Article: Successful rocket motor test at ATK Launch Systems an encouraging development.

Byline: Jeff DeMoss

Apr. 29--PROMONTORY -- The second successful rocket motor test in seven weeks at ATK Launch Systems was an encouraging sign to astronaut Rick Mastracchio.

"That's what gives us the initial thrust we need to get into space," said Mastracchio, who took his first trip to space in September 2000 to prepare the International Space Station for its first permanent residents. "We only use them for two minutes, but it's a critical two minutes."

The test used a standard four-segment space shuttle solid reusable rocket motor, the same basic model used throughout the history of NASA's shuttle program.

The motor, which burns ...

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