Mon, Nov 23, 2009
Pratt & Whitney Rocketdyne Successfully Tests Thruster For
Unmanned Lunar Lander
Using technology developed for the nation's ballistic missile
defense system, Pratt & Whitney Rocketdyne successfully
completed hot-fire thruster tests demonstrating the ability of
miniaturized thrusters to perform the descent and landing operation
for a new generation of multi-use robotic lunar landers.
These tests were part of a series of risk reduction activities
undertaken by the Robotic Lunar Lander Development Team at NASA
Marshall Space Flight Center, located in Huntsville, Alabama.
During the tests conducted at NASA's White Sands Test Facility in
Las Cruces, New Mexico, Pratt & Whitney Rocketdyne's thruster
was put through a 16-minute firing sequence to simulate a lunar
landing, including continuous burns up to 10 times longer than
typically required for missile defense systems. The thruster allows
NASA to take advantage of existing technology minimizing additional
development cost, risk or delay.
"We're very pleased to demonstrate that our robust heritage
hardware satisfies NASA's requirements for long-duration missions,"
said Cy Bruno, program manager, NASA Propulsion and Strategic
Systems, Pratt & Whitney Rocketdyne. "We look forward to the
potential of future opportunities to work with NASA to provide more
efficient and cost-effective propulsion systems as we continue to
advance space exploration."
Pratt & Whitney Rocketdyne has provided the main engines for
the space shuttle, Atlas and Delta launch vehicles, missile defense
systems and advanced hypersonic engines.
More News
Aero Linx: Model Aeronautical Association of Australia MAAA clubs are about fun flying, camaraderie and community. For over 75 years, the MAAA has been Australia’s largest fl>[...]
Touchdown Zone Lighting Two rows of transverse light bars located symmetrically about the runway centerline normally at 100 foot intervals. The basic system extends 3,000 feet alon>[...]
“Discovery and innovation are central to our mission at Virgin Galactic. We’re excited to build on our successful record of facilitating scientific experiments in subor>[...]
How To Get A Story On Aero-TV News/Feature Programming How do I submit a story idea or lead to Aero-TV? If you would like to submit a story idea or lead, please contact Jim Campbel>[...]
Student Pilot Reported That During Rotation, “All Of A Sudden The Back Of The Plane Kicked To The Right..." Analysis: The student pilot reported that during rotation, “>[...]