Funded by the Ballistic Missile Defense Organization, the contract follows more than 15 years of TRW work developing technologies for BMDO-sponsored space-based laser initiatives. It also complements work that TRW and Boeing have already done as members of Boeing-led Team ABL, which is developing the Air Force's first Airborne Laser system.

The contract was awarded on Feb. 16 by the Air Force Space & Missile Systems Center, Los Angeles. It is the first phase of a procurement expected to culminate in Fall 1998 with selection of a contractor team to design, build and deploy the proposed SBLRD spacecraft.

SBLRD is intended to demonstrate the technical feasibility of using a space-based laser system to intercept and destroy theater ballistic missiles in their boost phase.

"This award also recognizes more than 25 years of TRW leadership in developing the technologies required to demonstrate a space-based laser defense option for the nation," said Thomas E. Romesser, vice president and deputy general manager of TRW's Space & Laser Programs Division. "It also marks the beginning of another significant partnership between TRW and The Boeing Co."

According to Romesser, TRW and Boeing offer the Air Force and BMDO a vision for the SBLRD that is not only affordable and achievable with low to moderate risk, but also one that could be evolved technically to a fully operational SBL system.

"Team SBL combines TRW's strengths in systems engineering, high-energy lasers and advanced technology spacecraft production with our solid track record in systems integration, advanced optics and beam control, and launch systems," said Donald Shoffstall, director of Boeing's Phantom Works Advanced System-of-Systems.

"We also offer the Air Force the same strengths they've come to expect with Team ABL - solid teamwork, vertically integrated technical capabilities and a strong sense of commitment to meeting the nation's defensive needs."

Under terms of the study contract, Team SBL will define concepts for several aspects of the SBLRD program: a concept for the demonstrator spacecraft; a concept for an SBLRD test program; and a risk-mitigation concept.

TRW has been involved in laser research and development since 1961. In 1973, the company produced the world's first high-energy chemical laser, the Baseline Demonstration Laser, for the Department of Defense.

Since then, TRW has produced and demonstrated six more high-energy lasers, including the Mid-Infrared Advanced Chemical Laser (MIRACL), and Alpha, the nation's only megawatt class chemical lasers. Alpha, a hydrogen fluoride laser, is the baseline technology for the SBLRD.

Boeing has a long history of successful large-scale systems integration. The company products range from communications satellites, launch vehicles and the International Space Station to helicopters, fighters and missile systems.

TRW provides advanced technology products and services for the automotive, space and defense, and information technology markets worldwide. Its 1997 sales totaled nearly $11 billion.