ATK, USA work out an agreement

Alliant Techsystems announced today that it reached an agreement with United Space Alliance to perform subcontractor support to ATK for NASA's Ares I launch vehicle. The companies had been at loggerheads over the contract, with ATK planning to hire engineers to do the work formerly done by USA staff.

A formal contract likely will follow in 30 to 60 days, said ATK spokesman George Torres. ATK will likely double its workforce of 30 at Kennedy Space Center. Some 550 USA employees will continue to work part time on projects under ATK's contract with NASA, the equivalent of 180 full time employees.

The companies are working to settle a lawsuit in which USA accused ATK of recruiting its employees, said USA spokesman Jeffrey Carr.

"For all intents and purposes, we have a signed piece of paper that says this is what we agree to," said Carr.

According to a joint statement from the companies:

"USA's work scope includes engineering and analysis support to ensure space shuttle Solid Rocket Booster hardware meets the new Ares first stage requirements, refurbishment of Space Shuttle components and subsystems for the first stage, and procurement of several avionics and ordnance components. USA also has a role in the deceleration subsystem with the new parachutes design, development and testing. USA will provide skilled personnel to build up and integrate the new forward structures, designed by ATK.

"ATK has successfully supported NASA’s efforts over the last two years by leading Ares I first stage Integrated Product Teams, and completing the first stage Preliminary Design Review with NASA this summer," said Michael Kahn, Executive Vice President and General Manager, ATK Launch Systems. "Now that we are approaching the next phase of the Ares I program we are pleased to have USA as our major subcontractor. This is the most effective team to ensure success and the best value for NASA."

"We look forward to being a key member of the ATK Ares I team," said Dick Covey, USA President and Chief Executive Officer. "The capabilities that USA brings to the team are rooted in our Space Shuttle Solid Rocket Booster heritage, in particular the skill of designing for operability. USA is fully committed to helping this team achieve maximum success for NASA's Constellation Program."

In summary remarks, Carl Marchetto, President of ATK Space Systems said, "The Ares I program is making consistent and dramatic progress. The Ares 1-X test flight and ground testing of the full scale five-segment booster for the operational vehicle scheduled for 2009, and a series of ground tests and flight tests over the next several years, will clearly demonstrate the program’s critical capabilities for the future of U.S. space exploration."