Aerojet Rocketdyne, Kratos Hot-Fire Zeus 2 Solid Rocket Motor for Hypersonic Testing

Aerojet Rocketdyne, a subsidiary of L3Harris Technologies, and Kratos Defense & Security Solutions have hot-fired the Zeus 2 solid rocket motor at its Camden, Arkansas site.

This test signifies progress in the development of solid rocket motors for hypersonic, ballistic missile defense, and suborbital testing purposes.

The Zeus 2 motor, developed in partnership with Kratos Defense & Security Solutions, is a commercially developed rocket motor intended to support U.S. Department of Defense requirements. It is designed to enhance capabilities for hypersonic vehicle testing and ballistic missile defense initiatives.

Aerojet Rocketdyne's Camden site is responsible for manufacturing and testing the Zeus motors, with over 6,000 hot fire tests conducted annually. The successful firing of the Zeus 2 motor demonstrates progress in advancing critical aerospace technologies aimed at bolstering national security and defense capabilities.

This development follows a similar test of the smaller Zeus 1 motor in 2023. Aerojet Rocketdyne is under contract to deliver nine additional Zeus motors to Kratos Defense & Security Solutions, showcasing the importance of this technology in supporting defense initiatives.

The Zeus motors are designed to replace legacy suborbital rocket motors while offering increased performance and compatibility with existing rocket designs and infrastructure. This advancement enables space and defense research customers to achieve faster and more efficient flights for a range of applications.