The Air Force has awarded dual $49 million contracts to begin “major efforts to develop new or enhanced technologies” leading “into propulsion systems for a prompt global strike capability, a land-based strategic deterrent, and an operational responsive space lift system.” The two contracts went to Aerojet General and ATK Thiokol. Technology to be considered includes solid rocket motors, including ballistic and space boost, post boost propulsion, and tactical motors. Due date is 2014.
Northrop Grumman test fired its newest solid rocket motor Dec. 4, part of an internally funded effort to rapidly design and build SRMs using advanced manufacturing techniques.
