MINNEAPOLIS, Dec. 9 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- Alliant Techsystems propulsion and composite technologies supported the successful launch of the United Launch Alliance's Delta II rocket procured by Boeing Launch Services carrying an Italian COSMO-SkyMed-2 Earth-imaging satellite. This was the second launch of a COSMO satellite this year. SkyMed-1 was launched in June.
Four GEM-40 solid propulsion strap-on boosters manufactured in ATK's Salt Lake City, Utah, facility provided augmented thrust for the launch. ATK's Clearfield, Utah, facility produced the composite cases for the GEM-40 boosters using an automated filament winding process developed and refined through its 40-year-heritage in composite manufacturing. This launch marked the tenth ATK 10-foot composite fairing flown on a Delta II mission.
Launched from Vandenberg Air Force Base, California, the boosters ignited at lift-off and provided over 448,800 pound maximum thrust for the launch vehicle. The spent motors were jettisoned from the rocket as it continued its ascent.
Throughout its mission, COSMO-SkyMed-2 will rely on ATK's advanced composite waveguide technology to provide reliable RF signal transmissions throughout the satellite structure. ATK's metal-plated composite waveguide provides more than 50 percent weight savings compared to traditional aluminum waveguide technology. It also provides critical dimensional stability in the challenging thermal environments the spacecraft will experience on-orbit.
ATK is an advanced weapon and space systems company with annual revenues in excess of $4.1 billion that employs approximately 17,000 people in 21 states. News and information can be found on the Internet at http://www.atk.com/.
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