NASA selects Orbital ATK for aerospace propulsion technologies research
DULLES, Va., 23 Sept. 2015.Alliant Techsystems Operations LLC, a wholly-owned subsidiary of Orbital ATK Inc. (NYSE:OA), a provider of aerospace and defense technologies, will provide NASA with advanced space propulsion system technologies under a Research and Technologies for Aerospace Propulsion Systems 2 (RTAPS2) contract.
RTAPS2, part of aerospace research activities at the agency’s Glenn Research Center in Cleveland, Ohio, makes it possible for qualified industry partners to develop, demonstrate, and verify advanced propulsion system technologies as part of NASA’s aerospace research programs. Research and development efforts in these technologies will address a wide variety of propulsion issues for subsonic, supersonic, hypersonic, and rotorcraft transportation vehicles, as well as addressing issues pertaining to aviation safety and space exploration missions, officials explain.
“This effort reflects our continued commitment to be a key partner in NASA’s pioneering space endeavors,” says Mike Kahn, president of Orbital ATK’s Defense Systems Group. “Orbital ATK has a rich history as a technology partner, and we are continuing to develop advanced solutions in space access and hypersonics propulsion.”
The Orbital ATK team consists of more than a dozen established technology partners and small businesses. Under Orbital ATK’s direction, they will research and develop space propulsion technologies that enable higher mission performance, reduced cost, improved operability, and reliability, and greater safety. Elements of the space propulsion award include liquid engine systems, propellant systems, electric propulsion, and rocket-based combined cycle.
Orbital ATK’s Defense Systems Group provides precision and strike weapons, advanced propulsion and hypersonics, missile components across air-, sea-, and land-based systems, ammunition, and related energetic products.
Orbital ATK designs, builds, and delivers space, defense, and aviation systems for customers around the world, both as a prime contractor and merchant supplier. Its main products include launch vehicles and related propulsion systems; missile products, subsystems, and defense electronics; precision weapons, armament systems, and ammunition; satellites and associated space components and services; and advanced aerospace structures.
