Two units of Alliant Techsystems Inc. [ATK] will merge, the company announced.

The Launch Systems and Space Systems groups are combining into a single business unit, the company stated.

They will be involved in space-related markets, including next-generation missile defense and prompt global strike missions.

Carl Marchetto, current president of ATK Space Systems, will lead the new organization, which will retain the Space Systems name.

Ron Dittemore, president of Launch Systems, will become the ATK senior vice president of strategic partnerships, reporting directly to Chairman and CEO Dan Murphy.

Dittemore will lead ATK in the NASA space exploration program.

The ATK group secured the prime contract for the first stage of the U.S. next-generation launch vehicle rocket, Ares I.

The group will have approximately 6,600 employees and operate in 10 states. Revenues for the group are expected to be greater than $1.6 billion in fiscal 2009.