Mon, Aug 27, 2012
Aerojet Engine To Boost Nanosatellites Into Low Earth Orbit
Aerojet said Thursday that its Low Earth Orbit (LEO)-7 second stage rocket motor successfully completed a hot-fire test at the Air Force Research Laboratory at Edwards Air Force Base in California. Aerojet monitored the recent full-duration test in support of the Low Earth Orbiting Nanosatellite Integrated Defense Autonomous System program.
"This initial ground hot-fire test demonstrates the success of our motor development efforts enabling rapid, low-cost access to space," said John Napior, Aerojet director, Advanced Programs.
Three different LEO motors provide the axial propulsion for the Super Strypi launch vehicle. The vehicle's architecture enables small satellite launches at dramatically reduced costs. Following the fabrication and test of this first set of ground test motors, Aerojet will build a set of flight demonstration motors under contract from the Hawaii Space Flight Laboratory and Operationally Responsive Space office. The flight demonstration vehicle is planned to be launched from the Pacific Missile Range Facility on Kauai, Hawaii in the fall 2013 using a refurbished Scout rail launcher.
Aerojet's second stage LEO-7 motor carries approximately 7,000 lbs of solid rocket propellant and uses design features adapted from the company's collective commercial and government-sponsored solid rocket motor technology programs.
"The design attributes of the LEO-7 motor will serve applications in both small launch vehicles and strategic deterrence missile architectures," said Mark Kaufman, Aerojet executive director, Strategic Systems. "Additionally, the project is an exemplary demonstration of collaborative research efforts between industry and government in the pursuit of affordably sustaining our critical solid rocket motor industrial base."
(Image provided by Aerojet)
More News
Maximum Authorized Altitude A published altitude representing the maximum usable altitude or flight level for an airspace structure or route segment. It is the highest altitude on >[...]
Aero Linx: Soaring Safety Foundation (SSF) The Soaring Safety Foundation (SSF) is the Training and Safety arm of the Soaring Society of America (SSA). Our mission is to provide ins>[...]
From 2013 (YouTube Version): Dracula Lives On Through Kyle Franklin... and We're NOT Scared! ANN CEO and Editor-in-Chief, Jim Campbell speaks with Aerobatic and airshow master, Kyl>[...]
“For Montaer Aircraft it is a very prudent move to incorporate such reliable institution as Ocala Aviation, with the background of decades in training experience and aviation>[...]
Also: ForeFlight Upgrades, Cicare USA, Vittorazi Engines, EarthX We have a number of late-breaking news highlights from the 2024 Innovation Preview... which was PACKED with real ne>[...]