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A powerful new rocket proved itself today (May 30) during a spectacular ground test that did not happen exactly as planned.
Aerospace company Northrop Grumman launched the first stage of its Omega Launcher this afternoon for the first time, at the company's facilities in Promontory, Utah. Towards the end of the 122-second burn, a portion of the blower nozzle appeared to explode, sending flying parts away.
Despite this unintentional "observation", today's trial went well, representatives of Northrop Grumman said. The rocket engine ran normally and generated the required 2 million pounds. maximum thrust, they pointed out.
Related: Three new huge rockets are on track for the first flight test in 2021
The first stage of Northrop Grumman's Omega rocket fires for the first time during a large-scale ground test in Utah on May 30, 2019.
(Image: © Northrop Grumman)
Parts of the Northrop Grumman OmegA rocket's first-stage nozzle fly during a large-scale ground test in Utah on May 30, 2019.
(Image: © Northrop Grumman)
OmegA rocket tip apparently damaged during the test
Northop Grumman's Omega spear first floor spear just after the large-scale shooting on May 30, 2019.
(Image: © Northrop Grumman)
OmegA rocket tip apparently damaged during the test
"What we have seen today has been a successful test," said Kent Rominger, Northrop Grumman's vice president Omega, at a teleconference with reporters after today's test. "It seems that everything has worked very, very well."
All, except for the rear exit cone of the nozzle, some of which has made "something a little strange about which we need to go further," Rominger said.
It is too early to speculate on the exact cause of the problem with the exit cone, he added.
"That's why you're testing," Rominger said. "We will dig into this data."
Northrop Grumman plans to conduct a similar test of the second OmegA stage this fall.
The Virginia-based company is developing OmegA for its trade and national security missions. If all goes as planned, the rocket will make its first test flight in 2021 and begin its operational launches next year.
The Omega in three stages will be available in intermediate and heavy version. The heavy variant will be able to inflate 17,200 pounds. (7.800 kilograms) to the equatorial geostationary orbit, according to the OmegA information sheet.
OmegA began as a project of the aerospace company Orbital ATK, acquired by Northrop Grumman in 2018.
This story was updated at 5:30 pm EDT.
Mike Wall's book on the search for extraterrestrial life, "Over there"(Grand Central Publishing, 2018, illustrated by Karl Tate), is out now. Follow him on Twitter @michaeldwall. Follow us on twitter @Spacedotcom or Facebook.
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