2 Million Pounds of Thrust Successfully Launches Atlas V Rocket from Cape Canaveral

Five Northrop Grumman solid rocket boosters helped successfully launch the U.S. Space Force-51 mission for the USSF Space Systems Command aboard a United Launch Alliance (ULA) Atlas V rocket last month.

United Launch Alliance's Atlas V rocket, with five Northrop Grumman GEM 63 solid rocket boosters, lifts off from Cape Canaveral to launch the USSF-51 mission. (Photo Credit: Northrop Grumman)

 

 

Five 63-inch-diameter Graphite Epoxy Motor (GEM 63) boosters supporting the Atlas V represented the most powerful configuration of the rocket. The boosters provided approximately 2 million pounds of thrust at launch, with each motor contributing about 375,000 pounds of additional thrust to help the national security payload reach the desired orbit.

In addition to the GEM boosters, Northrop Grumman provided the propellant tanks for the Centaur Upper Stage reaction control system as well as large composite structures for the ULA Atlas V launch vehicle including the heat shield, the Centaur interstage adapter and the boattail.

Jim Kalberer, Vice President, Propulsion Systems, Northrop Grumman, said "Our GEM 63 rocket motors deliver reliable, proven propulsion for customers' most meaningful missions. From missiles that protect the homeland to rocket motors that provide access to space, power exploration and promote discovery, we are providing advanced propulsion systems our customers need now."

Four GEM 63 solid rocket boosters helped successfully launch and deploy an environmental satellite in March. (Photo Credit: Northrop Grumman)

 

 

Northrop Grumman is investing in technology and scaling its facilities to deliver critical propulsion capabilities. The company is nearing completion of several new solid rocket motor manufacturing facilities that will support production of multiple propulsion products, including the GEM boosters.

The newly constructed buildings will support nearly every phase of SRM manufacturing including propellant mixing and casting, composite case manufacturing, final assembly and integration of subcomponents, material storage and motor shipping. The expansion of the company's manufacturing facilities will augment existing capabilities and support increased production rates for several programs and customers including GEM boosters for ULA.

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