# STAR

> family of American rocket stages developed by Thiokol

**Wikidata**: [Q60469337](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q60469337)  
**Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Star_(rocket_stage))  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/star

## Summary
STAR is a family of American solid-propellant rocket stages developed by Thiokol, used primarily as space tugs or apogee kick motors to maneuver payloads between orbits or onto interplanetary trajectories. The design has been manufactured by successive companies, including Northrop Grumman, and includes variants like the Star 48, which supported missions such as New Horizons. These stages are known for their reliability and versatility in satellite deployment and deep-space missions.

## Key Facts
- **Developed by**: Thiokol (later manufacturers include Alliant Techsystems, Orbital ATK, and Northrop Grumman).
- **Propellant type**: Solid-propellant.
- **Key variants**: STAR 25, STAR 27 (1975), STAR 37, STAR 48 (1982).
- **Applications**: Satellite orbit raising, interplanetary trajectory insertion, and spacecraft propulsion.
- **Country of origin**: United States.
- **Notable mission**: Star 48 motor boosted NASA’s New Horizons probe toward Pluto.
- **Design feature**: Spherical shape (acronym for "Spherical Thiokol Apogee Rocket").
- **Manufacturer timeline**: Thiokol (until 2001), Northrop Grumman Space Systems (2020–present).

## FAQs
### Q: Who developed the STAR rocket stages?
A: The STAR family was originally developed by Thiokol, with later production handled by Alliant Techsystems, Orbital ATK, and Northrop Grumman.

### Q: What are the primary uses of STAR rocket stages?
A: STAR stages are used to move payloads from initial orbits to higher or interplanetary trajectories, acting as space tugs or apogee kick motors.

### Q: Which STAR variant supported the New Horizons mission?
A: The Star 48 solid rocket motor provided the critical boost for NASA’s New Horizons spacecraft during its 2006 launch toward Pluto.

## Why It Matters
STAR rocket stages have played a critical role in extending the operational life of satellites and enabling deep-space exploration. Their solid-propellant design ensures reliability and long-term storage capability, making them ideal for missions requiring precise orbital adjustments or high thrust for interplanetary launches. The modular nature of STAR stages allowed adaptation across diverse missions, from commercial satellite deployments to flagship science missions like New Horizons. Their evolution under multiple manufacturers reflects advancements in propulsion technology while maintaining a consistent performance standard vital to the aerospace industry.

## Notable For
- **Versatility**: Used in both commercial satellite launches and high-profile interplanetary missions.
- **Longevity**: Production spanned multiple corporate transitions, from Thiokol to Northrop Grumman.
- **Spherical Design**: Unique shape optimized for structural integrity and propellant volume.
- **Star 48’s Role**: Provided the final boost for NASA’s New Horizons and Dawn missions.
- **Solid Propellant**: Enabled long-term storage and rapid deployment for orbital maneuvers.

## Body
### Development History
- **Initial Development**: Thiokol created the STAR family, with the first variants emerging in the 1970s (e.g., STAR 27 in 1975).
- **Manufacturer Transitions**: Production shifted to Alliant Techsystems (2001–2015), Orbital ATK (2015–2018), and Northrop Grumman (2020–present).

### Variants
- **STAR 25**: Solid-propellant stage with limited documentation but part of the broader STAR catalog.
- **STAR 27**: Introduced in 1975, used for orbital adjustments.
- **STAR 37**: Mid-size motor for satellite propulsion.
- **STAR 48**: Developed in 1982, notable for interplanetary missions (e.g., New Horizons, Dawn).

### Applications
- **Orbit Raising**: Moving satellites from low Earth orbit to geostationary orbit.
- **Interplanetary Trajectories**: Providing the necessary delta-v for probes escaping Earth’s gravitational pull.
- **Space Tug Function**: Acting as a secondary propulsion system for payload deployment.

### Design
- **Spherical Configuration**: Minimized structural mass while maximizing fuel capacity.
- **Solid Propellant**: Offered simplicity, reliability, and cost-effectiveness compared to liquid engines.

## Schema Markup
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  "name": "STAR (rocket stage)",
  "description": "Family of American solid-propellant rocket stages developed by Thiokol, used as space tugs and apogee kick motors.",
  "url": "https://www.northropgrumman.com/wp-content/uploads/NG-Propulsion-Products-Catalog.pdf",
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  "countryOfOrigin": "United States"
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