The Graphite-Epoxy Motor (GEM) is a series of solid rocket boosters fueled by HTPB and produced by Northrop Grumman Innovation Systems with a carbon-fiber-reinforced polymer casing. GEM series boosters were previously used on the Delta II, Delta III, and Delta IV. They will fly on the Atlas V and Vulcan.
The GEM-63XL is about 5 feet longer than the regular GEM-63 and will be used on the Vulcan launch vehicle starting in 2021. GEM-63XL offers higher performance at almost half the cost of the AJ-60A boosters currently being used on the Atlas V.
Northrop Grumman is developing the next generation of the GEM family of strap-on boosters to support intermediate- and large-class space launch vehicles. These boosters build on the company’s extensive history of the successful GEM 40, GEM 46, and GEM 60 motors. The GEM 63 and GEM 63XL motors will be capable of supporting national security, science and commercial payloads. The company is leveraging its industry-leading expertise in composite large solid rocket motor development and manufacturing to provide customers with a cost-effective, reliable, flexible, and on-time system, starting in 2019 for United Launch Alliance’s Atlas and Vulcan launch vehicles.
Northrop Grumman Corporation conducted its second ground test of a 63-inch diameter Graphite Epoxy Motor (GEM 63) in Promontory, Utah. The company developed this new side-mounted rocket motor to add power to the United Launch Alliance (ULA) Atlas V launch vehicle.
The maximum thrust of the GEM 63 is 373,000 pounds or roughly the equivalent of five B-2 Spirit bombers. Up to five GEM 63 motors can support a single Atlas V launch.
The GEM 63 team developed the motor under a cooperative development program with ULA. Northrop Grumman has been supplying solid propulsion motors for a variety of launch vehicles since 1964 and is ULA’s largest legacy supplier of solid propulsion. Northrop Grumman’s expertise in solid rocket boosters combined with ULA’s history of reliability results in a strong partnership that guarantees assured access to space for national security.
The first ground test, conducted in September 2018, qualified the motor for use as a strap-on booster for the Atlas V. This second test satisfies additional requirements for certification by the U.S. Air Force. The first launch using GEM 63 motors will take place in 2020.
In addition to the GEM 63 motor, Northrop Grumman is also developing a GEM 63XL motor for ULA’s Vulcan Centaur rocket. Both versions of the GEM 63 family use common materials and processes to maintain a high-reliability, low-cost product. The first GEM 63XL case, which is the longest non-segmented, monolithic case ever manufactured, has already been wound at a new facility in Clearfield, Utah, and is currently in the structural qualification process.
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