Contract Supports Design and Development Work for Sub-, Super- and Hypersonic Vehicles

NASA has awarded a Research and Technologies for Aerospace Propulsion Systems 2 (RTAPS2) to Orbital to provide advanced space propulsion system technologies. NASA developed the RTAPS2 contract as part of aerospace research activities at the agency’s Glenn Research Center in Cleveland, Ohio.

RTAPS2 makes it possible for qualified industry partners to develop, demonstrate and verify advanced propulsion system technologies as part of NASA’s aerospace research programs. Research and development efforts in these technologies will address a wide variety of propulsion issues for subsonic, supersonic, hypersonic and rotorcraft transportation vehicles, as well as addressing issues pertaining to aviation safety and space exploration missions. The award was made to Alliant Techsystems Operations LLC, a wholly-owned subsidiary of Orbital ATK.

“This effort reflects our continued commitment to be a key partner in NASA’s pioneering space endeavors,” said Mike Kahn, President of Orbital ATK’s Defense Systems Group. “Orbital ATK has a rich history as a technology partner, and we are continuing to develop advanced solutions in space access and hypersonics propulsion.”

The Orbital ATK team consists of more than a dozen established technology partners and small businesses. Under Orbital ATK’s direction they will research and develop space propulsion technologies that enable higher mission performance, reduced cost, improved operability and reliability, and greater safety. Elements of the space propulsion award include liquid engine systems, propellant systems, electric propulsion and rocket-based combined cycle.

Orbital ATK’s Defense Systems Group is an industry leader in providing innovative and affordable precision and strike weapons, advanced propulsion and hypersonics, missile components across air-, sea- and land-based systems, ammunition and related energetic products.

FMI: www.orbitalatk.com, www.nasa.gov