ATK (Alliant Techsystems) said rocket motor case and advanced
composite material technologies developed by its Aerospace Group supported the
fourth launch of Japan’s H-IIA space launch vehicle from Tanegashima Space
Center in southern Japan on Dec. 13.
The H-IIA rocket placed into orbit the Advanced Earth Observing Satellite-
II, which will study environmental changes. The rocket also carried three
micro-satellites: the Whale Ecology Observation Satellite, Japan’s Micro-Lab-
Sat, and Australia’s FedSAT.
ATK Thiokol Propulsion, Promontory, Utah, working in cooperation with IHI
Aerospace Co., Ltd. (IA), Tokyo, Japan, designed the composite motor case for
the H-IIA rocket’s two ground-lit Solid-Rocket Boosters (SRB-As), using proven
technology from its CASTOR 120® motor. The company also supplied its
patented TCR(TM) graphite-epoxy, pre-impregnated resin materials for use in
constructing the case.
ATK Thiokol Propulsion validated the design and manufacturing process for
the SRB-A cases, and IA manufactured the cases in Tomioka, Japan.
ATK Thiokol Propulsion has supplied materials for 18 cases to IA for the
H-IIA development and manufacturing program.
The H-IIA family of launch vehicles, which will comprise four separate
vehicle configurations, is being developed under the direction and funding of
the National Space Development Agency of Japan (NASDA).
ATK is a $2.1 billion aerospace and defense company with leading positions
in propulsion, composite structures, munitions, and precision capabilities.
The company, which is headquartered in Edina, Minn., employs approximately
11,500 people and has three business groups: Aerospace, Precision Systems,
and Ammunition. ATK news and information can be found on the Internet at
www.atk.com .
