Tag: ATK
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ATK reach another milestone in SLS advanced booster drive
ATK announced they successfully completed the filament winding of a pathfinder Advanced Booster composite case. The milestone is part of their commitment to the NASA Research Announcement (NRA) Advanced Booster risk-reduction program, aimed at fostering booster options for the evolved versions of the Space Launch System (SLS). Advanced Booster: ATK – who provided the Reusable Solid Rocket…
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ATK/NASA investigating void issue in SLS test motor segment
Experts from ATK and NASA are investigating the cause of voids in the aft segment of the next test motor for the Space Launch System (SLS). Known as Qualification Motor -1 (QM-1), the original aft segment was scrapped following the discovery of voids via examinations, only for its replacement to mirror the problem – possibly…
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Orbital sign up ATK for solid partnership with Stratolaunch ALV
ATK are now officially on board with the Stratolaunch system, following a deal with the launch vehicle’s main partner, Orbital Sciences Corporation. ATK will provide the first and second stages for the vehicle – nicknamed Pegasus II – that will be air-launched from a huge carrier plane, with test flights set to begin as early…
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MEV to the rescue – Hope for crippled satellites
ATK and ViviSat are working to demonstrate the ability to rescue satellites that are stranded in space after they run out of maneuvering fuel. The vision involves sending the Mission Extension Vehicle (MEV) to their aid, providing propulsion and attitude control systems, allowing the satellite to live on. MEV: Satellite rescue isn’t a new concept,…
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Full steam ahead for ATK’s SLS booster drive
ATK are making good progress on both the initial five segment boosters, set to launch with the opening launches of the Space Launch System (SLS), and the Advanced Boosters that may provide yet more power to the Heavy Lift Launch Vehicle (HLV) in the late 2020s. SLS Five Segment Booster: Following the success of…
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Two mid-span supports required to avoid booster sag for QM-1
ATK will use two “mid-span” supports on their upcoming static test of their five segment Solid Rocket Booster (SRB). The large pieces of hardware will help mitigate “sagging” in the motor, as it is tested in the horizontal position. The test – known as Qualification Motor -1 (QM-1) – has been slightly delayed to later…
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CASTOR 30XL prepares for static fire ahead of providing Antares boost
ATK’s CASTOR 30XL Upper Stage motor is deep into preparations for a static fire test, set to take place this spring at the Arnold Engineering Development Center in Tennessee. The large Upper Stage was designed and built by ATK within a two year period, with six production units on order to boost the power of…
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The Dark Knights – ATK’s Advanced Boosters for SLS revealed
A presentation overviewing ATK’s preliminary proposal for the upcoming advanced booster competition for Space Launch System (SLS) claims the new motor will be 40 percent cheaper and 23.5 percent more reliable than the five segment booster that will initially launch with the Heavy Lift Launch Vehicle (HLV) – all while adding 15.1mT of additional performance.…
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NASA CCiCAP funding for SpaceX, Boeing and SNC’s crew vehicles
NASA’s Commercial Crew integrated Capability (CCiCap) initiative award winners were announced on Friday, with SpaceX, Boeing and Sierra Nevada Corporation (SNC) all winning agency money to develop their vehicles to the next stage of providing domestic access to the International Space Station (ISS) for US astronauts. CCiCAP: The follow-on to the Commercial Crew Development (CCDev-2)…
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ATK announce Liberty KSC test flights, reveal crew spacecraft with MLAS
In a wide-ranging release of information, ATK have announced what is their complete crew transportation system. With the previously announced Liberty launch vehicle as the foundation, the company have now revealed that their own crewed spacecraft will fly atop of the vehicle, with the MLAS launch abort system. Test flights are set to begin in…