Aerojet Rocketdyne Propulsion Plays Key Role in Atlas V Mission for the NRO

Rhea-AI Summary

Aerojet Rocketdyne's propulsion systems were instrumental in the successful launch of a classified National Reconnaissance Office payload from Cape Canaveral aboard a United Launch Alliance Atlas V rocket. The RL10 upper-stage engines, known for their reliability, have supported national security missions for nearly six decades. Their legacy continues with the upcoming Vulcan Centaur rocket. This successful launch reinforces Aerojet Rocketdyne's strategic role in U.S. aerospace and defense operations, showcasing their commitment to providing proven propulsion technologies.

Positive

• Successful launch of a classified NRO payload enhances Aerojet Rocketdyne's reputation in national security operations.
• RL10 upper-stage engines have a proven track record of supporting missions for nearly 60 years.
• Preparation for the upcoming Vulcan Centaur rocket indicates future business opportunities and continued involvement in high-profile missions.

Negative

• None.

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla., Nov. 13, 2020 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Aerojet Rocketdyne propulsion hardware played a key role in the successful launch of a classified U.S. National Reconnaissance Office (NRO) payload from Space Launch Complex 41 here aboard a United Launch Alliance (ULA) Atlas V rocket.

“We take our role in helping to launch critical national security assets into orbit for the National Reconnaissance Office very seriously,” said Eileen P. Drake, Aerojet Rocketdyne’s CEO and president. “Our flight proven and reliable RL10 upper-stage engines have supported these types of missions for nearly six decades, and we look forward to providing them for many years to come.”

The Atlas V’s Centaur cryogenic upper stage is powered by Aerojet Rocketdyne’s RL10 engine, which is built in West Palm Beach, Florida, and completed its 500th flight earlier this year. The highly reliable RL10 has long been a mainstay of U.S. national security and space exploration programs, a legacy that will continue with ULA’s Vulcan Centaur rocket, which is expected to debut next year.

For pitch, yaw and roll control, the Centaur relies on 12 Aerojet Rocketdyne MR-106 reaction control thrusters built in Redmond, Washington. Pressure tanks provided by Aerojet Rocketdyne’s ARDÉ subsidiary, located in Carlstadt, New Jersey, support both the Centaur as well as the rocket’s first stage.

About Aerojet Rocketdyne: Aerojet Rocketdyne, a subsidiary of Aerojet Rocketdyne Holdings, Inc. (NYSE:AJRD), is a world-recognized aerospace and defense leader that provides propulsion systems and energetics to the space, missile defense and strategic systems, and tactical systems areas, in support of domestic and international customers. For more information, visit www.Rocket.com and www.AerojetRocketdyne.com. Follow Aerojet Rocketdyne and CEO Eileen Drake on Twitter at @AerojetRdyne and @DrakeEileen.

Media Contacts:
Todd McConnell, Aerojet Rocketdyne, 561-882-5395
Todd.McConnell@rocket.com
Mary Engola, Aerojet Rocketdyne, 571-289-1371
Mary.Engola@rocket.com

FAQ

What recent launch did Aerojet Rocketdyne support?

Aerojet Rocketdyne supported the successful launch of a classified U.S. National Reconnaissance Office payload from Cape Canaveral.

What type of engines does Aerojet Rocketdyne provide for the Atlas V rocket?

Aerojet Rocketdyne provides RL10 upper-stage engines for the Atlas V rocket.

How long have RL10 engines been in operation?

The RL10 engines have supported missions for nearly six decades.

What is the significance of the Vulcan Centaur rocket for Aerojet Rocketdyne?

The Vulcan Centaur rocket represents future business opportunities for Aerojet Rocketdyne's propulsion technologies.

Where is Aerojet Rocketdyne headquartered?

Aerojet Rocketdyne is headquartered in the United States, with facilities in West Palm Beach, Florida, Redmond, Washington, and Carlstadt, New Jersey.