Graphite-Epoxy Motor
American solid rocket booster / From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
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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]
Quick Facts Manufacturer, Country of origin ...
Manufacturer | Hercules Alliant Techsystems Orbital ATK Northrop Grumman Space Systems |
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Country of origin | United States |
Used on | Ground-Based Interceptor, Delta II, Delta III, Delta IV, Atlas V, Vulcan |
Associated stages | |
Comparable | Castor (rocket stage) |
Launch history | |
Status | Active |
First flight | 26 November 1990 |
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