Editing Alliant Techsystems (section)

===ATK Aerospace===
[[File:ATKrocket.jpg|thumb|right|A display of ATK rockets]]
ATK's Aerospace Group covered space, defense and commercial aerospace products and capabilities. The group offered propulsion for space exploration, commercial launch vehicles and strategic and missile defense.  ATK Aerospace was headquartered in [[Magna, Utah]].<ref name=ATK20121026>{{cite news |url=http://www.atk.com/corporateoverview/corpover_spacegroup.asp|title= ATK Corporate Overview Websites|date=2012-10-26|work=ATK Corporate}}</ref>

It also specialized in:
* Composite structures for military and commercial aircraft
*Rolls-Royce Trent XWB-97 engine
*[[Lockheed Martin F-35 Lightning II]] (also known as the Joint Strike Fighter)
*Integrated satellite systems
*Satellite components and subsystems
*Military flares and decoys
*Space engineering services
*Propulsion for space exploration, commercial launch vehicles, strategic and missile defines
**[[ALV X-1]] sounding rocket

In November 2010, ATK was selected by NASA for potential contracts in heavy lift launch vehicle systems and other propulsion technologies.  In 2012, NASA awarded the company a $50 million contract to complete engineering development and risk reduction tests as part of the Advanced Concept Booster Development for the Space Launch System (SLS).

In April 2014, ATK received a contract from the [[United Launch Alliance]], worth $178 million, to produce composite structures for the United States Air Force's [[Evolved Expendable Launch Vehicle]] program.  ATK will deliver parts for the [[Atlas V]] and [[Delta IV]] starting in 2014 and continuing into early 2018.  There is an option for additional deliveries in 2017 and 2018.  ATK will provide fairings, payload adapters and diaphragms, interstages, nose cones, and thermal/aerodynamic protection components. All the structures will be produced at ATK's Large Structures Center of Excellence in [[Iuka, Mississippi]].<ref name="Launch">{{Cite web |url=http://www.compositesworld.com/news/atk-wins-ula-contract-to-build-composite-launch-vehicle-structures |title=ATK wins ULA contract to build composite launch vehicle structures : CompositesWorld |access-date=April 23, 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160302053004/http://www.compositesworld.com/news/atk-wins-ula-contract-to-build-composite-launch-vehicle-structures |archive-date=March 2, 2016 |url-status=dead }}</ref>

ATK produces avionics for NASA's [[Space Launch System]] program.  The Space Launch System is designed for [[outer space|deep space]] operations, including missions to Mars.<ref name="SLS">{{cite web|url=http://www.deseretnews.com/article/865600157/Prepare-to-launch-ATK-runs-tests-on-new-NASA-booster.html?pg=all|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140602200414/http://www.deseretnews.com/article/865600157/Prepare-to-launch-ATK-runs-tests-on-new-NASA-booster.html?pg=all|url-status=dead|archive-date=June 2, 2014|title=Prepare to launch: ATK runs tests on new NASA booster|date=April 3, 2014|work=DeseretNews.com|access-date=June 12, 2015}}</ref>  After ATK finishes testing, avionics will be delivered to NASA's [[Marshall Space Flight Center]].  The first launch is expected in 2017.<ref name="NASA">{{cite web|url=http://fox13now.com/2014/04/06/utahns-working-on-tech-to-help-put-human-on-mars/|title=Utahns working on tech to help put human on Mars|work=fox13now.com|date=April 7, 2014|access-date=June 12, 2015}}</ref>

====Airbus A350 XWB-1000====
{{Main|Airbus A350 XWB}}
ATK produces composite stringers and frames for the Airbus A350 XWB-1000 variant at its facility in Clearfield, Utah. As of 2014, ATK has delivered more than 10,000 components to [[Airbus]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://utahpolicy.com/index.php/features/featured-articles/3328-utah-s-aerospace-and-defense-cluster-shaped-by-strong-companies-deep-talent-pool|title=Utah's Aerospace and Defense Cluster Shaped by Strong Companies, Deep Talent Pool|author=Bryan Schott|work=utahpolicy.com|date=August 26, 2014|access-date=June 12, 2015}}</ref>

====Boeing 787 Dreamliner====
{{Main|Boeing 787 Dreamliner}}
ATK participated in a consortium to develop a new engine nozzle for the Boeing 787 designed to make its operation more environmentally friendly. The nozzle was made from oxide-oxide ceramic matrix composite (CMC) and tested on the 787 [[ecoDemonstrator]]. Boeing's tests show that the nozzle is more heat resistant than previous models and lighter, allowing for potential gains in fuel efficiency. This was the largest part ever made from CMC.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://aviationweek.com/blog/boeing-s-787-ecodemonstrator-goes-work|title=Boeing's 787 ecoDemonstrator goes to work|access-date=June 12, 2015|archive-date=October 19, 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151019070806/http://aviationweek.com/blog/boeing-s-787-ecodemonstrator-goes-work|url-status=dead}}</ref>

