 A GEM 40 solid rocket motor being prepared for integration with a Delta II launch vehicle | |
| Manufacturer |
|
|---|---|
| Country of origin | United States |
| Used on | |
| Associated stages | |
| Comparable | |
| Launch history | |
| Status | Active |
| First flight | 26 November 1990 |
The Graphite-Epoxy Motor (GEM) is a family of solid rocket boosters developed in the late 1980s and used since 1990. GEM motors are manufactured with carbon-fibre-reinforced polymer casings and a fuel consisting of HTPB-bound ammonium perchlorate composite propellant. GEM is produced by Northrop Grumman Space Systems.[1] GEM boosters are used on the Atlas V and were previously used on the Delta II, Delta III, and Delta IV launch vehicles. A new variant, the GEM 63XL, flew as part of the Vulcan Centaur launch vehicle on 8 January 2024.[2][3][4]
- ^ "Northrop Grumman GEM Capabilities". Northrop Grumman. Archived from the original on 2019-02-03.
- ^ Belam, Martin (2024-01-08). "Nasa Peregrine 1 launch: Vulcan Centaur rocket carrying Nasa moon lander lifts off in Florida – live updates". the Guardian. ISSN 0261-3077. Retrieved 2024-01-08.
- ^ "ULA Sets Path Forward for Inaugural Vulcan Flight Test". www.ulalaunch.com. Retrieved 2022-12-21.
- ^ Foust, Jeff (2023-07-13). "Centaur modifications push first Vulcan launch to fourth quarter". SpaceNews. Retrieved 2023-08-02.