The CASTOR^® rocket motor premiered as a second-stage motor to boost the Scout X-1 rocket for NASA in September 1960. Since then, Northrop Grumman has used the base technology from four generations of ballistic missile boosters, and the technology and experience from expendable launch vehicle programs, to expand the CASTOR series. The family of motors has grown to include ten flight-ready first-and second-stage and strap-on solid rocket motors that serve space launch, sounding rockets and the missile defense targets market. CASTOR motor variations support Northrop Grumman Minotaur-C vehicles, and the latest generation CASTOR 30XL motor propels the upper stage of Antares for cargo resupply missions to the International Space Station.

The Orion product line began with three stages designed for Northrop Grumman’s Pegasus® and grew to support various Taurus®, Pegasus XL, and Minotaur® configurations, as well as the Ground-based Midcourse Defense (GMD) interceptor. New applications continue to evolve to support the Missile Defense Agency’s target vehicle configurations for the medium-range ballistic missile, intermediate-range ballistic missile, and intercontinental ballistic missile classes. The multiple configurations and applications of the Orion motor family demonstrate these flight-proven motors’ adaptability, reliability and versatility.

Since their first flight in 1990, Orion motors have supported over 11 different launch vehicles and over 100 launches from virtually every platform for a diverse range of customers and missions with zero flight failures. With 14 motor variations – 10 flight-proven and 2 qualified for flight – nearly 500 Orion motors have been delivered to customers.

Other Commercial Services

With 60-plus years experience, we have the infrastructure, technology and capabilities to support nearly every phase of space launch manufacturing and offer a variety of commercial services:

• Nondestructive Testing: X-Ray
• Nondestructive Testing: Hydro Proof
• Aging and Surveillance
• Thermal Protection Systems
• Conceptual Design and Analysis
• Engineering Services
• Flight Performance
• Thrust Vector Control (TVC) Systems
• Flight Termination Ordnance System (FTOS)
• Virtual Reality Lab Services
• Field Services and Support
• Test Services

Test and Research Services
Northrop Grumman Test and Research Services specializes in custom testing of inert and energetic materials and components ranging from ammunition and hand grenades to the largest solid rocket motors in the world. The company’s cost structure can support small, commercial tests, large complex government contracts, and everything in-between.