Following today’s news (Friday 28 February) that Northrop Grumman’s OmegA rocket has completed the second stage of a static fire test;

Madeline Wild, Associate Aerospace, Defense and Security Analyst at GlobalData, a leading data and analytics company, offers her view on the implications of this event:

“OmegA successfully completing its second stage static fire test is exceptionally good news for Northrop Grumman, and the company can now progress its bid to provide the US Space Force with the OmegA rocket, as part of the National Security Space Launch Phase 2 Launch Service Procurement.

“According to GlobalData, Northrop saw 12.45% sales growth in 2019, with a 21.45% growth in gross margin. Therefore, a successful Space Force bid would further contribute to the continued success of the defense giant. Proving their reliability in rapidly advancing space domain may prove profitable over the years to come, with many chances to secure contracts in the future.

“Currently competing against Space X, Blue Origin and United Launch Alliance, the contract would be a lucrative and secure contract to be awarded. Interestingly, OmegA is the only solid-fuelled rocket in the competition, following Northrop’s philosophy to keep the platform reliable, effective and affordable.

 “The US procurement program aims to reduce reliance on the Russian RD-180 engine and thus will improve US technological independence within the US Space Force further adding to US narrative surrounding American defense dominance.”