AMPAC-ISP Bipropellant Engines Provide Attitude Control for X-37B Vehicle

NIAGARA FALLS, N. Y., Feb. 22, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- AMPAC-ISP CORP., American Pacific Corporation's (Nasdaq: APFC) wholly-owned In-Space Propulsion subsidiary (AMPAC-ISP or AMPAC In-Space Propulsion), is producing bipropellant thrusters for the X-37B Orbital Test Vehicle under contract to Boeing Space and Intelligence Systems.  These engines provide vernier reaction control for the spacecraft, and are designed in varied configurations to match the vehicle contour at their specific locations.

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The X-37B Orbital Test Vehicle is an unmanned space vehicle used by the United States Air Force to explore reusable vehicle technologies in support of long-term space objectives.  These objectives include space experimentation, risk reduction, and concept of operations development.  The X-37B is one of the world's newest and most advanced re-entry spacecraft.  Designed to operate in low-earth orbit, the vehicle is the first since the Space Shuttle with the ability to return experiments to Earth for further inspection and analysis.  The bipropellant engines that AMPAC-ISP supplies for X-37B were developed and qualified in the mid-1990's for Boeing Satellite Systems, with more than four hundred (400) delivered to date.  "AMPAC-ISP is proud of our contribution to the inaugural test flight of the X-37B and the important mission that this vehicle fulfills.  Our heritage bipropellant engines have extended our proven track record in space," said Robert Huebner, American Pacific Corporation, Vice President – AMPAC-ISP.

ABOUT AMPAC-ISP CORP.

AMPAC-ISP Corp. (AMPAC-ISP), a wholly-owned subsidiary of American Pacific Corporation, manufactures monopropellant and bipropellant liquid propulsion systems and thrusters for satellites, launch vehicles and interceptors.  Additionally, AMPAC-ISP designs, develops and manufactures high performance valves, pressure regulators, cold-gas propulsion systems, and precision structures for space applications, especially in the European space market.  Additional information about us can be obtained by visiting our web site at www.ampacisp.com.  

AMPAC-ISP's European operations are headquartered in Dublin, Ireland and its manufacturing facilities are in the United Kingdom and Ireland.  Additional information about AMPAC-ISP Europe can be obtained by visiting www.ampacispdublin.eu.  

ABOUT AMERICAN PACIFIC CORPORATION

American Pacific Corporation (AMPAC) is a leading custom manufacturer of fine chemicals, specialty chemicals and propulsion products within its focused markets. We supply active pharmaceutical ingredients and advanced intermediates to the pharmaceutical industry. For the aerospace and defense industry we provide specialty chemicals used in solid rocket motors for space launch and military missiles. AMPAC also designs and manufactures liquid propulsion systems, valves and structures for space and missile defense applications. We produce clean agent chemicals for the fire protection industry, as well as electro-chemical equipment for the water treatment industry. Our products are designed to meet customer specifications and often must meet certain governmental and regulatory approvals. Additional information about us can be obtained by visiting our web site at www.apfc.com.

SOURCE American Pacific Corporation