ATK Composite and Propulsion Technologies Help Launch National Reconnaissance Office Satellite
ATK Supports the Final 2006 Launch of Boeing's Delta II
MINNEAPOLIS, Dec. 15 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- Alliant Techsystems (NYSE: ATK) propulsion and composite technologies supported yesterday's successful launch of a Boeing Delta II rocket carrying a classified payload for the U.S. National Reconnaissance Office.
Nine GEM-40 solid propulsion strap-on boosters manufactured by ATK Launch Systems 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 one 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 completed payload separation approximately 58 minutes into flight.
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: Bryce Hallowell Phone: 952-351-3087 E-mail: bryce.hallowell@atk.com Investor Contact: Steve Wold Phone: 952-351-3056 E-mail: steve.wold@atk.com
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