DARPA Supports Raytheon’s New Composable Rocket Motor Development

On May 26, 2026, Raytheon announced it was selected by Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA) for phase two of the Burn n’ Go program to continue developing advanced solid rocket motor technology. The contract follows a successful seven-month phase one effort completed with Northrop Grumman, where the team proved the concept could work effectively. DARPA’s goal is to improve missile production flexibility and create propulsion systems that can support multiple military missions using a common design.

The new system focuses on a composable solid rocket motor that can adjust thrust when needed instead of being built for only one purpose. Raytheon’s Advanced Technology team will continue scaling and testing the design through more realistic demonstrations to improve performance and adaptability.