Lockheed Martin announced Friday that it has completed initial testing of the kill vehicle divert thruster for the Missile Defense Agency’s Multiple Kill Vehicle Payload System. The testing of the thruster and valves on the component took place on July 16, showing that the system will allow the kill vehicle to more accurately maneuver to intercept targets. In the event of a launch a single interceptor equipped with the MKV will destroy the reentry vehicle along with countermeasures, Lockheed Martin officials contend.
The six-week government shutdown did not affect the hours flown by Air Force pilots, a service spokesperson told Air & Space Forces Magazine—avoiding what could have been a major blow at a time when flying hours are already lower than they have been in decades.
