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ATK Wins Another Orion Launch Abort Subsystem Contract
Minneapolis MN (SPX) Jul 24, 2007 Alliant Techsystems has been selected by Orbital Sciences as part of the Orion prime contractor team, led by Lockheed Martin, to provide the attitude control motor (ACM) for NASA's Orion crew exploration vehicle launch abort system (LAS). The new LAS contract is valued at approximately $70 million. The ACM adds to ATK's content on the LAS, which already includes the primary launch abort motor. Work on the ACM will be performed at ATK facilities in Elkton, MD. ATK will lead an industry team including Moog, Inc., Buffalo, NY and Fiber Materials, Inc., Biddeford, ME in the development of the attitude control motor. The ACM will utilize proven space-qualified propellant and gas generator technologies and ATK's unique proportional valve. An array of eight valves will be used to provide the thrust needed to properly orient the Orion capsule for safe recovery in the event of a variety of possible launch abort scenarios. "ATK is honored to be leading the development of this key propulsion subsystem for the nation's human-rated spaceflight program," said Bart Olson, vice president and general manager of ATK's Tactical Propulsion and Controls Division, Baltimore, MD. "America's astronauts expect and deserve the aerospace communities' best efforts to ensure their safety. The Orion launch abort system ACM will reflect the human-rated spaceflight heritage that is a hallmark of ATK," Mr. Olson added. The Orion crew exploration vehicle is the successor to the Space Shuttle as NASA's primary vehicle for future human space exploration. In the event of an emergency during launch, the LAS will allow the astronaut crew to safely escape, with the ATK developed ACM playing a critical role in the mission as the capsule is jettisoned away from the launch vehicle. The Orion LAS will be demonstrated during an abort system test that is scheduled to take place in 2008 at White Sands Missile Range in New Mexico. Community Email This Article Comment On This Article Related Links ATK Rocket Science News at Space-Travel.Com
Old Space Prepares To Buy New Space As Northrop Scoops Up Scaled Composites
Los Angeles CA (SPX) Jul 22, 2007Military and aerospace powerhouse Northrop Grumman is reported to be on the verge of buying the jewel of the new space crown - SpaceShipOne builder Scaled Composites. With an already well established beachhead of 40 percent it was only a matter of time before the company was fully acquired. |
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