Propulsion Systems

Northrop Grumman designs and develops state-of-the art and advanced propulsion technologies for spacecraft, space transportation and tactical missile applications.

We have an extensive, distinguished record of propulsion firsts achieved over more than 40 years of propulsion development and production for U.S. defense, NASA and commercial customers. Our technology applications range from smart tactical missiles to Earth-orbiting spacecraft and deep space missions. Northrop Grumman is now developing propulsion technologies as part of NASA's Space Launch Initiative (SLI) to increase the safety, reliability and affordability of next-generation reusable space launch and transportation vehicles.

Today, Northrop Grumman offers the full range of propulsion technologies, products and services, and testing services to meet all propulsion system development cycle needs: concept design and trade studies, full engineering design and analyses, manufacturing and production, and world-class in-house capabilities to hot-fire test engines and systems at sea-level and space vacuum conditions.

Our strengths lay in liquid propellant (monopropellant and bipropellant) and gel propellant propulsion; we employ solid propellants for gas generators and MEMS rockets. We are actively pursuing electric propulsion technology. We have successfully built and tested hardware ranging from microthrusters to a 650,000 lbf LOX/LH2 engine.