ATK Helps Boost Newest Earth Observation Satellite Into Orbit
Alliant Techsystems rocket motors and composites technology supported today’s successful launch of a Japanese H-IIA vehicle from the Tanegashima Space Center in southern Japan. The launch vehicle placed into orbit the Advanced Land Observing Satellite (ALOS). The satellite will improve land observation technologies to aid in mapping, disaster monitoring, and surveying land use and natural resources to promote sustainable development.
ATK developed and produced the two solid strap-on boosters flown on this configuration of the H-IIA. The booster is an adaptation of ATK’s CASTOR® IVA-XL, which flew on the H-IIA for the first time in 2002. The boosters ignite approximately 10 seconds into the flight and burn for one minute.
ATK also supplied the composite materials and technology used to manufacture cases for the two SRB-A rocket motors used on the launch vehicle.
ATK is a $3.1 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 .