====Orion Multi-Purpose Crew Vehicle====
{{Main | Orion (spacecraft)}}
The Orion Multi-Purpose Crew Vehicle is a [[spacecraft]] intended to carry a crew of up to four astronauts to destinations beyond-[[low Earth orbit]]. Currently under development by NASA,<ref>{{cite web|last1=Bergin|first1=Chris|title=EFT-1 Orion completes assembly and conducts FRR|url=http://www.nasaspaceflight.com/2014/10/eft-1-orion-assembly-conduts-frr/|website=NASASpaceflight.com|date=October 30, 2014|access-date=November 10, 2014}}</ref> for launch on the [[Space Launch System]],<ref name=report>{{cite web |url=http://www.nasa.gov/pdf/510449main_SLS_MPCV_90-day_Report.pdf |title=Preliminary Report Regarding NASA's Space Launch System and Multi-Purpose Crew Vehicle |date=January 2011 |publisher=[[NASA]] |access-date=May 25, 2011}}</ref> Orion will facilitate human exploration of the [[Moon]], [[asteroid]]s and [[Mars]].

ATK developed the launch abort motor that sits on top of the Orion capsule. This device would pull the capsule and its crew up and away from the rocket in the event of major fault on the launch pad or during ascent. ATK also developed numerous composite parts that provide heat protection for Orion.<ref name="OrionPie">{{cite news |last=Lopez |first=Jesus |date=2 December 2014 |title=ATK test rocket one step forward to landing humans on Mars |url=http://www.standard.net/Business/2014/12/03/Test-flight-one-step-forward-to-landing-humans-on-Mars.html |newspaper=Standard Examiner |location=Ogden, Utah |access-date=January 13, 2015 |archive-date=September 24, 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150924105635/http://www.standard.net/Business/2014/12/03/Test-flight-one-step-forward-to-landing-humans-on-Mars.html |url-status=dead }}</ref>

====James Webb Space Telescope====
{{Main|James Webb Space Telescope}}
[[File:James Webb Space Telescope 2009 top.jpg|thumb|left|3/4 view of JWST from the "top" (opposite side from the Sun)]]
ATK worked with [[Northrop Grumman]] to produce the backplane support frame (BSF) for the James Webb Space Telescope. The BSF, center section, and wings form what is called the primary mirror backplane support system (PMBSS). The BSF is the primary load-bearing structure during launch and the PMBSS holds the telescope's main instruments, including its mirrors. The BSF was designed and manufactured at ATK's facilities in Magna, Utah. ATK designed and fabricated more than 10,000 parts for the PMBSS. PMBSS is made primarily of lightweight graphite, but numerous other materials including [[invar]], [[titanium]], and other composite materials were used.<ref name="Webb1">{{cite web|url=http://spaceref.biz/2013/06/northrop-grumman-atk-complete-backbone-of-nasas-james-webb-space-telescope.html|title=Northrop Grumman, ATK Complete Backbone of NASA's James Webb Space Telescope|access-date=June 12, 2015|archive-date=April 3, 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150403195825/http://spaceref.biz/2013/06/northrop-grumman-atk-complete-backbone-of-nasas-james-webb-space-telescope.html|url-status=dead}}</ref>

====Delta II====
{{Main|Delta II}}
[[File:Clouds of smoke around the 323rd Delta rocket on launch pad 17B.jpg|thumb|Clouds of smoke around the 323rd Delta rocket on launch pad 17B]]
ATK produces [[Graphite-Epoxy Motor|Graphite Epoxy Motors]] (GEM) and largest composite fairings for the Delta II rocket as a subcontractor for the United Launch Alliance. As of June 2014, ATK has produced 987 solid rocket boosters for Delta II missions. These strap-on boosters, known as GEM-40s, add 434,000 pounds to the Delta II's maximum thrust. The GEM-40s can be used in groups of three, four, and nine depending on the weight of the payload. The composite structures supplied by ATK increase performance by reducing weight. In addition to composite booster cases for the GEM-40s, ATK produces a 10-foot wide composite payload fairing that covers and protects satellites during launch. ATK also produces the titanium diaphragm propellant tanks and pressurant tank for each Delta II vehicle.<ref name="Delta">{{cite web|url=http://www.standard.net/Business/2014/07/02/ATK-sets-record-with-latest-satellite-launch.html|title=ATK adds to record with latest satellite launch|author=Standard-Examiner|work=Standard-Examiner|access-date=June 12, 2015|archive-date=February 11, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230211193910/http://www.standard.net/Business/2014/07/02/ATK-sets-record-with-latest-satellite-launch.html|url-status=dead}}</ref>

====Delta IV====
{{Main|Delta IV}}
ATK produces [[Graphite-Epoxy Motor|Graphite Epoxy Motors]] and numerous other components for the Delta IV rocket. For example, for the Delta IV that carried the Wideband Global SATCOM satellite (WGS-6) into orbit for the U.S. Air Force, ATK supplied the interstage connector that linked the Common Booster Core and the cryogenic second stage, a centerbody that connects the liquid oxygen tank to liquid hydrogen tanks, a thermal shield for the RS-68 engine, the composite payload fairing, and numerous pieces of hardware for securing the payload.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.compositestoday.com/2013/08/atk-provides-composite-structures-for-delta-iv-rocket/|title=ATK Provides Composite Structures for Delta IV Rocket|work=Composites Today|date=August 13, 2013|access-date=June 12, 2015}}</ref>

