Zeus 2 is intended to support hypersonic, ballistic missile defense, suborbital, and other testing for its clients, including the U.S. Department of Defense (DoD).

L3Harris explains that the latest test follows a similar one in 2023 for the Zeus 2’s smaller sister, the Zeus-1. That particular static-fire test saw the motor not only meet but exceed performance expectations. Nearly twice the length of its predecessor, the larger Zeus 2 also exceeded expectations for its designers.

“The Zeus program is a great example of industry taking the initiative to modernize and simultaneously lower the cost of systems critical to U.S. national security,” said Ross Niebergall, President of Aerojet Rocketdyne.

“We look forward to delivering these advanced large solid rocket motors and our continued partnership with Kratos to serve the needs of our defense customers.”

Zeus-2 roars for the first time

As it stands, Aerojet Rocketdyne has a contract with Kratos to produce and deliver nine Zeus motors. These rockets are currently earmarked for inclusion in hypersonic projects like Leidos’ Expendable Hypersonic Multi-Mission called “Mayhem.”

Project “Mayhem” aims to develop a hypersonic air-breathing system with a larger payload capacity than the AGM-183A Air-launched Rapid Response Weapon (ARRW) for strike and intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance (ISR) missions.

The new weapon will enhance the USAF’s capability to strike well-defended targets from a distance.

“Kratos is pleased to announce the successful completion of the Zeus 1 and Zeus 2 solid rocket motor (SRM) development program,” said Eric DeMarco, President and CEO of Kratos Defense & Security Solutions.

“The Zeus 2 static test represents the culmination of Kratos’ approximately three-year, significant internally funded investment to introduce a new family of Zeus SRMs that will enable rapid and affordable hypersonic testing and make Kratos ‘first to market’ with this highly relevant propulsion system to support DoD, space, and commercial customers,” he added.

The Zeus motors are expected to replace outdated suborbital rocket motors while providing better performance. They are also designed to fit and work with existing rocket designs and infrastructure, providing ease of use and integration.

Designed for faster, longer, more frequent flight tests

This increased performance and ease of use allow space and defense research-based organizations to achieve faster, farther, and more frequent flights. 

Aerojet Rocketdyne designed the Kratos motors for the Zeus rockets. They were cast and test-fired at the company’s manufacturing site in Camden, Arkansas.

“Our Rocket Test facilities give us the capability to conduct testing in-house, ensuring safety and reliability, verifying performance and simulating environmental conditions to produce a reliable, efficient rocket motor that meets customer and warfighter needs,” said Camden Site Director Chandra Hooker.

Aerojet Rocketdyne’s Camden facility conducts over 6,000 hot fire tests on various motors annually.