Graphite-Epoxy Motor

Graphite-Epoxy Motor
A GEM 40 solid rocket motor being prepared for integration with a Delta II launch vehicle
ManufacturerHercules
Alliant Techsystems
Orbital ATK
Northrop Grumman Space Systems
Country of originUnited States
Used onGround-Based Interceptor, Delta II, Delta III, Delta IV, Atlas V, Vulcan
Associated stages
ComparableCastor (rocket stage)
Launch history
StatusActive
First flight26 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]

  1. ^ "Northrop Grumman GEM Capabilities". Northrop Grumman. Archived from the original on 2019-02-03.
  2. ^ 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.
  3. ^ "ULA Sets Path Forward for Inaugural Vulcan Flight Test". www.ulalaunch.com. Retrieved 2022-12-21.
  4. ^ Foust, Jeff (2023-07-13). "Centaur modifications push first Vulcan launch to fourth quarter". SpaceNews. Retrieved 2023-08-02.

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