Spaceflight Insider

News Archive / Tagged: GEM 63

  • ULA set to launch classified spy satellite atop Atlas V, featuring first GEM 63 boosters

    Matt HaskellNovember 4th, 2020

    United Launch Alliance is set to launch their Atlas V rocket on Wednesday evening, November 4, launching the highly classified NROL-101 spy satellite for the National Reconnaissance Office from Cape Canaveral.

  • First GEM 63 solid motors delivered to Cape Canaveral

    Matt HaskellJuly 24th, 2020

    Northrop Grumman has delivered the first 3 of their new 63-inch Graphite Epoxy Motors (GEM 63) rocket motors to Florida’s Cape Canaveral Air Force Station, in preparation for their first launch aboard a United Launch Alliance Atlas V rocket.

  • GEM 63 completes 2nd static fire test

    Jason RhianApril 4th, 2019

    Northrop Grumman's new 63-inch Graphite Epoxy Motor (GEM 63) solid rocket booster has completed another landmark in the booster's progression toward flight.

  • NG engineer details what it is like to develop GEM 63 booster

    Jason RhianDecember 20th, 2018

    PROMONTORY, Utah -- Each component of a rocket is individual, yet it must function as one on the day of launch. The GEM 63 solid rocket motor has begun taking its first steps toward being integrated into one of the most successful rockets ever flown. What were those first steps like?

  • Gallery: Desolate Utah plains rumble with GEM 63’s fury

    Jason RhianSeptember 21st, 2018

    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 […]

  • Northrop Grumman’s GEM 63 undergoes 1st test fire

    Jason RhianSeptember 20th, 2018

    The desolate, remote deserts of Utah came alive in fire and smoke during a test that heralded the introduction of powerful new launch vehicles onto the world stage.

  • Insider Live: Northrop Grumman’s GEM 63 first test fire

    Jason RhianSeptember 19th, 2018

    Want to see exclusive live video of a GEM 63 rocket motor being tested? Only SpaceFlight Insider brings you live coverage from the test site in Utah. Tune in at 12:30 p.m. MDT / 2:30 p.m. EDT.