The Space and Missile Systems Center awarded the first contract under its Booster Propulsion Technology Maturation Broad Agency Announcement solicitation—the first step in the Air Force’s transition away from the Russian-made RD-180 engine used on the Atlas V rocket. Johns Hopkins University Whiting School of Engineering received the $545,860 contract for evaluation of additively manufactured liquid rocket engine cooling channels in representative environments, according to a release. “The end goal of our strategy is to have two or more domestic, commercially viable launch providers that also meet national security space requirements,” said Lt. Gen. Samuel Greaves, the Air Force’s program executive officer for space and commander of SMC, in a written statement. “This is essential in order to solidify US assured access to space, transition the [evolved expendable launch vehicle] program away from strategic foreign reliance, and support the US launch industry’s commercial viability in the global market,” he said. More awards, totaling $35 million, are expected over the next three months. The Air Force said in June that replacing the RD-180 would require either a new launch vehicle or significant modifications to the Atlas V rocket. (See also USAF Officials Urge Congress to Allow More RD-180s.)
Air Force Unveils New Maternity Uniform Items
Oct. 8, 2025
Starting later this year, Air Force will offer pregnant service members a new maternity wrap dress to replace the service’s maternity jumper first fielded in 1993. The maternity wrap dress and a new maternity coat were created in an effort to modernize the service’s existing maternity uniform with better-fitting items…
