The Kinetic Energy Interceptor (KEI) appears to have overcome both budget and design scares within the past few weeks. A proposed Congressional funding cut for the Northrop Grumman-led programme was reversed in the final version of the budget approved by lawmakers last week, the company says. Also, a potentially fatal design flaw in the second stage rocket motor was fixed and validated during a ground test last Thursday.
Only four more ground tests remain before the first booster launch scheduled next summer. A canister-ejection test is also scheduled in 2011, but Northrop says this could be accelerated. But no KEI missile will be tested as an interceptor until at least 2014.
Only four more ground tests remain before the first booster launch scheduled next summer. A canister-ejection test is also scheduled in 2011, but Northrop says this could be accelerated. But no KEI missile will be tested as an interceptor until at least 2014.
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