NORTHERN UTAH

Utah-built booster rockets help launch Atlas V payload into deep space

Aug 1, 2024, 5:00 PM | Updated: Aug 5, 2024, 5:13 pm

United Launch Alliance's Atlas V rocket, with five Northrop Grumman GEM 63 solid rocket boosters, l...

United Launch Alliance's Atlas V rocket, with five Northrop Grumman GEM 63 solid rocket boosters, lifts off from Cape Canaveral to launch the USSF-51 mission. (Photo Credit: Northrop Grumman)

(Photo Credit: Northrop Grumman)

SALT LAKE CITY — Five Utah-built booster rockets helped launch an Atlas V payload from Cape Canaveral, Fla., into deep space early Tuesday.

Bret Baldwin, director of programs with Northrop Grumman, said the company wasn’t told much about the payload because it was classified by the U.S. Space Force.

He said the five GEM-63 boosters are each 70 feet tall and strapped to the 200-foot-tall Atlas V rocket. Each solid rocket booster provides 375,000 pounds of thrust or nearly 2 million pounds in total, he said.

United Launch Alliance is transitioning from the Atlas V rocket to the new, larger and more powerful Vulcan rocket. A U.S. launch service, ULA is a joint venture between Lockheed Martin Space and Boeing Defense, Space & Security.

“We’re really focused on supporting Vulcan into the future,” Baldwin said.

Baldwin said Northrop Grumman, a multinational aerospace and defense company, will produce about 30 rocket boosters this year but will be ramping up production to 90 boosters a year by 2027.

Related:

We want to hear from you.

Have a story idea or tip? Send it to the KSL NewsRadio team here.

Northern Utah

A Utah County man who allegedly stabbed a police officer in the chest- but the knife did not penetr...

Pat Reavy, KSL.com

Utah County man charged with attempting to kill officer

A Genola, Utah County, man is accused of trying to kill a Santaquin police officer by stabbing him in the chest.

11 days ago

City, airport and construction officials gather at Ogden Hinckley airport to brake ground for a new...

Daniel Woodruff, KSL TV

Ogden Airport kicks off $4.4 million expansion project

The Ogden-Hinckley Airport expansion project will cost $4.4 million, most of which comes from federal funds.

1 month ago

After a man was reported missing in Millcreek Canyon, search and rescue crews were deployed in the ...

Brian Carlson and Alton Barnhart, KSL TV

Missing Canada man found dead after hiking in Millcreek Canyon

The body of a missing Millcreek hiker was found Tuesday afternoon, according to the Salt Lake County Sheriff’s Office.

1 month ago

avalanche beacon against background of snow - danger warning utah...

Becky Bruce

Backcountry avalanche warning in place for northern Utah

Forecasters say heavy new snow on top of a weaker base creates backcountry conditions ready for an avalanche, an official warning was issued.

2 months ago

Trees are seen covered in snow at the Whitepine Trailhead in Alta on Monday, March 4, 2024. Both Li...

Becky Bruce

Utah snowpack stands to gain up to 3 feet over next four days

Utah stands to add up to three feet of fresh powder to its current snowpack, which sits at about 71% of the median, with this string of storms.

2 months ago

A dog walker makes their way through a snow storm in Cottonwood Heights on Tuesday, Nov. 12, 2024....

Becky Bruce

Dreaming of a white Christmas in SLC? Meteorologist says maybe

The odds are better for a white Christmas in Beaver, Cedar City or Richfield, but it's not zero in Salt Lake City.

2 months ago

Sponsored Articles

Full speed through the snow. A man on skis is pulled by his through the snow at full gallop Skijori...

Bear Lake Convention and Visitors Bureau

Get ready for an unforgettable skijoring adventure in Bear Lake!

“Skijoring the Bear” takes place this year on February 21-22 in Garden City, Utah.

the bedroom in a geodesic dome shows the night sky...

Clear Sky Resorts Bryce Canyon

Your front row to an extraordinary cosmos show

As America's first glass dome stargazing resort, Clear Sky Resorts Bryce Canyon is one of the world’s most unique and spectacular places to stay.

2 people huddled up in a blanket and warm clothes sipping hot chocolate...

Bear Lake Convention & Visitors Bureau

The best ways to spend your Christmas vacation in Bear Lake

If you're dreaming of a white Christmas this year, Bear Lake should definitely be on your radar. Read this guide for more!

big crowd of people under holiday lights in an outdoor market...

Western Nut

Our favorite family Christmas activities in Utah

We gathered up a list of our favorite activities, movies, and treats to try this holiday season that the whole family can enjoy.

an IT tech looks at a laptop in front of a server network...

Comcast Business

Tips to protect yourself from phishing attacks

Check out this resource from Comcast Business to learn more about phishing attacks and how to protect yourself from becoming a victim of one.

A surprise gift, wrapped and ready to bring holiday cheer! Whether for Christmas, a birthday, or an...

Western Nut

10 Holiday Gift Ideas to cover everyone on your list

This guide is for you if you need holiday gift ideas that will make a lasting impression. 

Utah-built booster rockets help launch Atlas V payload into deep space