Orbital ATK Completes Key Milestone in NASA's Orion Launch Abort System Qualification Effort
June 20 2017 - 6:06PM
Business Wire
Test Data Reveals Added Security for Future
Manned Missions
Orbital ATK (NYSE: OA), a global leader in aerospace and defense
technologies, today announced that is has completed analysis of the
critical components demonstrated in the Orion Launch Abort System
Attitude Control Motor (ACM) test conducted at the company’s
Elkton, Maryland, facility. Results from the test indicate the
motor’s HT-11 ‘High Thrust’ test was fully successful.
The ACM consists of a solid propellant gas generator and eight
equally-spaced valves capable of providing 7,000 lbs. of thrust in
any direction. The HT-11 test used a three-valve version of the ACM
to verify the latest design improvements. Orbital ATK recently
completed a physical review of all test hardware and an analysis of
all test data to confirm that the improvements performed as
expected. This key milestone clears the way for the ACM to enter
into the qualification phase of the program. Three qualification
units will undergo additional static testing in 2018 and 2019, also
at Orbital ATK’s controllable propulsion center of excellence in
Elkton. Founded in 1948, the 550-acre facility employs more than
400 employees, principally engaged in engineering and
manufacturing. It is recognized as an AIAA Historic Aerospace
Site.
“For decades, Orbital ATK has been an important component of
Maryland’s thriving aerospace industry and of America’s
accomplishments in space,” said Maryland Commerce Secretary Mike
Gill. “This collaboration between NASA, Lockheed Martin, and
Orbital ATK not only illustrates the strength of aerospace in
Maryland, but also advances space exploration far beyond our
horizon.”
The launch abort system (LAS), which is being developed by
Lockheed Martin for NASA’s Orion spacecraft, will protect the
astronaut crew on the launch pad and during ascent. Orion is being
built to take humans farther than they’ve ever gone before. NASA is
building a flexible, reusable and sustainable capability and
infrastructure beyond the moon that will last multiple decades and
support missions of increasing complexity. Orbital ATK is providing
key propulsion subsystems for the LAS, including an advanced ACM to
safely control the LAS during the main abort phase and to
reposition the capsule for descent and parachute release.
About Orbital ATK
Orbital ATK is a global leader in aerospace and defense
technologies. The company designs, builds and delivers space,
defense and aviation systems for customers around the world, both
as a prime contractor and merchant supplier. Its main products
include launch vehicles and related propulsion systems; missile
products, subsystems and defense electronics; precision weapons,
armament systems and ammunition; satellites and associated space
components and services; and advanced aerospace structures.
Headquartered in Dulles, Virginia, Orbital ATK employs
approximately 12,500 people in 18 states across the U.S. and in
several international locations. For more information, visit
www.orbitalatk.com.
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version on businesswire.com: http://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20170620006566/en/
Orbital ATKMedia Contact:Michael DiMauro,
410-864-4803Defense Systems Group
Communicationsmichael.dimauro@orbitalatk.comorInvestor
Contact:Barron Beneski, 703-406-5528Public and Investor
Relationsbarron.beneski@orbitalatk.com
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