Commercial Solid Rocket Motors
Defining possible for national security, science and commercial launch missions.
Northrop Grumman’s commercial solid rocket motor products build upon flight-proven heritage and leverage commonalities to continuously improve and expand motor families at a low-cost and with high reliability and repeatable performance.

CASTOR® Motors


Graphite Epoxy Motors (GEM)

Northrop Grumman began developing the Graphite Epoxy Motor (GEM) in the early 1980s with the GEM 40 to increase launch capability for the Delta II launch vehicle, followed by the GEM 46, used on the Delta III and Delta II Heavy, and GEM 60 for the Delta IV Medium-Plus vehicle. The fourth-generation GEM 63 booster flew its inaugural flight on the Atlas V in November 2020, and the company began testing the extended-length GEM 63XL variant, the longest monolithic rocket motor produced to date, in August 2020 to serve the Vulcan Centaur vehicle.
Northrop Grumman continues to incorporate updated technologies and its unique filament winding process to leverage heritage, flight-proven designs for high quality, low-cost and reliable strap-on booster variations.

GEM Videos
Orion Solid Rocket Motors



Other Commercial Services
With 60-plus years experience, we have the infrastructure, technology and capabilities to support nearly every phase of space launch manufacturing and offer a variety of commercial services:
- Nondestructive Testing: X-Ray
- Nondestructive Testing: Hydro Proof
- Aging and Surveillance
- Thermal Protection Systems
- Conceptual Design and Analysis
- Engineering Services
- Flight Performance
- Thrust Vector Control (TVC) Systems
- Flight Termination Ordnance System (FTOS)
- Virtual Reality Lab Services
- Field Services and Support
- Test Services
Test and Research Services
Northrop Grumman Test and Research Services specializes in custom testing of inert and energetic materials and components ranging from ammunition and hand grenades to the largest solid rocket motors in the world. The company’s cost structure can support small, commercial tests, large complex government contracts, and everything in-between.
Commercial Rocket Motor Resources
Commercial Motors News & Articles


Northrop Grumman’s 18th Cygnus Cargo Resupply Spacecraft Arrives at International Space Station

Northrop Grumman Delivers First GEM 63XL Solid Rocket Boosters to Support Vulcan First Flight

Northrop Grumman Invests in New Solid Rocket Motor Manufacturing Facilities in Magna, Utah

Northrop Grumman Teams with Firefly Aerospace to Develop Antares Rocket Upgrade and New Medium Launch Vehicle

Northrop Grumman SBIRS GEO-6 Payload Launched in Support of Missile Warning Satellite Mission for US Space Force


