May Be Used On Future Lunar Lander
Aerojet recently completed
developmental testing of an innovative cryogenic oxygen/methane
Reaction Control Engine (RCE) critical to ongoing lunar lander
architectural decision making.
Aerojet completed over 135 tests of the reaction control engine
for NASA's Propulsion Cryogenic Advanced Development (PCAD) project
of the Exploration Technology Development Program. The Exploration
Technology Development Program, based at Langley Research Center,
strives to mature technology to support future human and robotic
exploration missions for the Exploration Mission Systems
Directorate at NASA Headquarters. The results exceeded project
goals, according to the company.
The NASA PCAD project, managed by NASA Glenn Research Center and
supported by the NASA Johnson Space Center, was created to explore
cryogenic propulsion technologies that potentially enable higher
performing space vehicles through weight reduction and provide
simplified ground operations by virtue of non-toxic propellants.
Aerojet's recent fast-paced design, build and test program has
provided valuable risk reduction for the RCE, which is widely
recognized as a key challenge in fielding non-toxic propulsion
systems.
The cutting-edge engine technology integrates an
injector-igniter assembly with two propellant valves resulting in
an engine weight that is comparable to an earth-storable reaction
control engine. The igniter further achieved 100% reliable
ignition.
"Aerojet's injector and igniter sea level testing exceeded
operational pulsing requirements set by the project and provided
extensive test data in support of NASA's Exploration Technology
Development Program," said Mark Klem, PCAD Project Manager.
The most challenging requirement for any cryogenic reaction
control engine is to produce repeatable thrust impulses. Aerojet
achieved very small thrust impulses which enable fine in-space
maneuvering operations and provide higher performance through
efficient consumption of on-board propellants -- exceeding NASA's
original objectives.
"Aerojet took on significant technical challenges in this RCE
development program," said Julie Van Kleeck, Aerojet's vice
president of Space Programs. Van Kleeck noted that "Aerojet's
testing demonstrates that performance and operability issues
associated with non-toxic propulsion technologies can be
overcome."
Aerojet's successful test program provides the hot fire data
needed to update the existing design and fabricate additional
reaction control engines for delivery to NASA's White Sands Test
facility and the NASA Glenn Research Center in early 2008 to
support a full-propulsion module system test as well as extensive
altitude engine testing.