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ATK Rocket Motors and Composites Help Launch Global Positioning Satellite Aboard Delta II Rocket

ATK GEM Motors Power the 100th Launch

Sep 26, 2005

Minneapolis, September 26, 2005 – Alliant Techsystems (NYSE: ATK) solid propulsion and composite technologies supported yesterday’s successful launch of a Boeing Delta II rocket from Cape Canaveral Air Force Station, Fla. The launch successfully placed the first modernized NAVSTAR Block IIR military navigation satellite into orbit for the U.S. Air Force’s Global Positioning System (GPS) constellation.

Nine GEM-40 solid propulsion strap-on boosters provided augmented thrust for the launch. The mission marked the 100th flight of the Delta II launch vehicle using GEM-40 motors and composite rocket motor casings manufactured by ATK—continuing a tradition of flight support that began in 1990.

Six of the boosters ignited at lift-off with the first-stage main engine. Just over a minute later, the remaining three boosters ignited to provide additional thrust.

Following burnout and separation of the GEM-40 boosters and the rocket’s liquid second stage, a STAR™ 48B third-stage rocket motor propelled the satellite into a transfer orbit. A STAR 37FM™ apogee kick motor will provide the added velocity to place the satellite into its final inclination and circular orbit.

ATK is a $3.1 billion advanced weapon and space systems company employing approximately 14,500 people in 23 states. News and information can be found on the Internet at www.atk.com.