USEC Signs American Centrifuge Contract with ATK Space Systems

BETHESDA, Md., April 11, 2005/Satnews Daily/ — USEC Inc. (NYSE:USU) has signed a contract with ATK Space Systems, a division of Alliant Techsystems (NYSE:ATK), for the development and manufacture of carbon fiber centrifuge rotor tubes for use in the centrifuge machines in USEC's American Centrifuge Demonstration Facility.

According to USEC's senior vice president Philip G. Sewell, who is responsible for the American Centrifuge Program, ATK has been involved in centrifuge manufacturing activities at USEC's Centrifuge Technology Center in Oak Ridge, Tennessee. ATK now joins Boeing, Honeywell and Fluor Enterprises as part of USEC's contracting team.

The contract with ATK runs through March 2007 and includes labor, parts and equipment, and other support costs for the carbon fiber centrifuge rotor tubes used in USEC's American Centrifuge machines.

ATK Space Systems of Clearfield, Utah, designs and manufactures advanced composite materials for scientific spacecraft, satellite systems and robotic vehicles like the Mars Exploration Rovers. ATK's state-of-the-art advanced composite material design and manufacturing skills will enhance USEC's American Centrifuge machines. With this agreement to produce carbon fiber rotor tubes for the centrifuge, ATK becomes a member of USEC's team of contractors.

The American Centrifuge is based on proven centrifuge technology originally developed by the U.S. Department of Energy, but with expected improvements in efficiency through the use of state-of-the-art materials, control systems and manufacturing processes. The lead cascade in the American Centrifuge Demonstration Facility is scheduled to begin operation in late 2005 at USEC's plant site in Piketon, Ohio.