUR AND
DATA SPECIFIED MAY RESULT IN REJECTION OF YOUR OFFER. If by virtue of this
amendment you desire to change an offer already submitted, such change may be
made by telegram or letter, provided each telegram or letter makes reference to
the solicitation and this amendment, and is received prior to the opening hour
and date specified.
________________________________________________________________________________
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
<S>                                   <C>        <C>         <C> 
12. ACCOUNTING AND APPROPRIATION DATA (If required)                     
                                      BN/C: 259    PPC: KX    AMOUNT $596,244.00    
</TABLE>
________________________________________________________________________________
13. THIS ITEM APPLIES ONLY TO MODIFICATIONS OF CONTRACTS/ORDERS, IT MODIFIES THE
                  CONTRACT/ORDER NO. AS DESCRIBED IN ITEM 14.
________________________________________________________________________________
    A. THIS CHANGE ORDER IS ISSUED PURSUANT TO: (Specify authority) THE CHANGES
       SET FORTH IN ITEM 14 ARE MADE IN THE CONTRACT ORDER NO. IN ITEM 10A. 
       AUTHORITY:
________________________________________________________________________________
    B. THE ABOVE NUMBERED CONTRACT/ORDER IS MODIFIED TO REFLECT THE 
 X     ADMINISTRATIVE CHANGES (such as changes in paying office, appropriation 
       date, etc.) SET FORTH IN ITEM 14, PURSUANT TO THE AUTHORITY OF 
       FAR 42.103(b).
________________________________________________________________________________
    C. THIS SUPPLEMENTAL AGREEMENT IS ENTERED INTO PURSUANT TO AUTHORITY OF:
       The basic contract authority and mutual agreement of both parties
________________________________________________________________________________
    D. OTHER (Specify type of modification and authority) 10 U.S.C. 2304
________________________________________________________________________________
E. IMPORTANT: Contractor [X] is not, [ ] is required to sign this document 
   and return three (3) copies to the issuing office.
____________________________________________________________________________
14. DESCRIPTION OF AMENDMENT/MODIFICATION (Organized by UCF section headings,
    including solicitation/contract subject matter where feasible.)

SEE PAGE TWO (2)

Except as provided herein, all terms and conditions of the document referenced
in item 9A or 10A, as heretofore changed, remains unchanged and in full force
and effect.
________________________________________________________________________________
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
<S>                                                           <C> 
15A. NAME AND TITLE OF SIGNER (Type or print)                 16A. NAME AND TITLE OF CONTRACTING OFFICER (Type or print)
                                                              Lynne C. Hoppel
                                                                                   
</TABLE>
________________________________________________________________________________
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
<S>                                       <C>                 <C>                                             <C>  
15B. CONTRACTOR/OFFEROR                   15C. DATE SIGNED    16B. UNITED STATES OF AMERICA                   16C. DATE SIGNED

                                                                 /s/ Lynne C. Hoppel
________________________________________                      BY ________________________________________          9/23/97
(Signature of person authorized to sign)                         (Signature of Contracting Officer)
</TABLE>
________________________________________________________________________________
NSN 7540-01-152-8070                              STANDARD FORM 30 (REV 10.83) 
<PAGE>   109
Modification No. 16
NAS5-31350
Orbital Sciences Corporation                                         Page 2

SF 30, Block 14 Continued:

The purpose of this modification is to fully fund the contract, and to correct
an error made in the total contract price. Therefore, the following changes are
made:

14A. An error was made in the calculation of the contract value in Modification
No. 4, dated 7/7/92. To correct this error, the following recapitulation of the
contract value is as follows:

Basic Award:............................. $43,570,000.
Mod 4: ..................................      (6,000.)
                                          ------------
                                          $43,564,000.

Mod 8: ..................................     (31,919.)
                                          ------------
                                          $43,532,081.

14B. Article I.11 entitled, "Limitation of Funds (Fixed Price Contract
18-52-232-77(3/89) (Deviation)" is modified to increase the level of funding
from $42,935,837.00; By: $596,244.00; To: $43,532,081.00. The contract is fully
funded for contract performance through March 1, 2003.

