The image released by the 412th Test Wing shows a portion of the missile where the solid rocket motor of the booster stage connects to the exhaust section.
Space Systems Command has awarded Astroscale U.S. a $25.5 million contract to deliver by 2026 a prototype spacecraft that can refuel other satellites in space.
Boeing, Lockheed Martin and Northrop Grumman are vying for the NGAD program while the three military services are teaming on uncrewed aircraft development.
The capital investments by Boeing are supporting the company's "future franchise" programs, which possibly include the Next Generation Air Dominance program.
Two U.S. aerospace industry teams have been awarded NASA contracts to study technology for sustainable high-speed airliner designs capable of Mach 2-plus.