Ares award for ATK

NASA has awarded ATK Thiokol $48 million to continue the design and development of the first stage for the Ares I crew launch vehicle.

Ares I will transport the Orion crew exploration vehicle and its crew of up to six astronauts, or other small cargo payloads, to low-Earth orbit. The first stage will consist of a single reusable solid rocket booster and motor similar to those used on the space shuttle, but with a fifth motor segment added. The upper stage will consist of a J-2X liquid hydrogen, liquid oxygen engine and the associated propellant tanks and fuel distribution systems.

This Ares I first stage contract will increase a first stage task under an existing shuttle contract by $48m for a total work effort valued at $111m. These activities are a preparatory effort leading up to the Ares I first stage prime contract, which will be awarded in February 2007.