ATK is providing the attitude control motor for NASA’s Orion crew exploration vehicle which is being developed by Lockheed Martin. The motor has two critical functions. It first steers Orion’s launch abort system and crew module away from the Ares launch vehicle in the event of an emergency. Once cleared from hazards, the ACM then orients the capsule for parachute deployment.
The ACM consists of a solid propellant gas generator, with eight proportional valves equally spaced around the circumference of the three-foot diameter motor. In combination, the valves can exert up to 7,000 pounds of steering force to the vehicle in any direction upon command from the crew module. The valves are controlled by a redundant power and control system.
Attitude Control Motor (ACM) ground test, March 17, 2010
Video #1 - (00:54): With 7,000 pounds of steering force the ACM kicks up a little dust during the test
Video #2 - (00:48): Overhead view of the thruster "dance"
Image #1 - You can almost ‘feel’ the thrust coming from the ACM’s eight valves
Image #2 – ACM thrusters performing as designed
News release
Data Sheet
December 15, 2009 ground test
Video #1 - (00:56): ATK tests Attitude Control Motor in Elkton, Maryland on December 15, 2009
Video #2 - (00:42): Eight high-powered thrusters fire 7,000 pounds of steering force during ATK’s Attitude Control Motor ground test
Image #1 - It’s all in the “attitude” as ATK tests the Attitude Control Motor for NASA’s Orion crew exploration vehicle
Image #2 - A sixth ground test of ATK’s Attitude Control Motor shows thrusters performing as designed
Image #3 - ATK’s Attitude Control Motor Test marks a key milestone in the development of Orion spacecraft
News release
Authorization 22 CFR 125.4(b)(13)
