Marks First U.S. Tests of 22N Thrusters Using ECAPS High Performance
Green Propulsion (HPGP ) technology
DULLES, Va.Sep. 15, 2015--
Orbital ATK, Inc. (NYSE: OA), a global leader in aerospace and defense
technologies, announced today the successful completion of the first
U.S. test of a 22 Newton (N) thruster using a high-performance green
propulsion system powered by a safe, low-toxicity rocket fuel,
designated LMP-103S, provided by the Swedish firm, ECAPS. Green rocket
fuels pose fewer health risks and are more cost-effective in terms of
storage, material handling, transportation and launch-site processing.
The test was part of a series at NASA s Marshall Space Flight Center in
Huntsville, Alabama, and included both a 5N thruster and, for the first
time in the United States, a 22N thruster, both of which performed well
across all test parameters. Thrusters of this size are commonly used for
maneuvering satellites while in Earth orbit.
Orbital ATK and our partner ECAPS are dedicated to helping NASA achieve
its goal of eliminating the challenges and risks associated with
manufacturing, transporting and handling the current generation of
high-performance propellants, said Cary Ralston, Vice President and
General Manager of Orbital ATK s Missile Products division of the
Defense Systems Group. These successful tests move us another step
toward providing safer, higher performance thrusters without the need
for expensive and time-consuming protective processes and equipment.
LMP-103S is a low-toxicity, environmentally-benign propellant, providing
benefits over conventional hydrazine, which include improved
performance, enhanced volumetric efficiency, reduction of propellant
handling hazards and safer launch operations. Orbital ATK, ECAPS, NASA
Marshall Space Flight Center and NASA Glenn Research Center are testing
the green propulsion system to demonstrate the performance and safety
features of the system, and collecting data for evaluation of green
propulsion options for spacecraft systems.
About ECAPS
Founded in 2000, ECAPS is an innovative company with focus on green
propulsion-based products for space applications. ECAPS innovations will
enable simplified access to space for satellite and launcher systems.
ECAPS holds a number of patents worldwide for a family of ADN (ammonium
dinitramide) based propellants, catalyst, thruster design and
manufacturing methods. ECAPS has its development and hardware
manufacturing facilities in Solna in the greater Stockholm area.
About Orbital ATK
Orbital ATK is a global leader in aerospace and defense technologies.
The company designs, builds and delivers space, defense and aviation
systems for customers around the world, both as a prime contractor and
merchant supplier. Its main products include launch vehicles and related
propulsion systems; missile products, subsystems and defense
electronics; precision weapons, armament systems and ammunition;
satellites and associated space components and services; and advanced
aerospace structures. Headquartered in Dulles, Virginia, Orbital ATK
employs more than 12,000 people in 18 states across the U.S. and in
several international locations. For more information, visit www.orbitalatk.com.

Source: Orbital ATK, Inc.
Orbital ATK
Media Contact:
Bryan Kidder, 410-864-4932
Defense
Systems Group Communications
bryan.kidder@orbitalatk.com
or
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Contact:
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Relations
barron.beneski@orbitalatk.com