Alliant Techsystems’ (NYSE: ATK) composite technology supported today’s successful launch of an United Launch Alliance Atlas V rocket from Cape Canaveral Air Force Station, Florida. The launch placed a mobile communications satellite into orbit for ICO Global Communications (Holdings) Limited (Nasdaq: ICOG – News).
Using advanced fiber manufacturing techniques, ATK produced the 10′ diameter composite heatshield and baseplate that provide essential protection for the first stage of the launch vehicle. The heatshield and baseplate were fabricated by ATK at its Clearfield, Utah facility. This is the 14th Atlas V launch using ATK built composite structures.
ATK’s composite technologies deliver superior performance for numerous space launch vehicles, including the Atlas V, Delta II and Delta IV. Composite structures are lighter weight than traditional metal alloys yet offer increased strength. The company also manufactures numerous composite components for military and commercial aircraft.
ATK is a premier aerospace and defense company with more than 17,000 employees in 21 states and over $4.1 billion in revenue. News and information can be found on the Internet at http://www.atk.com.
