Science
Northrop Grumman Successfully Tests Its New Solid Rocket Motor – Interesting Engineering
Northrop Grumman conducted a successful test of its GEM-63XL solid rocket booster which will power ULA’s Vulcan Centaur rocket to the Moon. Read it here.
On January 21, 2021, at its Promontory, Utah rocket testing facility, Northrop Grumman successfully conducted a validation ground test of its extended-length 63-inch Graphite Epoxy Motor (GEM-63XL).
GEM-63XL strap-on solid rockets. Source: NASA
The first GEM-63 motors supported the United Launch Alliance’s (ULA) Atlas V rocket in November 2020. ULA is a joint venture between Lockheed Martin Space and Boeing Defense, Space & Security. The GEM-63XL is the rocket that will power the Vulcan Centaur…
