PROMONTORY, Utah, August 7, 2009 – Alliant Techsystems (NYSE: ATK) Space Systems and NASA will make history on August 25 as the new Ares I five-segment first stage is tested, marking the start of a new era of space exploration.
What: Horizontal ground test firing of Ares I first stage
When: Tuesday, August 25, 2009
Time: 1 p.m. MDT
Where: ATK Space Systems facility in Promontory, Utah
Test Objectives/Background:
- A total of 46 design objectives will be measured through 650 instrument channels
- The Ares I design is based on the design of the space shuttle’s four-segment booster
- The addition of the fifth segment will increase the maximum thrust performance to approximately 3.6 million pounds
- The first stage of Ares I has been under development since 2005, it measures 12 feet in diameter and 154 feet in length.
- The cases have previously flown on the space shuttle, collectively launching 48 missions–including STS-1.
Note to Editor:
- Media passes are required in order to view the test
- Foreign requests must be submitted by 4 p.m., August 13, 2009
- All other media requests must be submitted by 4 p.m., August 20, 2009
- Reporters will need to be on site by 9 a.m. the day of the test
- The media will be located in a viewing site optimal for photos and video. Reporters will be escorted to conduct interviews and view the motor up close prior to the test
- Upon request, reporters may view the motor after the firing
- Broadcast: Live equipment needs to be scheduled in advance to arrange for parking
For more information and to request a media pass, contact Trina Patterson (801) 699-0943 trina.patterson@atk.com
