The American aerospace and defense technology corporation is collaborating with Firefly Aerospace to develop a new engine for the Antares rocket.
In a press release on August 8, the two companies announced that they are working together to upgrade the first stage of Northrop Grumman’s Antares rocket and develop an entirely new medium-lift launch vehicle for future missions. This collaboration means that Northrop Grumman will replace the current Antares rocket, which is manufactured in Ukraine and powered by Russian engines, with a more powerful version capable of carrying heavier payloads.
The current first stage of the Antares rocket. (Photo: NASA)
“Through this collaboration, we will develop a completely domestic version of the Antares rocket, called Antares 330, for the commercial resupply services of the Cygnus cargo spacecraft, followed by an entirely new medium-lift launch vehicle. Northrop Grumman and Firefly Aerospace are currently working on a strategy and technical development plan to meet current and future launch requirements,” said Scott Lehr, Vice President of Northrop Grumman.
There are numerous advantages to this new collaboration between the two American aerospace companies. First, Firefly’s propulsion technology uses propellants similar to those of the current Antares rocket, minimizing the need for upgrades at the launch site. The new Antares 330 will utilize seven Firefly Miranda engines, while Northrop Grumman will provide software, avionics engineering, upper stage structure, and the Castor 30XL engine, as well as integration operations for the launch vehicle and launch pad. All of this will enhance the payload capacity of the Antares rocket.
According to Space, the upgraded rocket could be ready by 2024. Upon completion, it will allow Antares to launch cargo weighing up to 10,500 kg into orbit, a significant increase from the current capacity of 8,100 kg.
The Antares rocket and Cygnus NG-16 cargo spacecraft on the launch pad before their flight to the International Space Station on August 10, 2021. (Photo: NASA)
The two companies did not disclose financial details about their agreement for the Antares 330, nor have they revealed how the new medium-lift rocket will be constructed. However, Firefly is developing its own medium-lift rocket called Beta, as well as a Space Utility Vehicle for use in orbit and a lunar lander named Blue Ghost.
“Firefly takes pride in being a disruptor in the aerospace industry. Partnering with a pioneering space corporation like Northrop Grumman will help us continue that mission,” emphasized Peter Schumacher, the interim CEO of Firefly.
