Northrop Grumman has successfully completed the first of two key fiscal 2006 tests for the Kinetic Energy Interceptor battle management capability, dubbed the KEI Fire Control and Communications system. The test was completed five weeks ahead of schedule on March 1 when the Continental KEI system at Schriever AFB, Colo. demonstrated a capability to direct sensor data from satellite constellations to a deployed battery to increase boost phase engagement accuracy. The interceptor itself is on track for a booster flight test in 2008.
The Space Force is planning improvements at its launch ranges to better accommodate the logistics and infrastructure demands that come with the launch industry’s shift toward reusable rockets, according to the commanders of the service’s two launch deltas.