14C. Clause G.1 entitled, "Accounting and Appropriation Data" is revised to
include this final incremental funding action:

PCN:  970-13499A(1C)
JON:  976-438-01-00-01
APP:  807/80110(97)
 OC:  97-2590
BLI:  A701

(End of Modification)
<PAGE>   110


<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
<S>                                  <C>                      <C>                              <C>    <C>     <C>      <C>
____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
                                                                                               1. CONTRACT ID CODE           PAGE(S)
AMENDMENT OF SOLICITATION/MODIFICATION OF CONTRACT                                                                           1 of 4
____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

2. AMENDMENT/MODIFICATION NO.        3. EFFECTIVE DATE        4. REQUISITION/PURCHASE REQ. NO.        5. PROJECT NO. (If applicable)
   Seventeen (17)                       See Block 16C                                      
____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
6. ISSUED BY                                                  7. ADMINISTERED BY (If other than Item 6)

   National Aeronautics and Space Administration                 National Aeronautics and Space Administration           
   Goddard Space Flight Center, Code 219                         Goddard Space Flight Center
   Greenbelt, MD 20771                                           Code 219/L. Hoppel   Phone 301-286-3035
                                                                 Greenbelt, MD 20771         Fax 301-286-1739/1775
___________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
8. NAME AND ADDRESS OF CONTRACTOR (No., street, county, State and ZIP Code)                   (x) 9A. AMENDMENT OF SOLICITATION NO.

   ORBITAL SCIENCES CORPORATION                                                                   _________________________________
   21700 Atlantic Boulevard                                                                       9B. DATED (SEE ITEM 11):
   Dulles, VA 21066                                                                               _________________________________
                                                                                                X 10A. MODIFICATION OF CONTRACT/
                                                                                                       ORDER NO. NAS5-31350
                                                                                                  _________________________________
_______________________________________________________________________________________________   10B. DATED (SEE ITEM 13):
CODE:                                FACILITY CODE:                                                     March 29, 1991
___________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
                                      11. THIS ITEM ONLY APPLIES TO AMENDMENTS OF SOLICITATIONS
___________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
[ ] The above numbered solicitation is amended as set forth in Item 14. The hour and date specified for receipt of Offers [ ] is
extended, [ ] is not extended. Offerors must acknowledge receipt of this amendment prior to the hour and date specified in the
solicitation or as amended, by one of the following methods: (a) By completing Items 8 and 15, and returning _____ copies of the
amendment; (b) By acknowledging receipt of this amendment on each copy of the offer submitted; or (c) By separate letter or telegram
which includes a reference to the solicitation and amendment numbers. FAILURE OF YOUR ACKNOWLEDGMENT TO BE RECEIVED AT THE PLACE
DESIGNATED FOR THE RECEIPT OF OFFERS PRIOR TO THE HOUR AND DATA SPECIFIED MAY RESULT IN REJECTION OF YOUR OFFER. If by virtue of
this amendment you desire to change an offer  already submitted, such change may be made by telegram or letter, provided each
telegram or letter makes reference to the  solicitation and this amendment, and is received prior to the opening hour and date
specified.
___________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
12. ACCOUNTING AND APPROPRIATION DATA (If required) 
BN/C:259   PPC:KX   AMOUNT:$0
___________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
                                 13. THIS ITEM APPLIES ONLY TO MODIFICATIONS OF CONTRACTS/ORDERS,
                                    IT MODIFIES THE CONTRACT/ORDER NO. AS DESCRIBED IN ITEM 14.
___________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
   A. THIS CHANGE ORDER IS ISSUED PURSUANT TO: (Specify authority) THE CHANGES SET FORTH IN ITEM 14 ARE MADE IN THE CONTRACT ORDER
      NO. IN ITEM 10A. AUTHORITY:
___________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
   B. THE ABOVE NUMBERED CONTRACT/ORDER IS MODIFIED TO REFLECT THE ADMINISTRATIVE CHANGES (such as changes in paying office,
      appropriation date, etc.) SET FORTH IN ITEM 14, PURSUANT TO THE AUTHORITY OF FAR 42.103(b).
___________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
   C. THIS SUPPLEMENTAL AGREEMENT IS ENTERED INTO PURSUANT TO AUTHORITY OF: 
      The basic contract authority and mutual agreement of both parties
___________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
X  D. OTHER (Specify type of modification and authority) 10 U.S.C. 2304
___________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
E. IMPORTANT: Contractor [ ] is not, [X] is required to sign this document and return three (3) copies to the issuing office.
___________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
14. DESCRIPTION OF AMENDMENT/MODIFICATION (Organized by UCF section headings, including solicitation/contract subject matter where
feasible.) 

