ATK Composite Structures Help Support Unique Study of Clouds, Rain, and Aerosols
Alliant Techsystems solid propulsion and composite technologies supported today’s successful launch of a Boeing Delta II rocket from Vandenberg Air Force Base, Calif. The launch successfully placed the NASA satellites CloudSat and CALIPSO into orbit. As elements of both satellites, ATK composite structures will help scientists gather information on air quality and long-term climate issues.
Four GEM-40 solid propulsion strap-on boosters provided augmented thrust for the launch. The boosters ignited at lift-off with the first-stage main engine. About 90 seconds later, the spent motors were jettisoned from the rocket as it continued its ascent.
An ATK-built antenna on CloudSat will collect radar pulses reflected from clouds to map their 3-D structure and ice/water composition for a better understanding of their effects on earth’s climate. The CALIPSO instrument structure, fabricated by ATK, supports key satellite instruments, such as the telescope, star tracker, wide field camera, and shade assembly, all of which aid in precise measurement of aerosol distribution and transport around the world.
ATK is a $3.3 billion advanced weapon and space systems company employing approximately 15,000 people in 23 states. News and information can be found on the Internet at http://www.atk.com .
