Orbital ATK (NYSE: OA), a global leader in aerospace and defense technologies, today provided critical launch vehicle and payload hardware for the Lockheed Martin (NYSE: LMT) Commercial Launch Services launch of DigitalGlobe’s WorldView-4 satellite aboard an Atlas V from Vandenberg Air Force Base, California.
Operating at an expected altitude of 617 km in coordination with the DigitalGlobe WorldView-3 satellite, WorldView-4 is a multi-spectral, high-resolution commercial satellite for Earth observations and advanced geospatial solutions. Its data-rich imagery will enable customers to search for new sources of minerals and fuels, manage forests and farms and accelerate DigitalGlobe’s living digital inventory of the surface of the earth. Lockheed Martin designed and built the WorldView-4 satellite for DigitalGlobe.
“The highly engineered Orbital ATK products supporting both the Atlas V rocket and the WorldView-4 satellite are a testament to our portfolio of products and their integration capability,” said Steve Earl, Vice President and General Manager of Orbital ATK’s Aerospace Structures Division. “They demonstrate not only Orbital ATK’s continued affordable innovation and execution excellence, but our leadership in the aerospace market.”
Orbital ATK’s contributions to the Atlas V and WorldView satellite include cutting-edge technologies from across the company. Contributions include a large composite faring and retro motors for the rocket, and critical components on the satellite.
For the Atlas V rocket, Orbital ATK produced the 10-foot diameter composite heat shield, which provides higher performance with lower weight, and essential protection for the first stage of the launch vehicle from engine exhaust temperatures in excess of 4,000 degrees Fahrenheit. The assembly was fabricated using advanced fiber placement manufacturing techniques at Orbital ATK’s Luka, Mississippi facility. This is the 65th Atlas V launch using Orbital ATK-built composite structures.
This launch also marked the 31st successful flight of Orbital ATK produced retro motors. Eight of these solid motors supported separation of the spent first stage. The Atlas retrorocket is built at Orbital ATK’s Missile Defense and Controls facility in Elkton, Maryland.
Additionally, Orbital ATK manufactured the diaphragm tank for the WorldView-4 satellite, as well as, the Reaction Control System propellant tank for the ULA Atlas V at its facility in Commerce, California.
About Orbital ATK
Orbital ATK is a global leader in aerospace and defense technologies. The company 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. Headquartered in Dulles, Virginia, Orbital ATK employs approximately 12,000 people in 18 states across the U.S. and in several international locations. For more information, visit www.orbitalatk.com.
