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AeroTec to Fire Up Rocket Testing Friday in Butte

The Montana Aerospace Development Association’s (MADA) AeroTec facility will host a series of hybrid rocket propulsion tests conducted by Space Propulsion Group (SPG) of Stanford University, Friday, May 29th at 3:00 p.m. at the AeroTec facility in Butte. Media must arrive at 1:30 p.m. to participate in a facility tour and safety briefing.

“This testing will advance hybrid rocket technology and the future development of aerospace science in Butte,” said Governor Brian Schweitzer. “This is true rocket science. It’s exciting, cutting-edge technology and it’s happening right here in Montana.”

AeroTec is a rocket and jet engine testing facility located at the former Rhodia Chemical site, 10 miles west of Butte, in the Butte-Silver Bow Tax Increment Financing District. The Montana Aerospace Development Association (MADA) operates the facility, which is leased by Butte-Silver Bow. Space Propulsion Group (SPG), an offshoot of Stanford University, is AeroTec’s first client. SPG conducted its first tests in March, 2009.

“The Montana Department of Commerce has supported this project from the start because it has great potential for the economy of Butte-Silver Bow and the state as a whole,” said Anthony Preite, Director of the Montana Department of Commerce. “AeroTec is an important player in Montana’s developing aerospace industry.”

The Montana Department of Commerce has contributed at total of $45,000 to the AeroTec project. In 2007, the Department awarded a $25,000 grant from the Big Sky Economic Development Trust Fund (BSTF) to Headwaters RC&D Area Inc. to assist MADA with the development of a preliminary engineering report for AeroTec. In 2009, the Department awarded $20,000 in funding from the Community Development Block Grant – Economic Development (CDBG-ED) Program to Butte-Silver Bow toward engineering costs for data collection, testing, preliminary design work, and feasibility assessments for rocket testing for AeroTec.

WHO: Montana Aerospace Development Association & Space Propulsion Group

WHAT: Hybrid-fuel Propulsion Rocket Testing

WHEN: Friday, May 29, 2009 @ 3:00 PM

***Media must arrive at 1:30 PM for tour and safety briefing ***

WHERE: AeroTec Facility, Butte

Located 10 miles west of Butte at the former Rhodia Chemical site

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