The Engines that Make LRO and LCROSS Go
AMPAC-ISP CORP., American Pacific Corporation’s (NASDAQ:APFC) wholly-owned in-space propulsion subsidiary (AMPAC-ISP or AMPAC In-Space Propulsion), reports that its hydrazine monopropellant engines, with a 30+ year history of successful space application, are key elements of the propulsion systems that power NASA’s Lunar Reconnaissance Orbiter (LRO) and Lunar Crater Observation and Sensing Satellite (LCROSS).
AMPAC-ISP CORP., American Pacific Corporation’s (NASDAQ:APFC) wholly-owned in-space propulsion subsidiary (AMPAC-ISP or AMPAC In-Space Propulsion), reports that its hydrazine monopropellant engines, with a 30+ year history of successful space application, are key elements of the propulsion systems that power NASA’s Lunar Reconnaissance Orbiter (LRO) and Lunar Crater Observation and Sensing Satellite (LCROSS). The two spacecraft were launched on June 18th aboard an Atlas V from Cape Canaveral, and the Lunar Reconnaissance Orbiter has already transmitted the first images in its mission to map the lunar surface. Mission data indicates that the engines on LCROSS are also performing as expected.
The MONARC family of monopropellant engines dates back to the ATS-3 weather and communication satellite, which has been operating for more than 40 years. The MONARC family of engines has provided attitude control for missions ranging from earth observation and monitoring, to solar exploration and mapping, global wireless communications and strategic defense. Nearly two thousand (2,000) MONARC engines have been successfully flown. AMPAC-ISP provided MONARC engines to NASA Goddard Space Flight Center for LRO, and to Northrop Grumman Aerospace Systems for LCROSS. The two spacecraft use three distinct engines sized for the specific missions. “AMPAC-ISP is proud to provide mission critical propulsion components for these important NASA programs. The LRO and LCROSS missions are crucial to future manned exploration and lunar science,” said Robert Huebner, American Pacific Corporation, Vice President – AMPAC-ISP.
ABOUT AMPAC-ISP CORP.
AMPAC-ISP Corp., a wholly-owned subsidiary of American Pacific Corporation, develops and supplies liquid rocket engines, propellant tanks, propulsion systems and propulsion system valves and regulators for commercial and military satellites, launch vehicles and missile defense. AMPAC In-Space Propulsion has U.S. facilities located in Chatsworth, California and Niagara Falls, New York, and three facilities in Europe, AMPAC ISP Europe, located in Westcott, United Kingdom, Cheltenham, United Kingdom, and Dublin, Ireland. Additional information about AMPAC ISP can be obtained by visiting their web site at www.ampacisp.com.
ABOUT AMERICAN PACIFIC CORPORATION
American Pacific Corporation (AMPAC) is a leading custom manufacturer of fine chemicals, specialty chemicals and propulsion products within its focused markets. We supply active pharmaceutical ingredients and advanced intermediates to the pharmaceutical industry. For the aerospace and defense industry we provide specialty chemicals used in solid rocket motors for space launch and military missiles. AMPAC also designs and manufactures liquid propulsion systems, valves and structures for space and missile defense applications. We produce clean agent chemicals for the fire protection industry, as well as electro-chemical equipment for the water treatment industry. Our products are designed to meet customer specifications and often must meet certain governmental and regulatory approvals. Additional information about us can be obtained by visiting our web site at www.apfc.com.
