As a response to a request from NASA for commercial rocket system on hiring basis to carry its astronauts and cargo to its International Space Station, Alliant Techsystems (ATK) has unveiled its Liberty program. The move came as NASA said it prefers hiring rocket systems than buying rockets from contractors for its space mission(s).

ATK, the Utah-based company, now irrespective of the government agreeing to fund its rocket systems especially for the Liberty program, has decided to go ahead with its project as it considers that there would be no dearth of commercial customers. Although ATK, is willing to fund the projects on its own rather, than buying rockets from contractors. Rep. Rob Bishop, R-Utah is goading congressional leaders to pledge funding support for the Liberty program as it would be an added fillip for the country.

In a hope to reserve apportion of $200 million money (from the space agency) for promising projects, ATK along with its partner showcased the two-stage Liberty rocket, which the ATK intends to be used as the next launch vehicle for the U. S. space program by NASA. The rocket will be using a Utah-built solid-fuel motor as the first stage and the second liquid-fueled stage developed by Astrium, a European company; the companies tout that their motors are put in use on dozens of successful flights.