Air Force seeking to improve global strike propulsion effort

The U.S. Air Force has awarded both Aerojet General Corp. and ATK Thiokol $49 million contracts to help develop new or enhanced technologies in missile propulsion and related inspection systems and service-life assessment tools. The awarded work supports the Pentagon’s priority to transition new technologies into propulsion systems for a prompt global strike capability, a land-based strategic deterrent and an operationally responsive space lift system. Technology development efforts will be conducted by contract award and will follow guidance of the integrated high-payoff rocket propulsion technology program, according to DOD officials.