ATK [ATK] and the United Launch Alliance yesterday conducted a successful cold-temperature ground test of a Graphite Epoxy Motor (GEM-60) solid rocket motor used to boost ULA’s Delta IV launch vehicles, according to an ATK statement.
The 60-inch diameter, 53-feet long motor, which was chilled to a core temperature of 30-degrees Fahrenheit, performed as designed by producing approximately 270,000 pounds of thrust while burning for 90 seconds. The test was the second in a series to qualify new fixed and vectorable nozzles manufactured by ATK for flight readiness. ATK spokeswoman Trina Helquist said yesterday the company has completed this test for qualification and does not have anymore static tests required.
The successful test qualifies the new fixed nozzle for flight motors and validates the performance of new nozzle insulation at the lowest range of operational temperatures.
“This test further qualifies ATK’s in-house capabilities in manufacturing commercial nozzles as flight ready,” Scott Lehr, vice president and general manager of ATK aerospace group, defense and commercial division, said in a statement.
The GEM-60 motor is a strap-on booster that was developed for ULA by ATK in 2000 to increase the payload-to-orbit capability of the Delta IV Medium+ launch vehicle.
ULA is a joint venture between Lockheed Martin [LMT] and Boeing [BA].