Thu, Aug 29, 2019
Second Qualification Test For Launch Abort System ACM
NASA, Northrop Grumman Corporation (NOC) and Lockheed Martin recently successfully completed the second qualification test of its Attitude Control Motor (ACM) for NASA’s Orion spacecraft Launch Abort System (LAS). Preliminary results indicate all eight high pressure valves on the motor performed as expected under hot temperature conditions. The qualification test is a critical step toward Artemis 2, the first crewed mission of NASA’s Deep Space Exploration Systems.
“This successful test emphasizes Northrop Grumman’s commitment to delivering innovative and reliable technology that will keep our astronauts safe during launch,” said Pat Nolan, vice president, missile products, Northrop Grumman.
In an emergency, the LAS’s three motors – the launch abort, attitude control and jettison motors – would work together to pull Orion away from a problem on the launch pad or during SLS first stage ascent, steering and re-orienting for LAS jettison, and pulling the LAS away from the crew module. The ACM orients the capsule for parachute deployment once the module is away from hazards.
The ACM consists of a solid propellant gas generator and eight equally-spaced valves capable of providing 7,000 lbs. of thrust in any direction, which significantly enhances spaceflight safety for astronauts. The completion of this milestone brings Orion one step closer to its first flight atop NASA’s Space Launch System (SLS) and to enabling humans to explore the moon, Mars and other deep-space destinations beyond low-Earth orbit.
Northrop Grumman is responsible for the launch abort motor through a contract with Lockheed Martin, prime contractor for Orion. The Orion LAS program is managed out of NASA’s Langley Research Center in Virginia. Northrop Grumman produces the attitude control motor at its Elkton, Maryland, facility and the abort motor at its Magna, Utah, facility. The company also manufactures the composite case for the abort motor at its facility in Clearfield, Utah.
(Image provided with Northrop Grumman news release)
More News
Hold Procedure A predetermined maneuver which keeps aircraft within a specified airspace while awaiting further clearance from air traffic control. Also used during ground operatio>[...]
Altitude Readout An aircraft’s altitude, transmitted via the Mode C transponder feature, that is visually displayed in 100-foot increments on a radar scope having readout cap>[...]
Aero Linx: European Hang Gliding and Paragliding Union (EHPU) The general aim of the EHPU is to promote and protect hang gliding and paragliding in Europe. In order to achieve this>[...]
Also: Skydio Chief, Uncle Sam Sues, Dash 7 magniX, OR UAS Accelerator US Secretary of the Air Force Frank Kendall was given a turn around the patch in the 'X-62A Variable In-flight>[...]
"The need for innovation at speed and scale is greater than ever. The X-62A VISTA is a crucial platform in our efforts to develop, test and integrate AI, as well as to establish AI>[...]