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ATK Propulsion and Composite Technologies Support Successful Launch of Delta II Rocket

NASA Mission Explores How Solar Changes Affect Life on Earth

MINNEAPOLIS, Oct. 26 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- ATK (NYSE: ATK) solid propulsion and composite technologies supported last night's successful launch of a Boeing Delta II rocket from Cape Canaveral Air Force Station, Fla. The launch began NASA's Solar Terrestrial Relations Observatory (STEREO) mission to study the sun. The two-year mission, involving a pair of near-identical satellites, will provide scientists with the first 3D images of the sun and allow them to study powerful solar eruptions called coronal mass ejections.

Nine GEM-40 solid propulsion strap-on boosters manufactured by ATK provided augmented thrust for the launch. Six of the boosters ignited at lift-off with the first-stage main engine and provided over 850,000-lbf maximum thrust for the launch vehicle. Just over a minute later, the remaining three boosters ignited to provide an additional 450,000-lbf maximum thrust. The spent motors were jettisoned from the rocket as it continued its ascent.

Following burnout and separation of the GEM-40 boosters and the rocket's liquid second stage, an ATK-produced STAR™ 48B third-stage rocket motor boosted the two observatories from a low-Earth orbit toward the moon where they will gain a gravity assist to enter unique orbits that will optimize their views of solar activity. The two observatory satellites were encapsulated by a 10-ft-diameter composite fairing manufactured by ATK in Iuka, Miss. This launch marked the fifth ATK 10-ft composite fairing flown on a Delta II mission.

ATK is a $3.4-billion advanced weapon and space systems company employing approximately 15,000 people in 22 states. News and information can be found on the Internet at http://www.atk.com/ .

  Media Contact:                         Investor Contact:

  George Torres                          Steve Wold
  Phone:  801-251-2819                   Phone:  952-351-3056
  E-mail:  george.torres@atk.com         E-mail:  steve.wold@atk.com