Northrop Grumman Boosters Launch Artemis II, First Lunar Crew in 50+ Years

NASA's Space Launch System rocket, with twin Northrop Grumman solid rocket boosters, lifts off on the Artemis II mission, the first crewed Artemis program launch. (Photo Credit: Northrop Grumman)

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, Fla. - April 1, 2026 - (PHOTO RELEASE) Two Northrop Grumman Corporation (NYSE: NOC) five-segment solid rocket boosters successfully launched the first crewed flight of NASA's Space Launch System (SLS) rocket during the Artemis II mission. Together, the twin boosters generated a staggering 7.2 million pounds of thrust in the first two minutes, lifting the vehicle off the pad and powering it through the greatest atmospheric force on its ascent. Additionally, Northrop Grumman supplied two solid rocket motors to the Orion spacecraft's Launch Abort System, a critical safety system atop the SLS designed to lift the crew module away from an emergency on the pad or during ascent.