American Pacific wins European Space Agency contract to develop next-generation propulsion system for space

By Courtney E. Howard

DUBLIN, 29 Sept. 2011. The European arm of AMPAC-ISP Corp., American Pacific Corp.’s (NASDAQ:APFC) wholly-owned, in-space propulsion subsidiary (AMPAC-ISP) in Dublin, won a European Space Agency (ESA) contract to develop next-generation rocket engine technologies for future interplanetary missions. ESA officials seek new processes, materials, and technologies to improve the performance of liquid apogee engines used in spacecraft orbit insertion and in-space propulsion maneuvers. The initial phase of the contract, valued at more than euro 2 million, is split between AMPAC-ISP’s Irish and U.K. divisions. Engineering Solutions International Ltd. (ESIL) of Kinsealy, Ireland, gains a euro 125,000 subcontract to provide computational fluid dynamics (CFD).

AMPAC-ISP develops and delivers satellite propulsion systems and components, fluid controls, and launch vehicle structural components.

AMPAC-ISP expects to recruit an additional 15 highly qualified personnel in the next 2 years.