USA and ATK work out one-week extension

United Space Alliance and ATK have extended their contract by a week to hammer out an agreement to work together on the Ares I-X rocket.

The agreement affects about 600 USA employees who work part time on the Ares project. The workers fill the hours of about 180 full-time employees.

The extension reverses USA's refusal to sign another contract extension with ATK after the contract ends Sunday.

"It's on hold," said USA spokesman Tracy Yates.

An ATK spokesman confirmed the extension.

After ATK began hiring engineering employees to expand its operation in Brevard County, USA informed ATK this week that it would not provide even limited technical support for the Ares I-X, a test rocket for the Constellation program. USA last month sued ATK for breach of contract and accused the Utah company of pirating its employees.

ATK this week announced plans to hire an additional 70 employees in Brevard County.