Company to Serve as Prime Commercial Infrastructure Contractor for
the Robotic Assembly and Services Program
Contract to Advance Orbital ATK s Unique In-Orbit Space Logistics
Capabilities
DULLES, Va.Nov. 29, 2016--
Orbital
ATK (NYSE: OA), a global leader in aerospace and defense
technologies, today announced that it has begun a public-private
partnership with NASA s Space Technology Mission Directorate (STMD) to
establish a Commercial Infrastructure for Robotic Assembly and Services
(CIRAS) in space. The CIRAS program will advance key technologies for
in-orbit manufacturing and assembly of large space structures that will
help the agency meet its goals for robotic and human exploration of the
solar system.
Orbital ATK, and our Space Logistics, LLC, subsidiary are pioneering
the future of commercial space technology, said Frank Culbertson,
Orbital ATK Space Systems Group President. Through this partnership and
the first phase of the contract award, we will demonstrate our space
logistics capabilities with new robotics technology. Our CIRAS team will
create technologies that will advance the nation s capability for
building the framework needed for NASA s journey to Mars, as well as
shape the future of commercial space infrastructure.
Orbital ATK will serve as prime contractor of CIRAS, with support
provided from its wholly owned subsidiary, Space Logistics, LLC, along
with NASA s Langley Research Center, NASA s Glenn Research Center and
the U.S. Naval Research Laboratory.
Phase one of CIRAS began in September 2016 and will last a total of two
years. During this period, Orbital ATK will lead the team in maturing
technologies necessary for robotic assembly of large space structures,
such as next-generation telescopes or solar-powered structures for
transport or communications. These capabilities include methods to
connect or disconnect joints on a structure and address precision
measuring and alignment through a 15-meter robotic arm and a precision
robot. The team will also develop the technology needed to conduct
in-orbit modular assembly of structures, allowing parts to be brought to
space as needed via multiple launches, which simplifies the design of
spacecraft and reduces cost.
We are well on our way to providing the industry s first in-orbit
satellite life extension service with our Mission Extension Vehicle
(MEV), said Tom Wilson, President, Space Logistics LLC. During CIRAS,
we will build upon the MEV s existing capabilities, such as rendezvous
and docking. It s an amazing opportunity to execute our roadmap to
develop the technologies and lower the risks of delivering higher value,
more sophisticated space logistics to support many civil and commercial
mission opportunities in the future.
CIRAS is one of three programs awarded under the NASA STMD s "Utilizing
Public-Private Partnerships to Advance Tipping Point Technologies
solicitation. This program called upon commercial companies to mature
technologies beyond their tipping point with the goal of enabling
private industry to develop and qualify them for market, stimulating the
commercial space industry while delivering technologies and capabilities
needed for future NASA missions and commercial applications.
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 approximately 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
Orbital ATK
Media Contact:
Kristen Basham, 703-404-7476
Space
Systems Group Public Relations
kristen.basham@orbitalatk.com
or
Investor
Contact:
Barron Beneski, 703-406-5528
Public and Investor
Relations
barron.beneski@orbitalatk.com