ATK propels US Air Force

(ATK) has been awarded a $3.3m contract, with options worth an additional £4.7m, by the

to develop a multi-mode propulsion system for small spacecraft.

ATK’s concept was the only design of six to progress to phase II of the project in 2006. If the developed concept is accepted for phase III it will be integrated into a prototype flight-like system.

‘ATK is pleased to lead this cutting-edge operationally responsive technology development effort,’ said Bart Olson, vice president and general manager of ATK's Tactical Propulsion and Controls division. ‘Our war fighters will greatly benefit from the added space asset flexibility offered by ATK's multi-mode propulsion system.’

ATK will lead an industry team that includes Busek and American Pacific to complete the work.