Unless bad weather postpones it, today will be the final launch of the U.S. space shuttle program. The shuttle Atlantis is scheduled to take off with a four-man crew. It's a bittersweet moment for many Top of Utahns, who through the hard work and expertise of employees at ATK, provided the shuttle's solid rocket boosters, which provide 70 percent of the thrust and power to get into outer space.
With the final flight today, there will have been 135 shuttle flights. Although the shuttle program is ending, the International Space Station, which is a result of the shuttle program, will remain in operation and transportation to and from will be provided by Russia.
There is uncertainty in the Top of Utah with the end of the space shuttle program. Many jobs have gone away as the Obama administration has phased out the space shuttle program. However, ATK is still positioned to be the booster provider of today's rockets. ATK has proven it provides the best booster technology with its five-segment solid launch vehicle. We're confident that the 1,500 employees at ATK today will remain an economic boost to the community and have the opportunity to provide expertise.
The Standard-Examiner has produced a DVD that chronicles ATK, its workers and the Top of Utahns who have contributed to more than a generation of shuttle launches. "Rocket Men: A History of ATK and the Space Shuttle," premieres tonight at 7 at the Pleasant Valley branch of the Weber County Library, 5568 Adams Ave., Washington Terrace. Admission is free and we invite our readers to see the film and learn more about the history of the shuttle system, its many highs, as well as the lows. Our videographer, Nicholas Draney, has culled through many moments of history for the 30-minute documentary. And, when the DVD is released, it will include extras not included in the film. The DVD was written by the Standard's Charles Trentelman, who also narrates. Trentelman's career at our newspaper has sometimes moved in parallel with the Top of Utah's relationship with ATK and the shuttle system.
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