Pratt & Whitney Rocketdyne's RS-27A Engine Boosts Missile Defense Satellite

CANOGA PARK, Calif., May 5 /PRNewswire/ -- Pratt & Whitney Rocketdyne, a United Technologies Corp. (NYSE: UTX) company, boosted a Space Tracking and Surveillance System Advanced Technology Risk Reduction (STSS-ATRR) satellite into orbit from Vandenberg Air Force Base today. The satellite was onboard a United Launch Alliance Delta II rocket, powered by a Pratt & Whitney Rocketdyne RS-27A engine. It was the 229th successful flight boosted by the RS-27 family of engines.

The STSS-ATRR is part of a space-based system for the Missile Defense Agency. Sensors aboard the STSS-ATRR satellite and on the ground will communicate with other systems to defend against incoming ballistic missiles.

"Pratt & Whitney Rocketdyne is proud to play a key part in supporting our U.S. Department of Defense customer with this critical capability," said Elizabeth Jones, RS-27 program manager, Pratt & Whitney Rocketdyne. "Missile defense is a priority for the U.S. armed services and this launch is a significant step in supporting our national defense."

Pratt & Whitney Rocketdyne, Inc., a part of Pratt & Whitney, is a preferred provider of high-value propulsion, power, energy and innovative system solutions used in a wide variety of government and commercial applications, including the main engines for the space shuttle, Atlas and Delta launch vehicles, missile defense systems and advanced hypersonic engines.

Pratt & Whitney is a world leader in the design, manufacture and service of aircraft engines, space propulsion systems and industrial gas turbines. United Technologies, based in Hartford, Conn., is a diversified company providing high technology products and services to the global aerospace and commercial building industries.

SOURCE Pratt & Whitney Rocketdyne

RELATED LINKS
http://www.pw.utc.com