Thu, May 17, 2007
First Stage Motors Will Keep Rocket Stable After Launch
The
pieces of the complex development puzzle for NASA's next-generation
space travel system are coming together. This week, NASA selected
Aerojet-General Corp. of Redmond, WA to provide developmental
engines for the Ares I crew launch vehicle first stage roll control
system.
These engines are the first in a series of steps to develop the
roll control system to manage the amount of rotation by the first
stage solid rocket from liftoff to its separation from the second
stage, ensuring that Ares I stays on the designated trajectory for
the first two minutes of flight. The engines being developed by
Aerojet under this contract will be used to mature the roll control
system that will be used on the Ares I tests program.
The Ares I crew launch vehicle will transport the Orion crew
exploration vehicle, its crew or other small cargo payloads to
low-Earth orbit. The first stage will consist of a single solid
rocket booster similar to those used on the space shuttle, but with
a fifth motor segment added.
An upper stage consisting of a J-2X liquid hydrogen, liquid
oxygen engine and the associated propellant tanks and fuel
distribution systems will complete the trip to orbit.
The cost-plus-fixed-fee competitively-awared contract has an
11-month period of performance with a potential total value of $8.1
million, if the additional 11- month contract option for engine
fabrication and testing is exercised.
The Ares I project is managed by NASA's Marshall Space Flight
Center in Huntsville, AL for NAA's Constellation Program.
More News
Chaff Thin, narrow metallic reflectors of various lengths and frequency responses, used to reflect radar energy. These reflectors, when dropped from aircraft and allowed to drift d>[...]
“Today, XB-1 took flight in the same hallowed airspace where the Bell X-1 first broke the sound barrier in 1947. I’ve been looking forward to this flight since founding>[...]
“Teaming up with the EAA and Berlin Express for this event in Cincinnati will give warbird fans a unique opportunity to see the aircraft that helped defend freedom and gave t>[...]
Hazardous Weather Information Summary of significant meteorological information (SIGMET/WS), convective significant meteorological information (convective SIGMET/WST), urgent pilot>[...]
Aero Linx: The Nebraska Aeronautics Commission The Nebraska Aeronautics Commission was created by the 1935 Legislature to oversee the development of aviation in the state. The Comm>[...]