Northrop Grumman Successfully Test New Solid Rocket Motor During Annual SMART Demo

Northrop Grumman has successfully test-fired a new solid rocket motor at its Promontory, Utah, facility on December 7, marking the commencement of its annual Solid Motor Annual Rocket Technology Demonstrator (SMART Demo) campaign.

The static fire test, lasting approximately half a minute, was declared a success by Northrop Grumman.

The SMART Demo initiative aims to swiftly develop and demonstrate advanced technologies with applications in a diverse range of space and defense programs.

"In less than one year, this team designed, developed, and are qualifying these new technologies." - Wendy Williams, Vice President of Propulsion Systems at Northrop Grumman

The motor showcased several innovative technologies including a new low-cost propellant capable of operating across a wide temperature range and components that were additively manufactured. Utilizing this manufacturing could reduce lead times for certain components by up to 75%. The test also served to qualify materials in the nozzle from alternative suppliers who could enhance the company's supply chain to meet the demands of its growing business.

Northrop Grumman is currently involved in nine new solid rocket motors across five programs simultaneously, spanning space launch applications and defense efforts such as hypersonics, missile defense, and the Sentinel ICBM. They are ramping up production of the GEM 63XL solid rocket motor for United Launch Alliance's Vulcan Centaur rocket. Additionally, they manufacture large solid rocket motors for NASA's Space Launch System and is engaged in the Booster Obsolescence and Life Extension (BOLE) program with NASA.

The SMART Demo technologies showcased in the recent test could be integrated into these programs, although a specific timeline was not provided.

"All of our development programs are in different stages. We are absolutely looking at leveraging these technologies and folding those in." - Wendy Williams, Vice President of Propulsion Systems at Northrop Grumman

"What's really new here is the way we're doing SMART Demo," he said, describing it as a "unique and powerful bridge" to mature new technologies. - Aaron Shephard, Internal Research and Development Manager for Propulsion Systems at Northrop Grumman

Northrop Grumman plans to make SMART Demo an annual series of demonstrations for solid rocket motor technologies. While this test was internally funded, future iterations may involve partnerships with government agencies to test technologies of interest.

"Our hope is that, as our configuration can adapt and change year in and year out, that is an attractive offer to the industry...Here is a vehicle with a given performance, given technology, that if there's interest, could roll into a real program." - Aaron Shephard, Internal Research and Development Manager for Propulsion Systems at Northrop Grumman