Northrop Grumman conducted a static firing test of an advanced rocket booster for flights to Mars and the Moon in future Artemis missions

NASA has launched the Artemis programme to land on the Moon. However, future missions of the lunar project will also cover missions to Mars. The agency recently conducted another firing test of a rocket booster for such missions.

Here's What We Know

The prospective rocket booster is called BOLE (booster obsolescence and life extension). It is designed and manufactured by the American company Northrop Grumman. The contractor conducted the third static fire test of the prototype.

Last year NASA successfully completed the Artemis I mission. The Space Launch System (SLS) rocket used engines from the Space Shuttle project. Similar propulsion systems will power the SLS for Artemis II and Artemis III.

Starting with Artemis IV through Artemis VIII, the space agency will use upgraded Flight Support Booster-2 boosters. These, too, will be designed by Northrop Grumman using the old drawings, but with an additional (fifth) section for solid propellant.

The prospective BOLE boosters will be used in Artemis IX and later missions. The booster will have a composite body to reduce weight while maintaining thrust. This will increase the payload weight.

The third firing test was successful. Northrop Grumman and NASA collected important data on stability and material quality. They will improve the hull's protection against high temperatures.

Source: NASA