September 10 New Date for Full-Scale NASA and ATK Motor Test for Ares I Solid Rocket

ATK and NASA to Perform First Ground Test of the Ares I Five-Segment Solid Rocket Motor
Test is a Major Milestone for ATK, NASA on Ares I Program

Alliant Techsystems (NYSE: ATK) Space Systems and NASA identified the issue that resulted in the scrub of last week’s test. A component of the ground controller unit, which sends power to the system that moves the nozzle during the test, failed and has been replaced. The test has been rescheduled for Thursday, Sept. 10. Final testing of the ground system will continue over the weekend and early next week.

What: Horizontal ground test firing of Ares I first stage
UPDATED date: Thursday, September 10, 2009
Time: 1 p.m. MDT
Where: ATK Space Systems facility in Promontory, Utah

Test Objectives/Background:

* A total of 46 design objectives will be measured through 650 instrument channels

* The Ares I design is based on the design of the space shuttle’s four-segment booster

* The addition of the fifth segment will increase the maximum thrust performance to approximately 3.6 million pounds

* The first stage of Ares I has been under development since 2005. It measures 12 feet in diameter and 154 feet in length

* The cases have all previously flown on the space shuttle, collectively launching on 48 missions–including STS-1

* A public viewing area is available along State Road 83 North approximately 20 miles west of Corinne, Utah. For more information on the test call 1-866-318-4888.

For more information and to request a media pass, contact Trina Patterson at (801) 699-0943 or trina.patterson@atk.com.