Test Objectives Collected for Both Shuttle and Ares I Programs
The Utah desert was filled with the sound of a rocket as Alliant Techsystems (NYSE: ATK) once again conducted a successful test firing of NASA’s reusable solid rocket motor (RSRM). Data collected during the test will be used to further ensure the safety of the remaining shuttle flights and provide valuable information which will be utilized on the Ares I program.
The world’s largest solid rocket motor measuring more than 126 feet in length and 12 feet in diameter generated the equivalent of 15 million horsepower throughout the duration of the test, which lasted approximately two minutes. A total of 55 test objectives collected through 385 instrument channels were conducted as part of this test. These included obtaining performance data on the nozzle joints, aft exit cone, accelerometer, ultrasonic measurements, and temperature and age-certification data.
The motor was seven and a half years old, just slightly older than the motor ATK tested in May of this year, making it the oldest RSRM to ever be fired. Older motors are tested to ensure performance has not changed over time. Currently, solid rocket motors used on a shuttle launch cannot be more than five years old.
“This test will aid in the development of Ares I and help provide a smooth transition as the shuttle program comes to an end and efforts on Ares I development ramp up even more,” said Mike Kahn, executive vice president and general manager, ATK Launch Systems. “Performing ground tests allows us to validate performance, qualify new components and ensure safety.”
One test objective designed specifically for the Ares I program was the collection of acoustic measurements close to the motor. During the last two static fires of a shuttle solid rocket motor at ATK, acoustic measurements were taken using microphones. For this test, microphones were placed strategically in areas either to validate previous data or to fill in the blanks where information had not been collected. In total, there were 31 microphones placed around and on the motor during the test. The data collected from this test will help NASA determine the requirements needed for the development of the launch pad for Ares I.
ATK is the prime contractor for the first-stage of Ares I and Ares I-X. NASA and ATK are on track to conduct the first Ares I-X flight test next year, as well as the first Ares I five-segment motor ground test. Working closely with NASA, the company has successfully completed the preliminary design review of the first stage. It is delivering Ares I-X hardware to the Kennedy Space Center and manufacturing the first development ground test motor.
ATK is a premier aerospace and defense company with more than 17,000 employees in 21 states and approximately $4.6 billion in revenue. News and information can be found on the Internet at http://www.atk.com.
Certain information discussed in this press release constitutes forward-looking statements as defined in the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Although ATK believes that the expectations reflected in such forward-looking statements are based on reasonable assumptions, it can give no assurance that its expectations will be achieved. Forward-looking information is subject to certain risks, trends and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from those projected. Among those factors are: assumptions related to the development of the Ares I program; changes in governmental spending, budgetary policies and product sourcing strategies; the company’s competitive environment; the terms and timing of awards and contracts; and economic conditions. ATK undertakes no obligation to update any forward-looking statements. For further information on factors that could impact ATK, and statements contained herein, please refer to ATK’s most recent Annual Report on Form 10-K and any subsequent quarterly reports on Form 10-Q and current reports on Form 8-K filed with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission.
