Inside Chemring

Since 2020, SpaceX and ULA have been the Pentagon's primary rocket launch providers, with ULA having a 60% share of all Pentagon missions and SpaceX getting the rest.  

Now, with the program's third phase, the Pentagon has sought a wider variety of companies for its space missions into the next decade, mainly to stimulate more competition in the US launch sector. This has brought Jeff Bezos' rocket launch and human spaceflight company, Blue Origin, into the mix.  

So what does all this have to do with Chemring?  

Chemring Energetic Devices (CED), based in Illinois, provides parts and subsystems to these launch providers. From initiators and detonators to cutters, separation devices and pin pullers, CED provides a whole host of mission critical devices for both space launches and payloads.  

We met with Morri Leland, VP of Strategy and Business Development at CED, to find out more about the critical role Chemring plays in making these space missions a success.  

Explains Morri, “This most recent procurement program by the Pentagon focuses on the launch providers and their launch platforms. These are the platforms that are sending the largest payloads into space to some of the most distant orbits. Over the next three years, SpaceX, ULA, and Blue Origin will be the only three launch companies that can bid on these upcoming launches, which will service the most challenging and hardest to reach orbits.  

“Next, they will open up another set of national security launches focused on those lower orbits that are easier to reach. These tend to be managed by smaller companies like Rocket Lab, Firefly and Relativity Space. This is all about setting the landscape for US national security space missions and guaranteeing that launches are dealt with properly.  

“And it’s good news for us at CED, as we already have current business and strong relationships with all three big providers. The bulk of our space related business is on the launcher side rather than providing parts for payloads. The payload is what the launch vehicle carries into space, such as satellites, Space Station Modules, landers, or rovers.  

“Payloads are often bespoke items that take years to produce and test, whereas the launch platforms are predominantly designed to operate repeatable systems and parts. While we provide some parts for payloads, CED provides well over 100 different devices and energetic items that make launches possible.”   

Space launches continue to be a fast-growing market, and 2023 was the busiest ever year for Space. US launch attempts increased by 33% in 2023, commercial launch activity grew 50% year-over-year, and satellite deployment grew 23% year-over-year.*  

Adds Morri, “As the industry continues to grow, so does CED’s business in Space. We have a long history of working with NASA, going back to the Apollo missions. In fact, some of our critical parts that are used today have origins that trace back to Apollo. With our NASA Standard Initiator (NSI), CED remains the only NASA qualified NSI manufacturer in the world.  

“As a trusted supplier with a proven track record, we have good insight into the pipeline of requirements for the launch and payload providers. The lead times on many of the systems and products used in space missions mean that orders often need to be placed 18-24 months ahead. So, it takes real planning, great R&D, and consistent high quality to maintain strong relationships with our aerospace customers.  

“I always say to people that, here in CED, we do fun stuff! It’s an exciting industry to be a part of, and it constantly changes. While the mission critical aspect of our work does add extra pressure, it also adds real motivation, focus and a true sense of achievement from every successful launch.”   

* The Space Report 2023 Q4 from The Space Foundation