Space

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