SEE PAGE TWO (2)

Except as provided herein, all terms and conditions of the document referenced in item 9A or 10A, as heretofore changed, remains
unchanged and in full force and effect.
___________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

___________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
15A. NAME AND TITLE OF SIGNER (Type or print)                 16A. NAME AND TITLE OF CONTRACTING OFFICER (Type or print)

                                                              Lynne C. Hoppel
___________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
15B. CONTRACTOR/OFFEROR                   15C. DATE SIGNED    16B. UNITED STATES OF AMERICA                   16C. DATE SIGNED
                                                    
   ________________________________________                   BY _____________________________________ 
   (Signature of person authorized to sign)                       (Signature of Contracting Officer)
___________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
</TABLE>

NSN 7540-01-152-8070                              STANDARD FORM 30 (REV 10-83)

<PAGE>   111
NASA GODDARD SPACE FLIGHT CENTER
AND
ORBITAL SCIENCES CORPORATION
NAS5-31350, MODIFICATION NO. 17
PAGE 2
PPC:  BX     B/NC: 259
STANDARD FORM 30, BLOCK 14. CONTINUED

The purpose of this modification is to A) revise Article H.7 entitled "Permits
and Licenses"; B) incorporate indemnification provisions into this contract;
and C) make correction to Article I.7 "Progress Payments." Therefore, the
following changes are made:


14A. Article H.7 entitled "PERMITS AND LICENSES" is deleted in its entirety 
and replaced with the new Article A.7, same title, as follows:

     "ARTICLE H.7-PERMITS AND LICENSES

     By execution of this Contract, the Contractor assumed sole responsibilility
     for delivery of data according to the terms of the Contract. That
     responsibility included obtaining any necessary licenses and permits. After
     execution, the Government obtained the required license as outlined in the
     October 27, 1994, letter from the Deputy Associate Administrator of NTIA to
     Associate Administrator for Space Operations, NASA.

     Both parties recognize that the terms of the license require the
     Government to operate the Contractor's equipment transmitting on 2287.5 MHz
     in performance of this contract. Both parties recognize that any Government
     activities associated with operation of the transmitter shall not in any
     way excuse the Contractor from fully performing the requirements of the
     Contract, including delivery of all items as specified in the deliverable's
     clause, B.2 entitled "Deliverable Requirements," at times required by the
     delivery schedule clause, F.1 entitled "Delivery Schedule."

     The Contractor agrees to comply with all terms and conditions of the
     National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA)
     Certification of Stage 4 Spectrum Support for the Contractor-owned SeaStar
     operation in the band 2200-2290 MHZ (S-Band downlink at 2287.5 MHZ). This
     October 27, 1994, certification letter is attached as Attachment 1 to this
     Modification No. 17 as part of this Article H.7, and made a part of this
     contract by this reference.

     Further, the Contractor shall obtain and keep effective, all other related
     permits, licenses and clearances that may be required for performance of
     this contract. Such permits, licenses, and clearances shall include, but 
     not be limited to, those required by the Federal, State, or Local 
     Government authorities, or subdivisions thereof, or any other duly 
     constituted public authority, such as the Department of Transportation 
     (DOT) for launch licenses, and the Federal Communication Commission (FCC) 
     for frequency approvals. Further, the Contractor shall comply with all 
     applicable laws, regulations, and ordinances in effect on the date of 
     this contract. All costs and fees associated with obtaining licenses, 
     permits, and clearances are included in the fixed price of this contract.


