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ATK Solid Propulsion and Composite Technology Supports Successful Launch Of Pegasus XL Rocket

Apr 29, 2003

MINNEAPOLIS, April 29 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- ATK (Alliant Techsystems) (NYSE:ATK) solid propulsion and composite technologies supported the launch yesterday of an Orbital Sciences Corporation (NYSE:ORB) Pegasus(R) XL rocket from Cape Canaveral Air Force Station, Fla. that successfully placed into orbit a NASA space telescope.

Orion solid propulsion motors produced by ATK provided power for all three stages of the air-launched Pegasus XL rocket. The motors, which have flown on the vehicle since its first mission in 1990, are manufactured in Magna, Utah. The composite payload fairing, filament-wound solid rocket motor cases, and interstage that form the Pegasus vehicle's main structure were produced in Clearfield, Utah, while the composite bus structure for the satellite payload was fabricated in San Diego, Calif.

The NASA Galaxy Evolution Explorer (GALEX) orbiting telescope launched by the Pegasus rocket will observe galaxies in ultraviolet light across 10 billion years of cosmic history, providing information about how galaxies -- the basic structure of the universe -- evolve and change. GALEX will also probe the causes of star formation during a period when most of the stars and elements seen today had their origins.

Since its maiden flight in 1990, Orbital's Pegasus rocket has conducted 33 missions and launched more than 70 satellites -- becoming the world's standard for affordable and reliable small launch vehicles. Yesterday's launch was the 19th consecutive successful Pegasus mission carried out since 1997.

An Orbital L-1011 aircraft carries the rocket to approximately 40,000 feet over the ocean, where it is released in a horizontal position before igniting its first-stage Orion motor. The composite payload fairing separates approximately 110 seconds into flight, following second-stage ignition. Approximately ten minutes into the flight, the third-stage Orion motor completes its burn, placing the satellite payload into orbit.

ATK is the world's leading supplier of solid-propellant rocket motors. Products include propulsion systems for the Delta, Pegasus, Taurus(R), Athena, Atlas, H-IIA, and Titan IV B expendable space launch vehicles, NASA's Space Shuttle, the Trident II Fleet Ballistic Missile and the Minuteman III Intercontinental Ballistic Missile, and ground-based missile defense interceptors.

Known for its unique capabilities in large structures manufacturing, ATK 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