DOCSLIB.ORG

Microsoft Powerpoint

Total Page：16

File Type：pdf, Size：1020Kb

Download full-text PDF Read full-text
Microsoft Powerpoint A GenCorp Company Von Braun Symposium Panel: National Institute of Rocket Propulsion Systems (NIRPS) Aerojet’s Perspective On Issues Facing the U.S. Propulsion Industry Presented by Julie Van Kleeck 26 October 2011 Aerojet Today Current Business Units $850.7 $787 $739 $726 $617 $615 $492 Space & Launch Systems $321 2001 2002 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007 2008 2009 2010 Tactical Systems Aerojet Heritage Divest Electronics Propulsion & Energetics Missile Defense Systems Pratt & Whitney’s Chemical Systems Division (CSD) General Dynamics Space Systems Atlantic Research Corporation (Redmond Operations) (ARC) Force Projection & Complementary Acquisitions Protection Aerojet: A Growing Company Focused on Aerospace and March 2011 Defense 2 11/7/2011 AEROJET PROPRIETARY 1 U.S. Rocket Propulsion Industry Since 1941, more than a dozen U.S. companies had been involved in rocket propulsion business Only a few major U.S. companies are active today, however various new commercial space entities are emerging Retirement of shuttle and Historically low launch rates; Increasingly a “World Market” From 1941 Today Liquid Solid Rocketdyne Liquid Thiokol Solid Pratt & Whitney Pratt & Whitney Hercules Rocketdyne TRW Aerojet Atlantic Research Corp Aerojet ATK General Electric Northrop Grand Central Rocket Co. Grumman American Pacific Corp Rocket Research Corp Rohm & Hass Co. Space-X Hamilton Standard Div. United Technology Center Reaction Motors Small Business Blue Origin, Busek, Exquadrum, Florida Turbine, Orbitec WASK, Williams International, XCOR & many more… U.S. Rocket Engine Development History Ref: Sackheim, AIAA-23257-7531, Journal of Propulsion and Power, Nov. – Dec. 2006 ThereThere havehave beenbeen nono competitivecompetitive LRELRE developmentsdevelopments forfor overover 33 decadesdecades U.S. Propulsion Programs Rarely Make It To Production A GenCorp Company Aerojet Launch Vehicle Propulsion Programs Over the Last 20 Years Aerojet Demographics Reflect U.S. Aerospace & Defense Workforce Issues All Employees By Age Age Distribution for Engineers 700 200 610 620 180 173 600 162 160 Total: 500 140 448 874 401 120 117 400 100 93 93 300 256 80 73 222 210 193 200 60 54 51 40 34 100 82 62 20 18 25 5 0 6 0 0 0 5 0 5 0 5 0 5 0 5 0 + 0 5 0 5 0 5 0 5 0 5 0 + 2 2 3 3 4 4 5 5 6 6 7 2 2 3 3 4 4 5 5 6 6 7 - - - - - - - - - - - 1 - - - - - - - - - - - 1 7 7 9 1 6 1 6 1 6 1 6 1 6 9 1 6 1 6 1 6 1 6 1 6 1 2 2 3 3 4 4 5 5 6 6 1 2 2 3 3 4 4 5 5 6 6 Recent focus on new grads is paying of Almost half within 5 years of retirement eligibility Cross Training and Agile Business model is aiding in both attracting and retaining Approximately 30% of Workforce is Composed of Engineers & Scientists Engine Development Cycle is At Risk if Aging Workforce is Not Replenished EMD Full Scale Development Qual IOC Production 2010 2015 2020 2025 Age Distribution in Aerospace & Defense* Workforce is Available 60 Age 50+ Specialists are NOW to Support New 50 Still Available to Provide Training to Emerging Development 40 Technical Base 30 20 % of Workforce of % 10 0 20-35 35-50 50+ Age U.S.-Made Hydrocarbon Engines Are Virtually Non-Existent Today and Have Never Approached Soviet/Russian Designs Hydrocarbon Booster Engines 320 Foreign 310 Modern Technology RD-180 RD-191 RD-171 Ox-Rich Staged 300 (Sea Launch) (Atlas V) YF-100 Combustion Cycle 290 NK-33 (Taurus 2) 280 270 USA MA-5 Merlin (Falcon) F-1 Old Technology 260 H-1 RS-27 (Delta II) Gas Generator Cycle LR-87 250 Performance Isp Sea Level (sec) Level Sea Isp Performance THOR 240 U.S. 1960 1970 1980 1990 2000 2010 2020 Russia China Year First Deployed U.S., out of production ManyMany U.S.-BasedU.S.-Based LaunchersLaunchers (Atlas(Atlas V,V, SeaSea LaunchLaunch andand TaurusTaurus 2)2) NowNow RelyRely OnOn HydrocarbonHydrocarbon BoosterBooster EnginesEngines FromFrom RussiaRussia 7 Issues Facing the Propulsion Industry Decreasing demand and ever increasing budget pressures— overcapacity and obsolete business practices Risk averse culture – fear of new developments Minimal use of competition to drive affordability and innovation Lack of sustained research and development (30 years of stops/starts) – Minimal new development in last few decades – lack of new products and loss of ability to develop new products – Loss of US competitiveness in a world market – Also makes it hard to attract and retain people to industry Aerospace demographics – possible large exodus of remaining talent in near future Lack of a coordinated approach to propulsion by government – Less than efficient use of diminishing funds – Low production rates due to vehicle specific propulsion – Lack of commitment to a long term plan 8.
Load more

