Northrop Taps Firefly Aerospace to Replace Antares Rocket’s Russian Engines

Northrop Grumman has asked rocket startup Firefly Aerospace to build a new version of its Antares rocket without Russian-made engines.

“Through our collaboration, we will first develop a fully domestic version of our Antares rocket, the Antares 330, for Cygnus space station commercial resupply services, followed by an entirely new medium class launch vehicle,” said Scott Lehr, vice president and general manager, launch and missile defense systems, Northrop Grumman. “Northrop Grumman and Firefly have been working on a combined strategy and technical development plan to meet current and future launch requirements.”

NASA uses the Antares to ferry cargo to the International Space Station (ISS).

Firefly’s propulsion technology utilizes the same propellants as the current Antares rocket, which minimizes launch site upgrades. The Antares 330 will utilize seven of Firefly’s Miranda engines and leverage its composites technology for the first stage structures and tanks, while Northrop Grumman provides its proven avionics and software, upper-stage structures and Castor 30XL motor, as well as proven vehicle integration and launch pad operations. This new stage will also significantly increase Antares mass to orbit capability.

Moscow halted deliveries of Antares’ original RD-181 engines after Washington imposed sanctions on it over its invasion of Ukraine. This left Northrop with just two remaining rockets despite several more under contract with NASA.

The two companies have also agreed to jointly develop an entirely new launch vehicle.