MITEX Mission Will Demonstrate New Satellite Technologies
ATK solid propulsion technologies supported last night’s successful launch of a Boeing Delta II rocket from Cape Canaveral Air Force Station, Fla. The launch marked the beginning of the Defense Advanced Research Project Agency’s (DARPA) Microsatellite Technology Experiments (MITEX) mission.
Nine GEM-40 solid propulsion strap-on boosters manufactured by ATK Launch Systems provided augmented thrust for the launch. Six of the boosters ignited at lift-off with the first-stage main engine and provided over 850,000-lbf maximum thrust for the launch vehicle. About one minute later, the remaining three boosters ignited to provide an additional 450,000-lbf maximum thrust. The spent motors were jettisoned from the rocket as it continued its ascent.
Following burnout and separation of the GEM-40 boosters and the rocket’s liquid second stage, an ATK-produced STAR(TM) 48B third-stage rocket motor delivered two small satellites and a new upper stage booster to orbit.
ATK is a $3.4 billion advanced weapon and space systems company employing approximately 15,000 people in 22 states. News and information can be found on the Internet at www.atk.com.
