The move follows last week's successful launch of the first Dnepr launch vehicle from Baikanour. The Dnepr vehicle is a converted Russian SS-18 ballistic missile that provide a low-cost launch platform for smaller commercial payloads and is capable of lofting three metric tons to LEO.

The launch was conducted by Kosmotras, a joint stock company consisting of Russian and Ukrainian companies and government agencies registered in Russia. Kosmotras was given the rights by the Russian Government to convert and launch over 150 SS-18 missiles as Dnepr launch vehicles to the year 2007, in compliance with the provisions of the START II treaty.

This first Dnepr flight launched the Surrey Satellite Technology Limited's (SSTL's) UoSAT-12 mini-satellite. The Dnepr launch vehicle placed the UoSAT 12 spacecraft into low earth orbit. The UoSAT-12 satellite contains communications and monitoring payloads.

Thiokol Propulsion initiated business relationships in Russia and Ukraine in 1993 as part of several Cooperative Threat Reduction Programs and in an effort to establish business relationships with top aerospace companies in these former Soviet Union countries. Thiokol's alliance with Kosmotras on the Dnepr program began in 1995 when Thiokol conducted discussions on Western business practices and financial procedures.

Kosmotras retained Thiokol as its exclusive marketing agent for potential customers outside of Russia and Ukraine.

With more than 17,500 employees worldwide, Cordant Technologies (NYSE: CDD - news) is a strategically balanced global business with consolidated annual sales of approximately $2.5 billion. Cordant Technologies' Thiokol Propulsion division is the leading producer of solid propulsion systems; its Huck International subsidiary delivers high performance industrial and aerospace fastener systems; and its Howmet International Inc. subsidiary is a global manufacturer of aircraft and industrial gas turbine engine components.

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