Advanced Exo-atmospheric Propulsion and Control Systems

The Missile Defense Agency (MDA) is developing new interceptor technologies to mitigate the constantly evolving threats such as having to overcome large numbers – a barrage of low-cost ballistic missiles that could be launched by potential adversaries, and new asymmetric missile threats requiring higher interceptor performance and maneuvering capabilities in both high-G endo and exo-atmospheric environments. To address this need, Valley Tech Systems (VTS) has developed a conceptual design of a small diameter booster Advanced Solid Axial Stage (ASAS) capable of high-G delta-V impulse control and highly accurate, fast Thrust Vector Control (TVC) using innovative proportionally controlled secondary hot gas injection into a conventional optimized solid booster nozzle design. Fundamental to the new design is the ability to deliver additional cross-range delta-V using fast responding TVC to create high angle-of-attack maneuvers while also providing Kill Vehicle pointing. During this Phase II SBIR, VTS will leverage its 12-years of MDA SBIR controllable solid propulsion technology data base to the design and testing of a high fidelity ASAS prototype with the goal of maturing the technology to TRL-5 at program completion positioning the technology for future interceptor upgrades and new systems. Approved for Public Release | 20-MDA-10601 (19 Oct 20)