In June 2023, news surfaced about a groundbreaking solid rocket engine known as Zeus, developed by American defense contractor Kratos in collaboration with Aerojet Rocketdyne. Less than a year later, Zeus is on the brink of commercial use, poised to revolutionize hypersonic testing for partners like NASA and the U.S. Navy.
Zeus, starting with the Zeus 1, underwent rigorous testing at Aerojet Rocketdyne’s facility in Arkansas, followed by the successful development of Zeus 2. These engines promise superior performance and payload capacity compared to existing options, while also leveraging existing infrastructure for efficient deployment.
Kratos has received orders for nine Zeus engines slated for upcoming customer flights involving hypersonic, ballistic, and sounding vehicles. Notably, the first application of Zeus could be on the DART AE, a 3D-printed hypersonic drone by Hypersonix, showcasing its versatility and potential impact in various domains.
As Kratos continues to innovate, with projects like the hypersonic test vehicle Erinyes and the confidential Dark Fury aircraft in development, its presence in the hypersonic market solidifies. With Zeus leading the charge, Kratos aims to redefine hypersonic capabilities and contribute to advancements in aerospace technology.
