There are two Air Force Research lab people at Kirtland AFB, N.M., whose task is to advance “multiple methods” to design, develop, and produce low-cost rockets. Officials say that the Launch Vehicle Technology program has “fueled” many efforts, some dating back more than 10 years, such as a Microcosm Inc. rocket called Scorpius. Some of these projects have led to cheaper and safer propellants and subsystems. The LTV crew currently is working new projects with Microscosm, Wickman Spacecraft & Propulsion, and KT Engineering. (Read more here.)
The rate of building B-21 bombers would speed up if the fiscal 2026 defense budget passes. But it remains unclear how much capacity would be added, and whether the Air Force would simply build the bombers faster, or buy more.
