Liberty To Have Extended Cargo Capability

[Waspie_Dwarf]

ATK Unveils Unique Liberty Capability

LIBERTY TRANSPORTATION SERVICE TO HAVE EXTENDED CARGO CONFIGURATION

Jul 3, 2012

[cap=http://i144.photobucket.com/albums/r193/Waspie_Dwarf/9290eab2.jpg ][/cap]ARLINGTON, Va., July 3, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- ATK (NYSE: ATK), the company leading development of the Liberty commercial spacecraft, is pleased to announce an expanded crew and cargo capability. The extended cargo configuration will allow the Liberty spacecraft to take full advantage of the launch vehicle lift capacity to transport a pressurized pod (the Liberty Logistics Module or LLM) along with the composite crew module. Based on NASA's 15-foot diameter Multi-Purpose Logistic Module design, the LLM will include a common berthing mechanism and will be capable of transporting up to 5,100 pounds of pressurized cargo. With that capability, the LLM could be used to transport four full-size science racks to the International Space Station – along with a team of scientists to perform the associated science.

(Photo: http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20120703/CG34702 )

"Liberty's expanded service allows us to bring a commercial capability delivering up to seven crew members, 5,000 pounds of pressurized cargo, along with external cargo in a single flight," said Kent Rominger, ATK vice president and program manager for Liberty. "This results in tremendous value since all other commercial offerings would need two flights to accomplish what Liberty does in one."

While on the launch pad and during launch, the LLM will be fully protected by a lightweight shroud. Once the launch vehicle is through the earth's atmosphere, the shroud is no longer needed and will be jettisoned, maximizing payload capability.

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