Recommended publications
  • Privacy Statement Link at the Bottom of Aerojet Rocketdyne Websites
    Privacy Notice Aerojet Rocketdyne – For external use Contents Introduction ...................................................................................................................... 3 Why we collect personal information? ............................................................................. 3 How we collect personal information? ............................................................................. 3 How we use information we collect? ............................................................................... 4 How we share your information? .................................................................................... 4 How we protect your personal information? ..................................................................... 4 How we collect consent? .............................................................................................. 4 How we provide you access? ........................................................................................ 4 How to contact Aerojet Rocketdyne privacy?.................................................................... 5 Collection of personal information .................................................................................. 5 Disclosure of personal information.................................................................................. 5 Sale of personal information .......................................................................................... 6 Children’s online privacy ..............................................................................................
    [Show full text]
  • Environmental, Social & Governance Report
    ESG Environmental, Social & Governance Report Aerojet Rocketdyne 2020 ESG Report Table of Contents About Us Aerojet Rocketdyne is a world-recognized supports our business and our efforts to meet Section One - Social Responsibility technology-based engineering and or exceed the expectations of our customers, Aerojet Rocketdyne Foundation .......................................................... 7 manufacturing company that develops and deliver best-in-class products and services, Employee Volunteer and Giving .......................................................... 8 produces specialized power and propulsion and uphold our high ethical standards while Sponsorship and Donations ................................................................ 8 systems, as well as armament systems. We conducting business with a regard for the develop and manufacture liquid and solid rocket preservation and protection of human safety, Employees and Community ................................................................. 9 propulsion, air-breathing hypersonic engines, health, and the natural environment. Human Resources and electric power and propulsion for space, Section Two - Our Shared Values of Accountability, defense, civil and commercial applications. Tuition Assistance Program ............................................................... 13 Adaptability, Excellence, Integrity and In addition, we are engaged in the rezoning, Scholarship Program ......................................................................... 14 Teamwork are intended
    [Show full text]
  • RS-25 for NASA's Space Launch System
    AEROJET ROCKETDYNE PROPRIETARY 0 THIS DOCUMENT CONTAINS NO EXPORT CONTROLLED – ITAR/USML CATEGORY IV September 2016 Aerojet Rocketdyne Footprint International Offices: Redmond, WA Moscow Tokyo London Belfast UAE Picatinny Arsenal, NJ Sacramento, CA Clearfield, UT ARDÉ, NJ Headquarters Washington, D.C. Denver, CO Gainesville, VA Orange, VA Los Angeles, CA Jonesboro, TN Vernon, CA Camden, AR Socorro, NM Tucson, AZ Huntsville, AL Headquarters Dallas, TX Orlando, FL Operating Locations Stennis, MS Eglin AFB, FL Field Offices West Palm Beach, FL Nearly 5,000 Employees Across 14 States 140 and Growing at NASA Stennis Space Center Aerojet Rocketdyne Proprietary 1 Aerojet Rocketdyne & NASA Stennis Space Center (SSC): A Fifty Year Partnership • NASA-SSC is the nation’s Center of Excellence for large space transportation propulsion systems testing • Tested each of the F-1 rocket engines that powered the first stage of the Saturn V launch vehicle for the Apollo missions • Early 1970s, SSC’s facilities were modified to test the space shuttle's main engines (SSMEs) • All the 405 flown engines supporting 135 shuttle flights tested and proven flight-worthy at SSC • SSC’s state-of-the-art facilities continues to assemble and test components and engines for future Space Launch System (SLS) missions (RS-25 and J-2X) • RS-68/A engines supporting the Delta IV program launching national security satellites and recently the Orion Capsule for NASA’s Exploration Flight Test-1 Aerojet Rocketdyne Proprietary 2 SSC Facilities Occupied by Aerojet Rocketdyne • A1 Test Stand– RS-25 (1st Stage booster for SLS) • Primary Customer – NASA • Aerojet Rocketdyne Test Article Contractor • B Test Stand • B1 - RS-68 (1st Stage booster for Delta-IV) • Primary Customer – Air Force (ULA) • Test Stand is operated under a Space Act Agreement • B2 (RS-25 Space Launch System Stage Testing) • B Complex Test Control Center (BTCC) • Engine Assembly Facility (EAF – Bldg.