====Orbiting Carbon Observatory 2====
{{Main|Orbiting Carbon Observatory 2}}
The Orbiting Carbon Observatory 2 (OCO-2) is an American [[environmental science]] satellite. The spacecraft is used to study [[carbon dioxide]] concentrations and distributions in the atmosphere.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://spaceflightnow.com/delta/d367/preview.html|title=Carbon dioxide-sniffing spacecraft set to launch|publisher=Spaceflight Now|date=28 June 2014|access-date=1 July 2014}}</ref> ATK produced the OCO-2's Variable Conductance Heat Pipes, an important part of its thermal control system, solar arrays, and solar array substrates.<ref name="Delta"/>

====InSight====
{{Main|InSight}}
[[File:InSight Lander.jpg|left|thumb]]
InSight is a robotic lander mission to [[Mars]] originally planned for launch in March 2016.<ref name=washington>[https://www.washingtonpost.com/national/health-science/nasa-will-send-robot-drill-to-mars-in-2016/2012/08/20/43bf1980-eaef-11e1-9ddc-340d5efb1e9c_story.html NASA will send robot drill to Mars in 2016], Washington Post, By Brian Vastag, Monday, August 20</ref> The mission's objective is to place a stationary [[Mars landing|lander]] equipped with a [[seismometer]] and heat flow probe on the surface of Mars to study its early geological evolution. This would bring new understanding of the solar system's [[terrestrial planets]]. ATK was awarded a contract to provide its UltraFlex solar arrays for the mission. ATK claims that UltraFlex will provide better performance than typical solar arrays used on spacecraft while accommodating ambitious requirements for low mass and small size.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.govconwire.com/2014/07/lockheed-awards-atk-contract-to-provide-ultraflex-solar-arrays-for-mission-to-mars/|title=Lockheed Awards ATK contract to provide UltraFlex Solar Arrays for Mission to Mars|work=GovCon Wire|date=February 14, 2015 |access-date=June 12, 2015}}</ref>

====Atlas V====
{{Main|Atlas V}}
ATK entered the competition to replace the Russian-made rocket engine on the Atlas V rocket in September 2014. The Atlas V is used to launch most U.S. military satellites. ATK entered the competition in response to a request for proposals from the Air Force Space and Missile Defense Center issued in 2013 for the RD-180 rocket engine. ATK already supplies rocket engines used in heavier version of the Atlas V. ATK says that solid rocket motors are more reliable and deliver more thrust. ATK said, "Solid rocket motors are optimal for first-stage performance as they provide high lift-off thrust, allowing for more payload margin. They also require less ground and launch infrastructure, resulting in fewer launch scrubs."<ref>{{cite web|url=http://defensesystems.com/articles/2014/10/01/atk-to-compete-to-replace-russian-rocket-engine.aspx|title=ATK enters competition to replace Russian rocket engine -- Defense Systems|access-date=June 12, 2015}}</ref> The RD-180 engines use kerosene for fuel. The request from the Air Force occurred due to concerns about whether the RD-180 would be available in the future due to increasing tensions with Russia.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.spacenews.com/article/military-space/41966atk-urges-air-force-to-consider-solids-as-it-weighs-rd-180-replacement|archive-url=https://archive.today/20141006194948/http://www.spacenews.com/article/military-space/41966atk-urges-air-force-to-consider-solids-as-it-weighs-rd-180-replacement|url-status=dead|archive-date=October 6, 2014|title=ATK Urges Air Force To Consider Solids as It Weighs RD-180 Replacement|work=SpaceNews.com|access-date=June 12, 2015}}</ref>

====Graphite Epoxy Motors====
The [[Graphite-Epoxy Motor]] (GEM) is a [[solid rocket]] motor produced by ATK using [[Carbon-fiber-reinforced polymer|epoxy composite casing]]. GEMs are used as boosters for the [[Delta II]], [[Delta III]], and [[Delta IV]] [[launch vehicle]]s. The use of composite materials allows for booster casings several times lighter than the steel casings of the [[Castor (rocket stage)|Castor 4]] solid rocket motors they replaced.<ref>{{cite web|title=Launch Vehicle: Solid Rocket Motors|url=http://mars.jpl.nasa.gov/mer/mission/launch_srm.html|website=Jet Propulsion Laboratory|publisher=NASA|access-date=November 1, 2018|archive-date=May 9, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220509131137/https://mars.nasa.gov/mer/mission/launch_srm.html|url-status=dead}}</ref> The first flight of a GEM occurred in 1990 on a Delta II 7925.<ref>{{cite web|title=GEM 40|url=http://www.astronautix.com/engines/gem40.htm|website=Astronautix|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170110090738/http://www.astronautix.com/engines/gem40.htm|archive-date=January 10, 2017|df=mdy-all}}</ref>