ATK Composite Technology Supports Flight of Japan's H-IIA Space Launch Vehicle
Dec 18, 2002
Minneapolis, Dec. 18, 2002 – ATK (Alliant Techsystems, NYSE: ATK) said rocket motor case and advanced composite material technologies developed by its Aerospace Group supported the fourth launch of Japan’s H-IIA space launch vehicle from Tanegashima Space Center in southern Japan on Dec. 13.
The H-IIA rocket placed into orbit the Advanced Earth Observing Satellite-II, which will study environmental changes. The rocket also carried three micro-satellites: the Whale Ecology Observation Satellite, Japan’s Micro-Lab-Sat, and Australia’s FedSAT.
ATK Thiokol Propulsion, Promontory, Utah, working in cooperation with IHI Aerospace Co., Ltd. (IA), Tokyo, Japan, designed the composite motor case for the H-IIA rocket’s two ground-lit Solid-Rocket Boosters (SRB-As), using proven technology from its CASTOR 120® motor. The company also supplied its patented TCR™ graphite-epoxy, pre-impregnated resin materials for use in constructing the case.
ATK Thiokol Propulsion validated the design and manufacturing process for the SRB-A cases, and IA manufactured the cases in Tomioka, Japan.
ATK Thiokol Propulsion has supplied materials for 18 cases to IA for the H-IIA development and manufacturing program.
The H-IIA family of launch vehicles, which will comprise four separate vehicle configurations, is being developed under the direction and funding of the National Space Development Agency of Japan (NASDA).
ATK is a $2.1 billion aerospace and defense company with leading positions in propulsion, composite structures, munitions, and precision capabilities. The company, which is headquartered in Edina, Minn., employs approximately 11,500 people and has three business groups: Aerospace, Precision Systems, and Ammunition. ATK news and information can be found on the Internet at www.atk.com.
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