ATK gets reprieve in NASA funding

LAYTON (AP) — ATK Space Systems says it has been cleared for a scheduled ground test of a new rocket motor in September.

ATK says it received notice from NASA that the company will receive $160 million to prepare for the rocket test despite doubts about the future of the space program.

The situation could change after October, when a new federal budget year starts.

NASA had said it might rescind the incremental funding for ATK, something that could have cost Utah more than 2,000 jobs.

Rep. Rob Bishop, R-Utah, says the change gives ATK some breathing room, but the company is not out of danger yet.

Congress and President Barack Obama have yet to agree on the future of the space program.