Video: Northeast Mississippi Aerospace And Defense Company Celebrates Milestone

[syndicaster id=’6328233′]

IUKA, MISS. (WCBI) – One speaker at the ceremony called it a work of art.

“The part itself is somewhat of a connector that goes from the core of the rocket, which is a little bit smaller diameter to a larger payload bearing, a larger diameter,” said Bryan Warren, spokesperson for Orbital ATK.

The part is known as a “Boat Tail” and it will go on an Atlas 5 Rocket, that will carry a satellite into space.

It is the 500th rocket component produced by ATK workers. Since 1998, the company has manufactured parts for rockets and other systems at its Iuka plant, that are used in the aviation, defense and commercial sectors.

“I had the privilege of touring the facility back in February with Congressman Kelly and the general public really doesn’t know what’s here, unless you’ve been here, it’s very important,” said Melinda Whitehead, a field representative for Cong. Trent Kelly.

Work done at Orbital ATK affects everyone. Economic developers say having the company in this area is an effective tool when it comes to recruiting high tech businesses.

“We’ve had a multitude of successes. GE aviation went to Batesville, liked state so much they built another facility in Ellisville, we have got American Eurocopter, Rolls Royce, Space X so we are building a good complex of aerospace industry in the state of Mississippi,” said Michael Milligan, of the Mississippi Development Authority.

More than 100 people work at Orbital ATK and that number is expected to grow as business is on the increase.

The boat tail will be part of an Atlas rocket scheduled for launch next February.

www.orbitalatk.com