BOULDER, Colo., Nov. 19, 2010 /PRNewswire/ -- The STPSat-2 satellite, built by Ball Aerospace & Technologies Corp. for the U.S. Air Force STP-S26 launch, lifted off successfully from the Kodiak Launch Complex, Alaska, at 4:25 p.m. local time (6:25 MST) on board a Minotaur IV rocket.

STPSat-2 is the first spacecraft for the Department of Defense (DoD) Space Test Program Standard Interface Vehicle (STP-SIV) program managed by the Space Development and Test Directorate at Kirtland Air Force Base, Albuquerque, N.M. The STP-SIV architecture developed for STPSat-2 supports the Operationally Responsive Space strategy to ensure U.S. space superiority.  

As the prime contractor, Ball Aerospace designed and built the spacecraft and standard payload interface, integrated the three payloads, performed space vehicle environmental testing and also provided launch and mission support. STPSat-3, a clone of STPSat-2, is nearing completion at Ball Aerospace with payload integration scheduled for February 2011.  STPSat-3 will host four DoD experimental payloads.

"The STPSAT-2 spacecraft and its follow-on provide the nation's responsive space community with a flexible solution that addresses the critical need to manage cost, risk and performance," said David L. Taylor, president and CEO of Ball Aerospace.  "The STP-SIV accommodates a broad range of payloads for the DoD and the science and technology communities, from missile warning to earth-remote sensing to situational awareness."

Using flight-proven hardware for the spacecraft (and developmental hardware only on the experimental payloads), each bus can accommodate up to four independent payloads, each one having its own separate power and data interface. This makes the standard interface of the STPSat-2 spacecraft compatible with multiple launch vehicles carrying experimental and risk reduction payloads into various low-Earth orbits.

The STP-S26 mission is the 26th small launch vehicle mission in the Space Test Program's 40-year history of flying Defense Department experiments.

Ball Aerospace & Technologies Corp. supports critical missions of important national agencies such as the Department of Defense, NASA, NOAA and other U.S. government and commercial entities. The company develops and manufactures spacecraft, advanced instruments and sensors, components, data exploitation systems and RF solutions for strategic, tactical and scientific applications. For more information visit www.ballaerospace.com.

Ball Corporation (NYSE: BLL) is a supplier of high-quality packaging for beverage, food and household products customers, and of aerospace and other technologies and services, primarily for the U.S. government. Ball Corporation and its subsidiaries employ more than 14,000 people worldwide and reported 2009 sales of more than $7.3 billion including discontinued operations. For the latest Ball news and for other company information, please visit www.ball.com.

Forward-Looking Statements

This release contains "forward-looking" statements concerning future events and financial performance. Words such as "expects," "anticipates," "estimates" and similar expressions are intended to identify forward-looking statements. Such statements are subject to risks and uncertainties which could cause actual results to differ materially from those expressed or implied. The company undertakes no obligation to publicly update or revise any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise. Key risks and uncertainties are summarized in filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission, including Exhibit 99.2 in our Form 10-K, which are available on our website and at www.sec.gov. Factors that might affect our packaging segments include fluctuation in product demand and preferences; availability and cost of raw materials; competitive packaging availability, pricing and substitution; changes in climate and weather; crop yields; competitive activity; failure to achieve anticipated productivity improvements or production cost reductions; mandatory deposit or other restrictive packaging laws; changes in major customer or supplier contracts or loss of a major customer or supplier; and changes in foreign exchange rates or tax rates. Factors that might affect our aerospace segment include: funding, authorization, availability and returns of government and commercial contracts; and delays, extensions and technical uncertainties affecting segment contracts. Factors that might affect the company as a whole include those listed plus: accounting changes; changes in senior management; the current global recession and its effects on liquidity, credit risk, asset values and the economy; successful or unsuccessful acquisitions; integration of recently acquired businesses; regulatory action or laws including tax, environmental, health and workplace safety, including U.S. FDA and other actions affecting products filled in our containers, or chemicals or substances used in raw materials or in the manufacturing process; governmental investigations; technological developments and innovations; goodwill impairment; antitrust, patent and other litigation; strikes; labor cost changes; rates of return projected and earned on assets of the company's defined benefit retirement plans; pension changes; reduced cash flow; interest rates affecting our debt; and changes to unaudited results due to statutory audits or other effects.

SOURCE Ball Aerospace & Technologies Corp.