Gallery: Desolate Utah plains rumble with GEM 63’s fury
September 21st, 2018
A test article of the GEM 63 solid rocket ignites for a 102-second long test on Thursday, Sept. 20, 2018. Photo Credit: Jason Rhian / SpaceFlight Insider
PROMONTORY, Utah — Northrop Grumman’s GEM 63 solid rocket motor conducted its first test fire at 1 p.m. MDT (3 p.m. EDT / 19:00 GMT) on Thursday, Sept. 20. The motor was tested under “cold conditions” of approximately 40 °F. The GEM 63 series is being developed for use on United Launch Alliance’s Atlas V and Vulcan launch systems, as well as Northrop Grumman’s OmegA rocket. Photos courtesy: Jason Rhian
