Alliant Techsystems (ATK), a leading American advanced weapon and space system company, specializes in design and fabrication of conventional munitions and rocket motors.
ATK provides customized solutions for varied missions, such as, military operations, satellite launch, and technological innovations through its three separate business groups: ATK Mission Systems, ATK Ammunition Systems, and ATK Launch Systems.
ATK Launch Systems renders innovative and affordable launch systems to its esteemed clientele comprising of NASA, US Air Force, US Navy, US Army, and US Missile Defense Agency. It is regarded as one of the key developers of rocket motor systems, strategic missiles, and missile defense interceptors.
The technology and expertise provided by ATK Launch Systems serves as an asset to the country’s space exploration initiatives. For instance, the recent successful launch of NASA's Space Shuttle Atlantis from Kennedy Space Center on Friday, June 8, 2007 was attributed to the reusable solid rocket motors (RSRM) from ATK. ATK RSRM provided approximately six million pounds of thrust, propelling the shuttle into the space.
Atlantis is carrying a seven-member crew for an 11-day mission christened STS-117 to International Space Station (ISS). During its course, the crew will attach a structural component to the station, install a pair of solar panels, and retract an existing array.
The crew will also deploy the second and third starboard truss segments (S3/S4), inclusive of a third set of solar arrays onto the ISS. The earlier installed P6-2B wing will be retracted to facilitate smooth rotation of the Solar Alpha Rotary Joint (SARJ) and the newly installed S4 solar panels.
The credit for designing and developing the mission critical truss structures goes to ATK. Not only will the truss structures enable the deployment but it will also aid in the future retraction of the powerful 32-kilowatt solar arrays. ATK has fabricated these trusses on the lines of Folding Articulated Square Truss (FAST) Mast technology, which provides a compact stowage length of eight feet on complete retraction. However, they measure an astonishing 115 feet long when fully stretched and deployed.
A similar technology from ATK was tested during the STS-116 mission, when it aided the successful retraction of the P6-4B ISS solar array wing. The container carrying FAST Mast has an approximate 15-year on-orbit life, during which it can install and retract the solar arrays around 35 times. Lockheed Martin, a leading systems integrator and information technology company, has created the Solar Alpha Rotary Joint (SARJ).
ATK has also provided its patented structural bearing technology for the mission, incorporating a pair of race rings, which are gear driven, with a diameter of 10.5 feet. These rings are joined together by 12 trundles, facilitating smooth rotation of the SARJ and supporting the incessant rotations of outboard truss structure, necessary to maintain the correct position of solar arrays with respect to the sun.
The optimal positioning of arrays secures maximum solar power for the ISS. Various components furnished by ATK have been designed in a manner to endure extreme temperatures of approximately 100 degrees Fahrenheit.
As per records, STS-117 is America’s 21st flight and ATK solid rocket motors have accompanied the American astronauts on each flight since 1981.
