ATK Space Systems to lay off 450 engineers, others

OGDEN, Utah (AP) — The phase-out of the space shuttle for a new generation of space vehicles is bringing hundreds of layoffs to Utah.ATK Space Systems, a business unit of Minneapolis-based Alliant Techsystems Inc., also blames the layoffs on the expected end of production for the government’s Minuteman III ballistic missile program.The company says as many as 450 engineers and factory workers will lose jobs in October at ATK headquarters in Magna and at manufacturing operations at Clearfield and Promontory.It’s the second round of layoffs this year. The company let about 300 Utah workers go in March.On Monday, ATK unveiled the main rocket that will launch the new Orion space craft into orbit. A test firing is planned for later this summer in Promontory, 65 miles north of Salt Lake City.

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