L3Harris designed the Zeus 1 and Zeus 2 motors as first and second stage LSRMs to support a range of critical missions, including hypersonic tests, ballistic missile targets, and sounding rocket launches. These motors were developed to meet urgent requirements from the Department of Defense and serve as affordable replacements for legacy systems, offering improved performance while being compatible with existing rocket designs and infrastructure.
“We are pleased to work with Kratos to provide high-performance LSRMs to support a range of critical defense programs,” said Ross Niebergall, President of Aerojet Rocketdyne, L3Harris. “Recent investments in LSRM manufacturing made the development of the Zeus motors possible at our site in Camden, Arkansas, where we continue to expand our production capabilities as a merchant supplier.”
The success of Zeus 1 and Zeus 2 builds on L3Harris’ reputation as a leader in solid rocket motor production, with its Camden site producing over 100,000 solid rocket motors annually. The facility, designated as a Center of Excellence for Solid Rocket Motor Production, conducts around 6,000 hot fire tests each year to ensure robust and reliable support for national defence needs.
L3Harris is under contract to deliver nine additional Zeus motors to Kratos in 2025, further advancing its role in the development of innovative propulsion solutions.
