These motors provide maximum payload capability by using high specific impulse propellants and advanced materials. We support the U.S. Air Force's Minuteman Propulsion Replacement Program. We've successfully static tested regrained Minuteman III Stage 1 motors and, as part of a joint venture, Stage 2 qualification motors have been tested. We also continue tests on decommissioned Stage 1 motors as part of our aging and surveillance contract with the Air Force. Rocket motor demilitarization continues to be an important Thiokol activity.
Technology is focused on beneficial commercial reuse of recovered materials.
We convert liquid rocket fuel into commodity chemicals and recover ingredients from solid rocket propellants or incorporate them into blasting agents for mining operations. Current customers include the Defense Threat Reduction Agency, U.S. Air Force, U.S. Army, NASA and commercial industry. Thiokol's liquid rocket motor demilitarization programs are operating in Russia and Ukraine. These new materials have been baselined in a variety of applications for new commercial launch vehicles, commercial industrial products, recreational equipment and infrastructure repair programs. Finally, our NASA customer awarded us the 1998 NASA Marshall Space Flight Center Contractor Excellence Award.