Explosion at the rocket engine manufacturer for U.S. land-based intercontinental ballistic missiles
The cause of the explosion has not been disclosed. Some analysts claim that the explosion may be related to an uncontrolled chemical reaction during the process of synthesizing solid rocket engine fuel. It is also possible that the explosion occurred during testing or related production operations of the rocket engine, possibly due to technical failures, aging equipment, or improper operation.
Box Elder County
Information from the sheriff's office of Box Elder County regarding the explosion at Northrop Grumman in Promontory, Utah:
An explosion occurred at Northrop Grumman in Promontory this morning at 7:38 AM. Emergency services are currently on site handling the situation. Initial reports indicate no casualties at this time. However, as the investigation continues, details may change. No further information is currently available. We advise the public to avoid the area.
The factory, located north of the Great Salt Lake and northwest of the Hill Air Force Base Logistics Complex, is Northrop Grumman's "rocket farm."
This facility primarily tests the rocket engines for the LGM-30F "Sentinel" land-based intercontinental ballistic missile and also undertakes the production of solid rocket boosters. The solid rocket engines it produces are used in important areas such as the U.S. space program and land-based nuclear deterrence forces.
The factory is the sole supplier of the "Sentinel" missile engines. The "Sentinel" intercontinental ballistic missile project itself has been suspended by the U.S. Department of Defense due to severe cost overruns, and this explosion incident may further delay the progress of the project, posing a risk of adjustment or suspension once again.
This is about all there is for the U.S.' long-range nuclear deterrence.
Source: https://www.toutiao.com/article/1829954265745476/
Disclaimer: This article represents the personal views of the author.