Following on ATK's (NYSE: ATK ) announcement of a successful test of its new rocket thruster powered by a "green" ammonium dinitramide, water, methanol, and ammonia-based propellant, a second company has announced plans to participate in a real-world test of the technology.
Solar components maker EMCORE (NASDAQ: EMKR ) announced today that ATK has contracted it to build solar panels that will be used to power a planned satellite, which in 2015 will launch to test out ATK's new propellant and thrusters. The test in question is designated NASA's Green Propellant Infusion Mission (GPIM). In it, a satellite will be lofted into orbit and then maneuvered there with ATK's new "AF-M315E" fuel. At the same time, EMCORE's solar panels will provide electricity to the craft.
According to EMCORE's press release, there are at least two other aerospace firms involved in the project: Ball Aerospace, to which EMCORE will deliver the solar arrays for installation, and GenCorp, whose Aerojet subsidiary is also involved.
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