ATK and NASA to Perform First Ground Test of the Ares I Five-Segment Solid Rocket Motor

Test is a Major Milestone for ATK, NASA on Ares I Program

PROMONTORY, Utah, Aug. 14 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- Alliant Techsystems (NYSE: ATK) Space Systems and NASA will make history on August 27 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

UPDATED date: Thursday, August 27, 2009*

Time: 1 p.m. MDT

Where: ATK Space Systems facility in Promontory, Utah

*The new date allows key NASA and ATK personnel to support this test and the upcoming STS-128 space shuttle Discovery mission, targeted for August 24.

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.
• Public viewing area is available for first come along State Road 83 past Corinne, Utah.
  

Note to Editor:

• Media passes are required in order to view the test
  • Foreign requests must be submitted by 4 p.m., August 18, 2009
  • All other media requests must be submitted by 4 p.m., August 24, 2009
• Remote still cameras will need to be approved in advance and set-up the day prior to the test
• 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
• Satellite coordinates for downlink will be available
  

For more information and to request a media pass, contact Trina Patterson (801) 699-0943 trina.patterson@atk.com

    Media Contacts:
    Trina Patterson                        George Torres
    Cell: 801-699-0943                     Cell: 801-699-2637
    email: trina.patterson@atk.com         email: george.torres@atk.com

SOURCE ATK

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