Northrop Grumman to Test New Nozzle for GEM Boosters Amid Vulcan Flight Issues
Northrop Grumman will conduct a static fire test of a redesigned nozzle for GEM solid rocket boosters in mid-April, crucial for the ULA Vulcan rocket program. This testing follows a malfunction during a previous flight that has halted Vulcan launches pending further analysis.
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Northrop Grumman is set to test a new nozzle for the Graphite Epoxy Motors (GEM) utilized in United Launch Alliance's Vulcan and Atlas rockets, with a static fire scheduled for mid-April in Utah. This redesign arises from a malfunction during Vulcan's last flight on February 12, where one GEM 63XL booster experienced a burn-through anomaly, although the mission successfully delivered its payload to orbit.
ULA, Northrop, and U.S. government teams are analyzing data from the flight and have located the four solid motors in approximately 2,500 feet of water, complicating recovery efforts. The outcome of the nozzle test and subsequent analysis will determine the path forward for Vulcan's return to flight.
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