Space Launch Initiative
Northrop Grumman is one of  NASA's Space Launch Initiative (SLI) partners developing propulsion technologies that will increase the safety, reliability and affordability of second generation (beyond the Space Shuttle) reusable space launch and transportation vehicles.  The initiative is designed to produce propulsion technology that will significantly reduce cost while increasing reliability and safety.
 
Northrop Grumman is developing a new class of Reaction Control System (RCS) thrusters using non-toxic liquid oxygen/ethanol and liquid oxygen/liquid hydrogen as propellant combinations.  Additionally, we are continuing to develop the TR107, a 1-million-pound liquid oxygen/kerosene boost engine.

Northrop Grumman has a long history of providing simple, reliable, low-cost rocket engines with low parts count using our pintle injector technology, which is used on the preburner for the TR107 and as the main injector on the liquid oxygen/ethanol and the liquid oxygen/liquid hydrogen RCS engines.  The pintle's unique configuration for injecting propellants into combustion chambers provides high combustion efficiency and inherent combustion stability, and offers the ability to rapidly change the injector elements during development testing. 

Northrop Grumman is one of NASA's Space Launch Initiative (SLI) partners developing propulsion technologies that will increase the safety, reliability and affordability of second generation (beyond the Space Shuttle) reusable space launch and transportation vehicles.