Air Force Research Lab personnel at Edwards AFB, Calif., recently provided oversight on the third validation test-firing of Aerojet’s Block B solid rocket booster. The test lasted only 90 seconds, but it was the third success in a row, confirming the modified booster design, said Aerojet President Scott Neish. Lockheed Martin uses the Aerojet Block B on the Atlas V expendable launch vehicle.
The U.S. military is maintaining a beefed-up presence in the Middle East, including fighters and air defense assets, following the U.S. strikes on Iranian nuclear facilities June 22 and subsequent retaliation by the Iranians against Al Udeid Air Base in Qatar.