NG Graphite Epoxy Motor 63 test (GEM 63 QM-2)

Northrop Grumman Corporation conducted the second qualification test (QM-2) of its 63-inch diameter Graphite Epoxy Motor (GEM 63) in Promontory, Utah, on 4 April 2019. The test was designed to validate the ballistic performance of the motor, such as pressure and thrust. The GEM 63 motor will be used as a direct replacement of the previous strap-on boosters on ULA’s Atlas V rocket beginning in July 2019 with the Space Test Program (STP)-3 mission that will use five boosters. Credit: Northrop Grumman