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Media Advisory: Aerojet Rocketdyne to Play Critical Role in First Test Flight of Orion Crew Vehicle Intended to Return Humans to Deep Space Exploration

Written by: developer

SACRAMENTO, Calif., (Dec. 2, 2014) – Aerojet Rocketdyne, a GenCorp (NYSE: GY) company, is set to play a critical role in the flight of NASA’s Exploration Flight Test-1 (EFT-1) on Dec. 4 — the first step toward human exploration of destinations in deep space such as an asteroid and Mars. The launch will represent the inaugural flight of the Orion crew vehicle. Aerojet Rocketdyne propulsion will be instrumental in all phases of the flight–from launch to re-entry into Earth’s atmosphere.

WHAT: The unmanned EFT-1 mission is designed to evaluate several of Orion’s critical systems such as avionics and attitude control, as well as to test the parachute and heat shield systems. Orion will ultimately carry astronauts deep into space, provide emergency abort capabilities at launch if needed, sustain crew during travel and provide safe re-entry from the deep-space missions.

WHO: Phone interviews will be available with key EFT-1 Aerojet Rocketdyne program leaders. To schedule an interview, please contact Carri Karuhn at 818-586-4963.

WHERE: The Lockheed Martin-built Orion spacecraft will be launched from Cape Canaveral Air Force Station in Florida aboard a United Launch Alliance Delta IV Heavy rocket.  Launch is planned for 7:05 a.m. EST.

WHEN: Phone interviews available starting Dec. 3.

Aerojet Rocketdyne is a world-recognized aerospace and defense leader providing propulsion and energetics to the space, missile defense and strategic systems, tactical systems and armaments areas, in support of domestic and international markets. GenCorp is a diversified company that provides innovative solutions that create value for its customers in the aerospace and defense, and real estate markets. Additional information about Aerojet Rocketdyne and GenCorp can be obtained by visiting the companies’ websites at www.Rocket.com and www.GenCorp.com.


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