Multi-Service Launch System (MSLS)

The U.S. Air Force retired the Minuteman II fleet, but some of these assets were identified for test flights and various ballistic experiments. In such cases, the Air Force disposes of the nuclear warhead, and then refurbishes the solid-rocket motors for stages one, two and three. Lockheed Martin Astronautics Operations designs and builds the new front section and associated flight hardware and provides the launch services.

The missile is a series of stacked cylinders of...