ATK Awarded $20 Million UltraFlex™ Solar Array Contract from Orbital

ARLINGTON, Va., Nov. 30, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- ATK (NYSE: ATK) was awarded a $20 million contract by Orbital Sciences Corporation (NYSE: ORB) to provide its UltraFlex™ solar arrays to power Orbital's enhanced Cygnus™ cargo logistics space vehicle, which is being utilized under NASA's Commercial Resupply System contract.

The disk-shaped UltraFlex solar arrays measure more than 11 feet in diameter and are made of ultra-lightweight materials that provide high strength and stiffness as well as compact stowage volume. With the same power but at a significantly reduced mass from the original arrays, the UltraFlex solar arrays will contribute to an overall increased payload capability of the enhanced Cygnus vehicle to provide resupply services to the International Space Station.  "Providing performance and weight savings is critical for spacecraft providers," said David Shanahan, vice president and general manager, ATK Space Structures & Components. "UltraFlex solar arrays provide the highest power for the lowest mass, enabling larger payloads and ensuring the success of more taxing missions."  

Smaller 6-foot diameter versions of these disk-shaped solar arrays were used to power NASA's Phoenix Lander, which had its mission extended three times due in part to the exceptional performance of the solar arrays. Larger UltraFlex solar arrays—measuring nearly 20 feet in diameter—will be deployed on NASA's Multi Purpose Crew Vehicle.    

The enhanced Cygnus spacecraft incorporates a larger pressurized cargo module that can carry up to 2700 kg of cargo to the ISS.  The spacecraft's pressurized cargo module will carry crew supplies, spares and scientific experiments.

ATK is an aerospace, defense, and commercial products company with operations in 22 states, Puerto Rico, and internationally, and revenues of approximately $4.8 billion. News and information can be found on the Internet at www.atk.com.

Forward-looking Statement
Certain information discussed in this press release constitutes forward-looking statements as defined in the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Although ATK believes that the expectations reflected in such forward-looking statements are based on reasonable assumptions, it can give no assurance that its expectations will be achieved. Forward-looking information is subject to certain risks, trends and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from those projected. Among those factors are: the challenges of developing new launch vehicles; changes in governmental spending, budgetary policies and product sourcing strategies; the company's competitive environment; the terms and timing of awards and contracts; and economic conditions. ATK undertakes no obligation to update any forward-looking statements. For further information on factors that could impact ATK, and statements contained herein, please refer to ATK's most recent Annual Report on Form 10-K and any subsequent quarterly reports on Form 10-Q and current reports on Form 8-K filed with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission.

SOURCE ATK