                                 (END OF TEXT)"
<PAGE>   112
NASA GODDARD SPACE FLIGHT CENTER
AND 
ORBITAL SCIENCES CORPORATION
NAS5-31350, MODIFICATION NO. 17
PAGE 3
PPC:  BX       B/NC: 259
STANDARD FORM 30, BLOCK 14. CONTINUED

14B. Add new Clause H.11 entitled "INDEMNIFICATION AND WAIVER" as follows:

     "ARTICLE H.11 INDEMNIFICATION AND WAIVER

     The Contractor has granted the Government the right to operate its
     equipment in performance of this contract. The Government will make best
     efforts to provide the S-band data down-linked at its ground receiving
     station to the Contractor. Notwithstanding any other provision of the
     contract, the Contractor shall indemnify and hold harmless the Government
     for any third party liability arising out of Contractor use of S-Band Data
     received from the Government, (including use by third parties that obtained
     data directly from the Contractor). The Contractor shall make no claim
     against the Government for delayed performance due to Government
     transmission of data via the S-band frequency.


                                 (END OF TEXT)"

14C. Article I.7 entitled, "FAR 52-232-16 PROGRESS PAYMENTS (AUG 1987)
(DEVIATION)," was corrected in Modification No. 15. However, the last sentence
at the end of "Liquidation d." of I.7 was inadvertently omitted. This
modification revises the Article to provide the entire original text.
Therefore, delete "Liquidation d." in Article I.7 and insert the following
instead of it:

     "I.7 FAR 52-232-16 PROGRESS PAYMENTS (AUG 1987)(DEVIATION), LIQUIDATION d.:

     LIQUIDATION OF MONTHLY DATA PAYMENTS

     d. Beginning with the first month after the initial calibrated data has
     been accepted by the Government, all progress payments shall be liquidated
     in the following manner:

     Monthly:
     Invoiced Amount ..............................  $ 723,941.92.
     Less Liquidated Amount .......................  $-691,941.92
                                                     ------------
     Amount Paid by Government ....................  $  32,000.00


     In the event of a launch failure or termination for convenience, all paid
     progress payments will be deemed liquidated.

     Should the data services effort be discontinued for any reason and if the
     Government has not evoked its right under the default provision, all
     progress payments will be deemed liquidated"


END OF CHANGES TO "LIQUIDATION d." OF I.7.
<PAGE>   113
NASA GODDARD SPACE FLIGHT CENTER
AND
ORBITAL SCIENCES CORPORATION
NAS5-31350, MODIFICATION NO. 17
PAGE 4
PPC: BX     B/NC: 259
STANDARD FORM 30, BLOCK 14. CONTINUED

14D.  Section J.1 entitled, "LIST OF ATTACHMENTS" is modified to include the
following new attachment:

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Attachment  Description                         Date             No. of Pages
- ----------  -----------                         ----             ------------
<S>         <C>                                 <C>              <C>
    D       Letter from the Deputy Associate
            Administrator of NTIA to Associate
            Administrator for Space Operations,
            NASA                                October 27, 1994        2
</TABLE>

(END OF MODIFICATION NO. 17)

  
<PAGE>   114
                                [LOGO]   Doc. 29039/1-1.14.10/6.15
                                         Ref. 28728/1-1.14.10/6.15
                                         UNITED STATES DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE
                                         National Telecommunications and
                                         Information Administration 
                                         Washington, D.C. 20230
 
                                                               October 27, 1994

Mr. Charles T. Force
Associate Administrator
  for Space Operations
Code O
National Aeronautics
  and Space Administration
Washington, D.C. 20546

Dear Mr. Force:

     In my letter to you of March 1, 1994, I stated that after review of the
Orbital Sciences Corporation (OSC) application of September 9, 1993 with NOAA
and consultation with NASA, it was determined that the SeaStar Ocean Color
Project was not a Government radiocommunications system. Therefore, the NTIA
certification of spectrum support for this Project provided by me on December 9,
1993 (IRAC Doc. 28591/1) was canceled.

     In a letter to me of October 7, 1994 (see enclosure 1), Mr. David Struba of
NASA has requested that NTIA certify spectrum support for SeaStar 2 GHz
space-to-Earth transmissions. Mr. Struba's request was based on correspondence
between NASA and OSC (see enclosure 2). Additionally, Mr. Struba has notified me
that the SeaStar space-to-Earth operations in the 2200-2290 MHz band will
operate on a non-interference basis to existing and future Government operations
in the band.

