Bills to save spaceflight, ATK jobs progress

WASHINGTON — One bill to provide $1.9 billion for a new space launch vehicle got the go-ahead from the U.S. Senate Appropriations committee Thursday.

Meanwhile, the House Committee on Science and Technology approved the NASA Authorization Act of 2010.

The bills are two steps that have made Utah's congressional delegation optimistic that the Beehive State can remain on the forefront of solid rocket motor construction.

ATK Aerospace Systems in Promontory, Box Elder County, builds such rocket motors, which have propelled space shuttles skyward for decades.

But President Barack Obama announced in February that the direction of the nation's space program would change to new technologies.

The government already had spent billions of dollars on what is known as the Constellation program, designed to send humans back to the moon. But the announcement led to more than 1,600 layoffs at Utah companies and fears in states with space-related industries.

The Senate Appropriations Committee's approval of solid rocket motors means that NASA's new launch vehicle will be produced in Utah, potentially protecting thousands of jobs that were expected to be lost with the impending retirement of the space shuttle, said Sen. Bob Bennett, R-Utah, in a news release.

"The continued strength of this program allows the ability to send astronauts safely into space, maintain a missile defense system and sustain the United States' pre-eminence in space exploration," Bennett said.

Sen. Orrin Hatch, R-Utah, said Thursday's votes in the House and Senate mean Congress is closer to saving jobs in the solid rocket motor industry.

"They reflect a significant shift away from a NASA policy that would have effectively killed our manned space flight capability," Hatch said. "We have still haven't crossed the finish line, but this provides us with more reasons for optimism as this process continues to play out during the coming months."

Trina Patterson, spokeswoman for ATK Aerospace Systems, said the company is encouraged by the progress made in both the House and Senate this week, because it looks like a long-term vision that includes a role for Utah in space exploration could come to fruition.

"The work of Utah's congressional delegation has been instrumental to the progress made in Congress, and we applaud them for their efforts," Patterson said. "We look forward to working with the delegation as they continue paving the way for Utah's long-term role in space exploration."

The NASA Authorization Act now heads to the full House for approval.

Rep. Rob Bishop, R-Utah, who represents northern Utah, where most of the state's solid rocket motor jobs are, said he will continue working to maintain momentum on the bill as House and Senate versions are reconciled.

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