Research on advanced propulsion technology for U.S. intercontinental ballistic missiles is to be performed by Orbital ATK, the company announced.
The work will be performed by Orbital ATK's Defense Systems group. The contract was issued by the U.S. Air Force and is part of a multi-year USAF Ground-Based Strategic Deterrent program to explore enhanced propulsion capability through improvements and/or alternatives to current post-boost propulsion systems.
The value of the award and other contract details were not disclosed.
Orbital ATK's effort will focus on trade studies and hardware demonstrations to improve the effectiveness of post-boost propulsion systems while reducing life-cycle costs and increasing safety and reliability.
"Orbital ATK's post-boost technology offers the GBSD community with years of experience supporting numerous systems, including the U.S. Navy Trident II," said Pat Nolan, vice president and general manager of Orbital ATK's Missile Products division, Defense Systems Group.
