ATK Supports Launch of NASA Spacecraft

Communications Today, July 9, 2002

Alliant Techsystems [ATK] solid propulsion and composite structure technologies supported the launch last Wednesday of a Boeing [BA] Delta II 7425 rocket from Cape Canaveral Air Force Station, Fla. The Delta II lifted the NASA CONTOUR spacecraft, which will study the behavior and evolution of comets.

Four solid propulsion strap-on boosters manufactured by ATK Thiokol Propulsion provided the initial thrust for the Boeing Delta II rocket. The graphite epoxy cases for the boosters are manufactured by ATK Composite Structures.

Following burnout and separation of the boosters and the rocket's liquid second stage, a third-stage rocket motor produced by ATK Tactical Systems ignited to provide the impulse to deliver the CONTOUR spacecraft into its required trajectory. The CONTOUR spacecraft includes an ATK Tactical Systems motor, which will be fired approximately 45 days after launch to provide the final velocity increment needed to propel the spacecraft towards comet Encke.

Be sure to check out the next issue of Satellite News, long considered by top execs to be the voice of the satellite industry. For more information, click on http://www.telecomweb.com/cgi/catalog/info?SN.