Alliant Techsystems propulsion and composite technologies supported today's successful launch of the United Launch Alliance's Delta II rocket carrying the fourth modernized NAVSTAR Global Positioning System Block 2R military navigation satellite. Nine GEM-40 solid propulsion strap-on boosters manufactured in ATK's Salt Lake City, Utah facility provided augmented thrust for the launch.
ATK's Clearfield, Utah facility produced the composite cases for the GEM-40 boosters using an automated filament winding process developed and refined through its 40-year-heritage in composite manufacturing.
Six of the boosters ignited at lift-off with the first-stage main engine and provided over 824,000 pound maximum thrust for the launch vehicle. Just over one minute later, the remaining three boosters ignited to provide an additional 427,000 pound maximum thrust.
The spent motors were jettisoned from the rocket as it continued its ascent.
Following burnout and separation of the GEM-40 boosters ATK Star Motors produced in its Ekton facility are used to complete payload separation. After one hour and five minutes an ATK-produced STAR 48B third-stage rocket motor fires — just over two days later ATK's STAR 37 motor fires completing payload separation.