     After review of the information supplied by NASA, the Office of Spectrum
Management hereby certifies Stage 4 spectrum support for SeaStar operations in
the band 2200-2290 MHz subject to the following:

     1. The frequency 2272.5 MHz shall be modified to 2287.5 MHz;

     2. The earth stations locations will be confined to Wallops Island, VA and
     Fairmont, WV (Fairmont will be limited to monitoring SeaStar-to-Wallops
     Island transmissions on 2287.5 MHz), the emission designator will be
     4M00G1D, the satellite transmitter power will be limited to 5.5 W, and the
     operations will be in the Earth-exploration satellite and space research
     services;

     3. The satellite transmitter shall meet the line-of-sight power
     flux-density limits contained in Section 8.2.36 of the NTIA Manual (ITU
     RR2557);

     4. These operations must be conducted under Section 5.0.1 of the NTIA
     Manual because of non-conformance to transmitter unwanted emissions
     standards;



                                                         NASS-31350, Mod.17
                                                         Attachment D, Section J
<PAGE>   115


5. Within the Space Systems Group (SSG), NASA will modify the ITU Appendix 3
and data for the system as necessary;

6. NASA will ensure that personnel are protected from radiation levels that
exceed generally accepted exposure criteria:

7. OSC will not make commercial use of the 2 GHz data collected at their
Fairmont, WV earth station;

8. NASA will retain full operation control of SeaStar use of the frequency
2287.5 MHz under the NTIA authorization for both ground testing and the
five-year NASA contract with OSC and the 2 GHz satellite transmitter will not
operate without an NTIA authorization;

9. NASA be aware that band 2200-2290 MHz is not available for use by commercial
systems, except as indicated in footnote US303 (non-Government space stations
in the space research, space operations, and Earth exploration-satellite
services may be authorized to transmit to the Tracking and Data Relay Satellite
System subject to conditions that may be applied on a case-by-case basis, not
causing harmful interference to authorized Government stations, and meeting the
power flux-density limits contained in ITU RR2557);

10. Subsequent SeaStar or similar systems will conduct these operations in a
different band;

11. The Department of Commerce, NOAA, National Environmental Satellite, Data,
and Information Service Office, which licensed SeaStar under the Private Remote
Sensing Act, be informed that NASA is operationally responsible for this
downlink operation (i.e., in order to clarify of the OSC request to NOAA of
September 9, 1993);

12. All other frequency requirements for SeaStar operations (i.e., 1700-1710
and 2025-2110 MHz) are not for government stations and will require FCC license.


                                             Sincerely,


                                             /s/ WILLIAM GAMBLE
                                             William Gamble
                                             Deputy Associate
                                             Administrator


ENCLOSURES
 
                                                         NAS5-31350, Mod. 17
                                                         Attachment D, Section J
<PAGE>   116
OI


Mr. William Gamble
Deputy Associate Administrator
National Telecommunications and
  Information Administration
Department of Commerce
14th & Constitution Avenue, NW
Washington, DC 20230


Dear Mr. Gamble:

On March 1, 1994, you withdrew certification of spectrum support for the
National Aeronautics and Space Administration's SeaStar Program. The basis was
determination that the system was a non-Government activity over which your
office had no jurisdiction (i.e., "a private remote sensing space system").

Circumstances associated with the program have changed since your action.
Specifically, as evidenced by the Enclosure, NASA has obtained from Orbital
Sciences Corporation, unequivocal operational control over the S-band telemetry
downlink of the SeaStar Program for its full period of performance. Further,
this Agency has adopted radio frequency operational control procedures to
prevent interference to all existing and future authorized Government systems in
the band. Furthermore, NASA will be the sole recipient of the raw 2GHz downlink
data for the full contract performance period. Upon expiration of the five year
operational period of performance, 2 GHz downlink activity will cease as should
any NTIA authorization issued. SeaStar 2 GHz downlink certification should be
limited to a single spacecraft and ground station. Finally, no subsequent
SeaStar or similar type activity should be certified in this band.

Recognizing the above, coupled with OSC's withdrawal of its application with the
Federal Communications Commission for SeaStar operational authority at 2272.5
MHz, it is fully evident that the SeaStar activity in 2285-2290 MHz is once
again a Government operation clearly under the jurisdiction of your office.

Accordingly, NASA requests expedited NTIA recertification of spectrum
availability and support for the SeaStar 2 GHz spacecraft telemetry operations
with all other technical details unchanged from that considered in the prior
submission, with one exception recertification is sought for operations on
2287.5 MHz in lieu of 2272.5 MHz.


