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ATK Composite Structures Fly on Delta IV Rocket

Mar 11, 2003

MINNEAPOLIS, March 11 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- High-strength, lightweight composite structures produced by ATK (Alliant Techsystems) (NYSE:ATK) flew on a Boeing (NYSE:BA) Delta IV rocket launched yesterday from Space Launch Complex 37B at Cape Canaveral Air Force Station, Fla., on a mission to deploy the Defense Satellite Communications System (DSCS) spacecraft, DSCS III A3.

ATK Composites, Clearfield, Utah, supplied four key structures for the Delta IV Medium launch vehicle's common booster core: the thermal shield for the RS-68 main engine, centerbody and skirt structures that house core vehicle components, and the interstage between the core vehicle and the second-stage engine.

The structures, which range from 2.5 to 5 meters (8 to 16 feet) in diameter and up to 6.7 meters (22 feet) in length, are produced using advanced hand layup techniques at the company's Southern Composites Center in Iuka, Miss.

The Delta IV Medium launch vehicle is one of five vehicle configurations in the Boeing Delta IV family. The first launch of the Delta IV occurred on Nov. 20, 2002, and successfully deployed a commercial satellite. All of the Delta IV vehicles are powered by a Boeing Rocketdyne RS-68 engine, and three of the configurations in the Medium + series use either two or four solid rocket strap-on GEM-60 graphite epoxy motors produced by ATK Thiokol Propulsion, Promontory, Utah. The company also supplies a rocket nozzle for the RS-68 engine.

The Boeing Delta IV family of rockets is part of the U.S. Air Force's Evolved Expendable Launch Vehicle (EELV) program, which is aimed at reducing launch costs and providing assured access to space.

ATK Composites -- known for unique capabilities in large structures manufacturing -- has revolutionized the composites industry through 40 years of innovation and manufacturing excellence. The company produces structures for space launch vehicles, satellites, spacecraft, and commercial and military aircraft.

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 12,000 people and has three business groups: Aerospace, Precision Systems, and Ammunition. ATK news and information can be found at http://www.atk.com/
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Source: Alliant Techsystems

CONTACT: Media, Rod Bitz, +1-952-351-3063, rod_bitz@atk.com, or
Investors, Steve Wold, +1-952-351-3056, steve_wold@atk.com, both of Alliant Techsystems