Press Release

[Other Press Releases]

Alliant Techsystems Solid Propulsion Rocket Motors Successfully Boost Nasa Spacecraft On Historic Mission To Mars

Minneapolis, Dec. 4, 1996 – A McDonnell Douglas Delta II rocket powered by Alliant Techsystems (NYSE: ATK) solid propulsion graphite epoxy motors roared into the dark Florida sky early today, sending NASA’s Mars Pathfinder spacecraft into an interplanetary transfer orbit for a seven-month, 310 million mile journey to the Red Planet. Liftoff from Cape Canaveral Air Station occurred at 1:58:06 a.m. EST.

Following its landing on Mars in July 1997, Pathfinder will deploy a stationary lander and a surface rover for the mission’s primary data-gathering phase, which will last for 30 Martian days or sols (24.6 hours). The six-wheeled rover will operate for at least seven Martian days under the control of an Earth-based operator. Scientific objectives include the collection of atmospheric entry data, long-range and close-up surface imaging, and general characterization of the Martian environment.

Peter A. Bukowick, group vice president, Aerospace Systems, said this morning’s launch brings to 333 (nine per Delta II launch vehicle) the number of Alliant Techsystems graphite epoxy motors that have performed without a fault over the past 37 launches.

"This exceptional performance is a dramatic testament to the high-quality, low-risk solid rocket motor technologies developed by the people of Alliant’s Aerospace Systems Group," said Bukowick. "We are proud to play a role in this morning’s historic launch – and to continue a long tradition of Alliant support for NASA space missions."

The successful Pathfinder launch follows the Nov. 7 Delta II launch of the NASA Mars Global Surveyor into an interplanetary transfer orbit around the sun on a trajectory toward Mars. The one-ton unmanned spacecraft will begin orbiting Mars in September 1997. Beginning in March 1998, it will explore the Martian atmosphere and terrain to produce maps of surface topography, mineral distribution, and climate. It also will relay signals from future landers and probes for three years.

The two missions are the first in a series of orbiter-lander pairs that will be launched every 26 months through 2005. The final mission will be a flight to bring back a sample of Martian rock and soil.

Alliant’s Aerospace Systems Group completed development and qualification of the Delta II motor in 1989. The first launch took place in November 1990. Throughout development, qualification, and production, the motors have demonstrated 100-percent success in both static testing and flights. In 1995, Alliant was awarded a contract from McDonnell Douglas to continue producing the graphite epoxy motor for the Delta II launch vehicle, and to produce the motor for the new Delta III vehicle. The award ensures production of Delta II flight sets through 1998 and Delta III flight sets through 2000. Potential options could extend production through 2006.

Alliant Techsystems is a $1.2 billion aerospace and defense company with approximately 7,600 employees and operations in 24 states. The company, headquartered in Hopkins, Minn., comprises four business groups: Aerospace Systems, Defense Systems, Marine Systems, and Emerging Business.