Northrop Grumman Corporation has successfully conducted a full-scale static fire of its new Booster Obsolescence and Life Extension (BOLE) solid rocket booster, marking the first demonstration test of the world’s largest and most powerful segmented solid rocket motor built for human spaceflight.
The 156-foot-long solid rocket motor produced over 4 million pounds of thrust from a single booster during a two-minute firing. The test assesses over 700 data channels to evaluate its performance. Compared to NASA’s current five-segment Space Launch System (SLS) booster design, BOLE improves on previous designs by replacing key components no longer in production.
The new design features a composite case made of carbon fiber, which enables better booster performance and aligns with commercial standards. This allows Northrop Grumman to support a U.S.-based supply chain of American manufacturers. The evolution provides an additional five metric tons of payload to lunar orbit, critical for deep space missions.
According to Jim Kalberer, vice president of propulsion systems at Northrop Grumman, the test pushed the boundaries of large solid rocket motor design and provided valuable data for future developments. However, an anomaly was observed near the end of the two-plus minute burn. The company aims to iterate its design based on this experience.
BOLE represents a significant step towards more sustainable commercial practices by incorporating commonality in design and construction standards across Northrop Grumman’s production programs. As a leading global aerospace and defense technology company, Northrop Grumman has invested heavily in U.S. infrastructure, R&D, workforce, and supply chain to deliver national security needs and support the Artemis mission.
Source: https://news.northropgrumman.com/launch/Northrop-Grumman-Tests-Most-Powerful-Segmented-Solid-Rocket-Booster-Ever-Built