ATK will become the lead contractor for Rocketplane Kistler’s K-1 launch vehicle, the companies announced Nov. 8.

ATK will provide vehicle development, assembly, integration and test of the launch system as well as conduct launch and landing-site development and launch-vehicle preparation. ATK also will develop and produce composite structures and subsystems for the pressurized and unpressurized K-1 cargo modules.

Rocketplane Kistler’s K-1 launch vehicle is one of the two finalists being developed under NASA’s Commercial Orbital Transportation Services (COTS) program. The program is intended to demonstrate the viability of alternative space-transportation capabilities in anticipation of procuring commercial space-transportation services after the space shuttle fleet is retired.