Collaborative Efforts Aimed At Inexpensive Launch Technologies

the building blocks of rocketary have barely changed

Toronto (SPX) May 13, 2004
The President of Columbiad Launch Services Inc., Mr. Richard Graf and the Pres., Founder, & C.E.O. of Heron Aerospace, Corp., Mr. Parker Bradley, are pleased to announce today that Heron Aerospace and Columbiad Launch Services are now working together on the development of a gun-assisted propulsion system for satellite launches.

Columbiad, and Heron Aerospace, in conjunction with the Physical Science Laboratory (PSL) at New Mexico State University, are currently working on the incorporation of Bragg sensor technology into Columbiad's gun launchers to measure pressure variations in both steel and composite gun barrels.

Bragg sensors are fiber optic devices that will be attached to the barrels of the gun launchers to provide detailed analysis of the interior ballistic cycle. Bragg sensors will be attached both around the girth, and along the length of the barrel - -- allowing internal stresses to be monitored in real time.

One of the benefits of Bragg Sensors is that they can easily be incorporated into the manufacturing process of composite barrels - becoming an integral part of the material of the launcher, thus allowing for the economic development of "smart structures".

"Heron Aerospace is very excited to be working with PSL & Columbiad in the development of the Bragg Sensor Systems for this aerospace application, " said Mr. Bradley.

"The addition of Bragg Sensor technology to Columbiad's gun-launch systems will allow us to monitor and control the ballistic cycle with unprecedented accuracy. Combining Bragg Sensors with high performance, multi-chamber gun-launch systems will allow Heron Aerospace and Columbiad to create the most efficient gun-launched satellite systems ever conceived."

ROCKET SCIENCE

American Pacific To Acquire Aerojet-General's In-Space Propulsion Business

Las Vegas - Apr 28, 2004
American Pacific Corporation has agreed to acquire the in-space propulsion business (ISP Business) from Aerojet-General Corporation (Aerojet) for approximately $3.5 million in cash and the assumption of certain liabilities. The agreement includes customary closing conditions and requires the receipt of Federal Trade Commission approval of the transaction. The transaction is expected to close in the second half of 2004.