Blencowe Orom-Cross Graphite Used in US Rocket Testing Programme with Positive Early Aerospace Results
Blencowe Resources says graphite concentrate from its Orom-Cross project in Uganda has been successfully used in a US-based rocket component testing programme, marking an early milestone for the material’s potential use in aerospace, defence, and high-temperature industrial applications.
The initial test firing programme has been completed successfully, with early observations indicating encouraging performance of the Orom-Cross graphite in extreme heat environments.
Blencowe Executive Chairperson Cameron Pearce said the results represent an important validation step for the company’s high-quality graphite product.
“These latest tests are an encouraging validation step that highlight the importance of high-quality graphite in specialist defence, aerospace and energy applications,” he said.
The graphite was supplied to American Energy Technologies Company (AETC), which is evaluating the material for use in rocket propulsion nozzle components.
The goal is to assess whether Orom-Cross graphite can partially replace synthetic graphite typically used in such high-performance systems and withstand extreme thermal conditions.
The testing programme was conducted in collaboration with Pluto Aerospace on its hypersonic suborbital rocket platform. Representatives from AETC, Pluto Aerospace, Purdue University, and several US government agencies attended the test, alongside Blencowe Chief Operating Officer Iain Wearing.
According to the company, the programme successfully completed its planned test firings, and technical data is now being analysed by the participating organisations.
Blencowe said demonstrating performance under live rocket test conditions, particularly in the presence of US government stakeholders, highlights the potential strategic value of Orom-Cross graphite at the highest levels of aerospace development.
Further testing phases are planned, including potential orbital testing expected in the second half of 2026.
The company believes this could open higher-value offtake opportunities beyond traditional graphite concentrate markets.
“These developments support our strategy of moving up the value chain and expanding Orom-Cross into premium end-use applications,” Pearce added.
In parallel, AETC is also evaluating graphite-based coatings applied to rocket fin components to test durability under hypersonic conditions.
The coatings are also being assessed for icephobic properties designed to reduce ice formation and improve performance in extreme environments with potential applications in both military and civilian aviation.
While final test data is still under review, Blencowe said early observational results from all programmes have been positive, further strengthening the project’s positioning in advanced materials supply chains.
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