ATK composite, space structures protect Atlas V launch vehicle
ARLINGTON, Va., 12 Dec. 2012. ATK (NYSE:ATK) composite technology protected portions of the United Launch Alliance (ULA) Atlas V rocket that launched the U.S. Air Force’s Orbital Test Vehicle (OTV) into orbit.
The ULA Atlas V rocket flew in the 501 vehicle configuration with a 5.4-meter fairing and a single-engine Centaur upper stage, with no solid rocket boosters.
ATK engineers, using advanced fiber placement manufacturing techniques, produced the 10-foot-diameter composite heat shield that provides protection for the first stage of the launch vehicle, the 10-foot-diameter Centaur Interstage Adapter (CISA), and the 18-foot-diameter boat tail that connects the CISA to the payload fairing. The parts were fabricated ATK’s Iuka, Miss., and Clearfield, Utah, facilities.
The Reaction Control System (RCS) propellant tank for the Atlas V rocket was manufactured at ATK's Commerce, Calif. facility. This is the 34th Atlas V launch using ATK-built composite structures.
ATK is an aerospace, defense, and commercial products company with operations in 21 states, Puerto Rico, and internationally.
Courtney E. Howard | Chief Editor, Intelligent Aerospace
Courtney enjoys writing about all things high-tech in PennWell’s burgeoning Aerospace and Defense Group, which encompasses Intelligent Aerospace and Military & Aerospace Electronics. She’s also a self-proclaimed social-media maven, mil-aero nerd, and avid avionics and space geek. Connect with Courtney at [email protected], @coho on Twitter, on LinkedIn, and on Google+.
