NASA Awards ATK $50 Million Contract for Advanced Concept Booster
By Rebecca Lincks | October 9, 2012
[Satellite TODAY 10-09-12] ATK has been awarded a $50 million contract by NASA to further develop the Advanced Concept Booster Development for NASA’s Space Launch System (SLS) through complete engineering development and risk reduction tests, ATK announced Oct. 9.
ATK has been tasked with using cost-effective materials and processes to solve technological challenges encountered in the development of the advanced booster requirements for NASA’s SLS Program. The company will develop a lithium-ion battery-powered electric thrust vector control system, high-performance propellant, lightweight composite rocket motor case and an advanced nozzle, all of which will undergo an integrated booster static test firing.
“This program will not only demonstrate a higher-performing booster, it will verify our affordability initiatives, which are key to sustainability as we move forward,” ATK Space Launch Division Vice President and General Manager Charlie Precourt said in a statement. "Our advanced booster design incorporates innovations that deliver greater performance than current NASA requirements, while also providing higher reliability and lower costs.”