Lockheed Martin Awards Orbital ATK $90M Contract for Orion’s Attitude Control Motor

Lockheed Martin announced in April 2015 that they have awarded American aerospace and defense company Orbital ATK a USD$90 million contract to provide the attitude control motor (ACM) for Orion's launch abort system (LAS). With the new LAS, the capsule gets separated from the launch vehicle in the case of an in-flight emergency, allowing the astronaut crew to safely escape. Orbital ATK Defense Systems group president Mike Kahn said in a statement:

This critical work supporting Lockheed Martin on the Orion program recognizes our long history of safety, reliability and innovation.
Cary Ralston, Orbital ATK Defense Systems group missile products division vice president and general manager, is excited about receiving the contract from Lockheed Martin. He said, Orion represents the future of manned spaceflight, and will take humans deeper into space than ever before. Working with Lockheed Martin and NASA, Orbital ATK is committed to making spaceflight safer than ever before for our astronauts.

The Orion spacecraft is being designed to carry as many as four astronauts into deep space and then returning them to Earth beginning in 2021. Headquartered in Bethesda, Maryland, Lockheed Martin is the largest defense contractor in the world, with divisions in aerospace, defense, security, and advanced technology. The company employs 116,000 workers worldwide. The company operates in five business segments: Aeronautics, Information Systems & Global Solutions, Missile and Fire Control, Mission Systems and Training, and Space Systems. In 2009, US government contracts accounted for $38.4 billion (85%), foreign government contracts $5.8 billion (13%), and commercial and other contracts for $900 million (2%). ASAP Aerospace, a parts purchasing resource created by ASAP Semiconductor, is a premier logistics and supply chain partner for all aerospace manufacturing and technology-driven companies. ASAP Semiconductor is a leading distributor of Lockheed Martin parts. We are ISO 9001-2008 certified, ASA 100 accredited, and a member of the Aviation Suppliers Association. Prospective customers can browse our inclusive catalogue of both obsolete and in-production Lockheed Martin parts at www.asap-aerospace.com. If you are interested in a part, please feel free to contact our knowledgeable sales staff at sales@asap-aerospace.com or call 1-714-705-4780 for a quote.