                                                         NAS5-31350, Mod. 17
                                                         Attachment D, Section J
 
<PAGE>   117

                                                                               2


Please note all effort on the SeaStar matter, including the proposed change in
telemetry frequency, has been closely coordinated with both the National Oceanic
and Atmospheric Administration and the Department of Defense.

A timely affirmative decision by you is appreciated.

Sincerely,

ORIGINAL SIGNED BY

David Struba
NASA IRAC Representative
Office of Space Communications

Enclosure





                                                             NAS5-31350, Mod. 17
                                                         Attachment D, Section J


<PAGE>   118

C-9410-003
6 October 1994                                             Orbital
                                                          Sciences [OSC LOGO]
                                                       Corporation

Mr. William A. Hatchl
NASA/Goddard Space Flight Center
Earth Sciences Procurement Office
Code 289
Greenbelt, Maryland 20771

                      Re: SeaStar Program Frequency Shift

Dear Bill:

This is in response to your letter of September 16, 1994 regarding the SeaStar
program frequency shift. We were aware the National Telecommunications and
Information Agency (NTIA) had rescinded authority to downlink the SeaWiFS data
from our spacecraft. We understood the basis for this was the Department of
Defense (DOD) position (as you stated). We were also aware of increasing efforts
by NASA/HQ staff and DOD the spectrum management authorities to resolve
a method of transmitting stored SeaWiFs imagery data from orbit.

OSC has reviewed your letter and will agree to the following, with each of our
responses keyed to the points in your letter:

- -    We will modify the SeaStar S-Band spacecraft transmitters to operate at
     2287.5 MHz vice 2272.5 MHz. Operational control and Radio Frequency
     Interference (RFI) mitigation will be addressed in a OSC-GSFC RFI
     Mitigation Interface Control Document (ICD). Although the design of the
     existing spacecraft transmitters will be changed in accordance with your
     request, neither OSC or NASA is responsible for any data losses due to
     Radio Frequency Interference (RFI) mitigation.

- -    We will not make commercial use of the S-Band data collected at the OSC
     Fairmont, West Virginia, Remote Tracking Station.

- -    We request copies of all S-Band processed data. We will work with the GSFC
     SeaWiFS project office on defining these data transfer requirements. OSC
     will have the exclusive rights to resell this data to commercial
     customers. We understand that we obtain this data on an "as is" and "as
     available" basis.

- -    NASA will retain operational control of the S-Band downlink and hold the
     NTIA license for the preoperational testing period and the five year length
     of contractual data delivery. We will work with NASA to develop a binding
     agreement that defines the conditions of RFI mitigation and operational
     control.



         21700 Atlantic Boulevard, Dulles, Virginia 20166 (703)406-5000


                                                         NAS5-31350, Mod. 17
                                                         Attachment D, Section J
 
<PAGE>   119
Mr. William A. Hatchil
6 October 1994
Page 2

- - OSC will not operate the S-Band transmitter without the operational control
  of a NTIA licensed government agency unless future regulatory provisions
  allow such operation.

- - Any subsequent SeaStar satellite or related follow-on system will be in a
  different band.

We will agree to the above changes at no cost, despite our assuming the
significant monetary burden of switching to the 2287.5 MHz assignment, provided
that we receive a schedule extension for these changes to 31 May 1995 for
SeaStar launch. We also agree to:

- - Withdraw our Part 5 application to the Federal Communications Commission for
  the 2272.5 MHz downlink.

- - Notify the Department of Commerce that NASA is operationally responsible for
  the 2287.5 MHz downlink.

We hope this letter sets in motion the events necessary to resolving this
issue. For further clarification, please contact Mr. James Byrd (703-406-5409),
Spectrum Manager, for spectrum management issues and Dr. John McCarthy
(703-406-5504), SeaStar Program Manager, for program issues. You may also
contact me directly at 703-406-5440.

