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ATK Boosts NASA Infrared Telescope Mission Launched From Boeing Delta II Heavy Vehicle

Aug 26, 2003

MINNEAPOLIS, Aug. 26 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- ATK (Alliant Techsystems) (NYSE:ATK) provided the additional liftoff thrust necessary for a Boeing Delta II Heavy (7920) core vehicle to boost NASA's Space Infrared Telescope Facility (SIRTF) into an Earth-trailing, solar orbit. Nine of ATK's GEM-46 strap on boosters were attached to the Delta II rocket to help power it into space.

"ATK is extremely pleased with the performance of the nine booster configuration. It was a flawless launch," said Jeff Foote, group vice president, ATK Aerospace. "Our partnership with Boeing and NASA will serve to expand our nation's knowledge, and the world's knowledge of the solar system."

ATK Thiokol Propulsion manufactures the GEM family of boosters at its production facility in Magna, Utah. The GEM-46 booster configuration provides additional thrust to Boeing's main engine and this morning's launch was is the second successful flight of the Delta II Heavy vehicle. Each GEM-46 provides almost 3-million pounds more thrust than the GEM-40 motors typically flown on a Delta II vehicle, thereby increasing the payload capacity of the Delta II to accommodate the SIRTF spacecraft which weighs more than 2,000 lbs. ATK Composites, Clearfield, Utah, manufactures the graphite epoxy cases for the GEM-46 boosters. The lightweight, filament-wound cases are one-fifth the weight of steel.

SIRTF is the last of NASA's four orbiting telescopes to be lofted into space as part of the Great Observatories Program. Each telescope observes a different kind of light in the cosmos (visible, gamma rays, x-rays, and infrared). SIRTF will examine infrared heat images away from the interfering atmosphere of Earth, using a unique design to minimize the heat effects of the spacecraft as well as the telescope.

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

ATK Composites - the largest producer of filament-wound and fiber-placed structures in the U.S. - 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 $2.2 billion aerospace and defense company with strong positions in propulsion, composite structures, munitions, precision capabilities, and civil and sporting ammunition. The company, which is headquartered in Edina, Minn., employs approximately 12,000 people and has three business groups: Aerospace, Precision Systems, and Ammunition and Related Products. ATK news and information can be found on the Internet at http://www.atk.com/
.

Certain information discussed in this press release may constitute forward-looking statements as defined in the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Although ATK believes that the expectations reflected in such forward-looking statements are based on reasonable assumptions, it can give no assurance that its expectations will be achieved. Forward-looking information is subject to certain risks, trends and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from those projected. Among those factors are: unforeseen delays in NASA's Space Shuttle and other programs, changes in governmental spending and budgetary policies, economic conditions, equity market returns, the company's competitive environment, the timing of awards and contracts, the outcome of contingencies, including litigation and environmental remediation, program performance, and sales projections. ATK undertakes no obligation to update any forward-looking statements. For further information on factors that could impact ATK, and statements contained herein, reference should be made to ATK's filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission, including quarterly reports on Form 10-Q, current reports on Form 8-K and annual reports on Form 10-K.

Source: Alliant Techsystems

CONTACT: Media, Bryce Hallowell, +1-952-351-3087, rod_bitz@atk.com, or
Investors, Steve Wold, +1-952-351-3056, steve_wold@atk.com, both of Alliant Techsystems