Redwire have taken part in the launch of X-Bow Systems’ latest Bolt Rocket design. X-Bow’s Commercial Mission-1 (CM-1) mission launched from White Sands Missile Range on September 12, 2024. The CM-1 mission is the latest iteration in X-Bow’s launch vehicle designs and uses lessons learned from its previous XL-2 missions that launched in the summers of 2022 and 2023, while also being the first launch and flight of their novel 3D-printed solid rocket motor technology.
Redwire worked closely with X-Bow to develop and deliver the launch vehicle structure and launcher interfaces for the flight test vehicle, allowing X-Bow to concentrate on its core technologies. This is the third successful X-Bow launch enabled by Redwire technology. Redwire’s Albuquerque, New Mexico, facility has taken the lead in designing, developing, and delivering the flight vehicle technologies that allowed X-Bow to test their rocket motor technology successfully on the XL-2 and CM-1 missions. The Albuquerque facility has had a hand in more than 20 spaceflight missions, specializing in design, development, integration, and testing of mechanical and structural components for satellites and launch vehicles.
The technology developed through X-Bow’s Bolt program, namely additively manufactured solid rocket motors, holds promise for increasing access to space through faster and less expensive launches. Additionally, the technology and its applications could help revitalize the U.S. solid rocket motor industrial base.
Click here to know more about Redwire's Contribution to X-Bow Launches
