SACRAMENTO, Oct. 7 (UPI) -- Aerospace and defense company Aerojet announced the successful test of a bi-propellant liquid rocket divert thruster for a U.S. missile defense system.
Aerojet announced the divert thruster is applicable to the early intercept divert and attitude control system.
"This test is a further testament to the innovation and reliability of Aerojet's propulsion products," said Aerojet Vice President of Defense Systems Dick Bregard.
The U.S. Missile Defense Agency is developing the early intercept system as part of a ballistic missile defense shield to detect and deter missile threats.
Aerojet said it was also working on a solid rocket divert system for planned upgrades to the Standard Missile 3 system.
The SM-3 is designed as an anti-ballistic missile for the Aegis Ballistic Missile Defense System.
The rocket divert thruster was tested at altitude and sea levels as a risk reduction effort for the early intercept system, the company said.