Regards,

/s/ RICHARD HAMPTON

Richard Hampton, DBA, CPCM
Director
Contracts and Business Administration


cc:  Allan Webb/Code Y/NASA HQ
     Bob Kirk/Sea WiFs Project Manager/Code 970.2
     Dave Struba/Code OI/NASA HQ
     Dave Townley/Code OI/NASA HQ
     Joe Deskevich/GSFC Spectrum Manager/Code 502


                                                         NAS5-31350, Mod. 17
                                                         Attachment D, Section J
 
<PAGE>   120
National Aeronautics and                                             [NASA LOGO]
Space Administration
Goddard Space Flight Center
Greenbelt MD 20771


                                                                     SEP 16 1994

Reply to Attn of 289

Dr. John McCarthy
SeaStar Program Manager
Orbital Sciences Corporation
21700 Atlantic Boulevard
Dulles, VA 2016


Dear John:

As you know, your contract requires you to obtain all permits, licenses and
approvals necessary to provide NASA SeaWiFS data from your SeaStar spacecraft.
Since the spacecraft will broadcast part of its data through the Government-only
portion of the S-Band, the National Telecommunications and Information
Administration (NTIA) has jurisdiction over approving its use. NTIA recently
rescinded authority to downlink SeaWiFS data from your SeaStar spacecraft at
2272.5 Mhz based on the Department of Defense's (DOD's) position of exclusive
government use of that band. NASA is therefore concerned about your ability to
obtain the necessary frequency approvals on the SeaStar program under our
contract. As a result of this concern, we have discussed with NASA and DOD
spectrum managers ways that you might downlink your data in the S-Band while not
violating the established DOD position.

DOD representatives have indicated that they would remove their objection to
your S-Band downlink of Global Area Coverage (GAC) data to NASA under the
following conditions:

     -SeaStar downlink operation of the GAC data at a revised frequency of
2287.5 Mhz instead of 2272.5 Mhz. US Footnote 303 to the US Table of Allocations
allows conditional non-government use of that frequency, unlike 2272.5 Mhz.
Operations are not to cause interference with currently authorized transmissions
on that frequency.

     -NASA will be the sole intended recipient of that downlink for data use
purposes. Orbital Sciences Corporation (OSC) may copy the downlink to NASA from
your Fairmont station for extraction of the housekeeping information and as a
backup to NASA, but must not make any commercial sale of that transmission.

     -If requested, NASA will furnish OSC with processed copies of the GAC data.


                                                         NAS5-31350, Mod. 17
                                                         Attachment D, Section J
<PAGE>   121
     - NASA will retain full operational control of the downlink by holding the
license from NTIA for the frequency use and authorizing OSC's operation. This
license will be effective for the pre-operational testing period and the five
year length of contracted data delivery.

     - If the spacecraft is capable of data transmission after five years, OSC
may request a government sponsor to reapply for its NTIA license, but under no
circumstances, and regardless of contract status, will OSC operate the S-Band
transmitter without a government license and operational control.

     - Any subsequent SeaStar satellite or follow-on system will be in a
different band.

If the above terms are satisfactory at no change in the contract price, please
contact Ms. Montague at (301) 286-9285 to enter into a binding agreement on the
specific terms for NASA's operational control of the downlink. We except OSC
will agree to make no claim against NASA by virtue of NASA's exercise of the
S-Band transmission of SeaWiFS data via this S-Band frequency.

Once this agreement is signed, NASA will ask NTIA to reinstate its Certification
of Spectrum Support, modified to cover 2287.5 Mhz in place of 2272.5 Mhz and to
include the terms listed above. The other frequencies used by SeaStar will be
covered by your commercial Federal Communications Commission (FCC) application.

I suggest you amend your FCC application to delete the 2272.5 Mhz downlink as
the NTIA license is expected to provide for the 2287.5 Mhz data downlink. FCC
licensing continues to be appropriate for your command link and commercial
L-Band operation.

Finally, please make the Department of Commerce aware of NASA's operational
control over the 2287.5 Mhz SeaStar data downlink.

If you have any questions, please contact Ms. Montague at (301) 286-9285 or the
undersigned at (301) 286-3764.


/s/ WILLIAM A. HATCHIL


William A. Hatchil
Contracting Officer

<PAGE>   1
                                                                 Exhibit 23.1

                         INDEPENDENT AUDITORS' CONSENT



The Board of Directors
Orbital Imaging Corporation:


We consent to the use of our report included herein and to the reference to our
firm under the heading "Experts" in the prospectus.


                                                     KPMG Peat Marwick LLP

   
Washington, DC
July 24, 1998
    


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