[11-02-07 – Satellite Today]  Alliant Techsystems (ATK) reported Launch Systems Group sales increased by 21.3 percent for the third quarter, the company announced Nov. 1.
    ATK reported sales of $318.2 million for the quarter ending Sept. 30, compared to $262.2 in the third quarter of 2006. Higher sales from NASA’s Ares 1 program contributed to the increase, which was partially offset by the anticipated lower sales in the space shuttle program.
    Operating profit in the Launch Systems Group rose by 22 percent to $43 million from $35 million in the previous year. The increase reflects additional Ares 1work and lower pension expenses, partially offset by increased investment in strategic program pursuits.
    The company reported a total sales increase of 24 percent for the quarter, from $830.4 million a year ago to more than $1 million.