ATK took a hit with the phaseout of the space shuttle, with more than 500 jobs lost, but the Top of Utah rocket producer may yet save 700 more jobs that are in a wait-and-see approach.
The U.S. Senate passed legislation recently that provides $1.4 billion in funding for the Ares 1, the next-generation moon rocket. Since ATK Systems of Promontory is the chief contractor for the rocket booster that NASA is building, the company will retain jobs if the funding holds up.
This $1.4 billon added by the Senate restored funding for the project that the U.S. House cut last summer from a major spending bill. Both houses of Congress need to reconcile their differences to reach a final bill. The chances of retaining the $1.4 billion received a boost recently after a successful test of the Ares 1 at ATK.
The success of that test is due in part to the highly skilled employees of ATK. They are a strong asset for not only our nation, but the Top of Utah.
Our U.S. House representative, Republican Rob Bishop, and the rest of Utah's congressional delegation need to expend all their energies and efforts to make sure that the Ares 1 funding makes it into the final spending bill. It will improve our state's already sizable contribution to space exploration.
Also, according to Rep. Bishop, the Air Force has released $4 million to assist missile production at ATK. Although the money released is only temporary assistance, Bishop hopes it will retain 100 positions at ATK.
Good news about missile production has been scarce after the White House decided to trim the Minuteman rocket, which has ties to ATK and Hill air base. Again, we urge Utah's congressional delegation to do their best to keep missile production online in the Top of Utah for the foreseeable future.
Because, as was reported even this past weekend, there are more obstacles to be overcome to make sure that the Top of Utah's expertise is utilized in space travel and national defense.
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