ATK (Alliant Techsystems, NYSE: ATK) rocket
motors supported Wednesday’s successful launch of Lockheed Martin Atlas IIAS
vehicle from Cape Canaveral Air Force Station, Florida, that carried the
AMC-11 C-band communications satellite into orbit. The satellite, built with
the assistance of ATK composite structures, will deliver cable programming
to more than 80 million homes.
ATK’s CASTOR IVA strap-on boosters played a critical role in the launch,
continuing a history of success dating back to 1993.
The satellite’s dual-shell, gridded reflectors, produced by ATK, will help
it deliver more accurate signal transmission for higher frequency
applications. Composite yokes and booms used on the satellite’s solar array
substrate wings provide stiffness and stability with lower mass.
ATK is a $2.4 billion advanced weapons and space systems company employing
13,200 people in 21 states.