    [Show full text]
  • AEHF-6 Launch Marks 500Th Flight of Aerojet Rocketdyne's RL10 Engine
    AEHF-6 Launch Marks 500th Flight of Aerojet Rocketdyne’s RL10 Engine March 27, 2020 CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla., March 26, 2020 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- The successful March 26 launch of the U.S. Space Force’s sixth and final Advanced Extremely High Frequency (AEHF) military communications satellite aboard a United Launch Alliance (ULA) Atlas V rocket marked the 500th flight of Aerojet Rocketdyne’s RL10 upper-stage engine. The RL10, which powers the ULA Atlas V Centaur upper stage, is one of several Aerojet Rocketdyne propulsion products supporting the mission. Aerojet Rocketdyne propulsion can be found on both the rocket and the AEHF-6 satellite. Built by Lockheed Martin, the AEHF satellites provide secure, jam-proof communications, including nuclear command and control, to U.S. and allied forces. “This launch marks an important milestone for Aerojet Rocketdyne and for the country,” said Eileen Drake, Aerojet Rocketdyne’s CEO and president. “The RL10 has supported a majority of the nation’s most important national security and scientific missions, including all of the AEHF satellites which provide communication links that are critical to our warfighters.” The Atlas V in the 551 configuration is the most powerful vehicle in the Atlas V family, featuring five Aerojet Rocketdyne AJ-60A solid rocket strap-on motors, each generating 348,500 pounds of thrust. Designed specifically to provide extra lifting power to the Atlas V, the AJ-60A is the world’s largest monolithic solid rocket motor ever flown. The AEHF-6 satellite, meanwhile, is outfitted with three different types of Aerojet Rocketdyne thrusters for attitude control, orbital station keeping and maneuvering.
    [Show full text]
  • SLS Case Study
    CASE STUDY Supporting Space Flight History with the Space Launch System (SLS) Technetics Group is a proud sup- Boeing representatives held a sup- plier to NASA, Boeing and Aerojet plier recognition presentation for Rocketdyne, and proved instru- the Technetics team members, mental in working with these orga- citing outstanding performance nizations on the development of in providing hydraulic accumula- NASA’s Space Launch System (SLS). tors and reservoirs for the Thrust The SLS is an advanced, heavy-lift Vector Control hydraulic system, BELFAB Edge-Welded launch vehicle that will send astro- located within the Core Stage of Metal Bellows nauts into deep space and open the rocket. Technetics was one up the possibility for missions to of the first suppliers on the pro- Qualiseal Mechanical neighboring planets. The program gram to have provided all Flight 1 Seals is enabling humans to travel fur- requirements and subsystem test ther into space than ever before units. and paving the way for new sci- Aerojet Rocketdyne also rec- entific discoveries and knowledge ognized Technetics and stated that was once out of reach. that Technetics “has gone above Technetics has worked closely and beyond to produce quality with program design teams for hardware and support aggressive critical applications for the Core schedules,” and that “Technetics Stage and Upper Stage on the SLS. efforts and those of Technetics NAFLEX Seals Specifically, a number of preci- employees have not gone unno- sion sealing solutions and fluid ticed.” To express their appre- management components were ciation, Aerojet Rocketdyne needed for Aerojet Rocketdyne’s representatives visited the RS-25 and RL10 engines to ensure Technetics Deland, FL facility to the integrity of the overall system.
    [Show full text]
  • NSIAD-87-215 NASA Procurement: the 1973 Space Shuttle Solid
    United States General Accounting Office 13Y32? Report to the Honorable Albert Gore, Jr., U.S. Senate September 1987 NASA PROCUREMENT The 1973 Space Shuttle Solid Rocket Motor Contractor Selection /I I I~11 I IIIll ll.~11 134329 GAO/NSIAD-87-216 * ,Id, , :: “. United States General Accounting Office GAO Washington, D.C. 20648 National Security and International Affairs Division B-227523 September 23, 1987 The Honorable Albert Gore, Jr. United States Senate Dear Senator Gore: In your December 17,1986, letter and subsequent discussions with your office, you requested that we evaluate certain circumstances surround- ing the National Aeronautics and Space Administration’s (NASA’S) 1973 shuttle solid rocket booster motor source selection. Specifically, we addressed the following three questions: . Did NASA'S reply to our bid protest decision on the 1973 source selection comply with applicable procurement regulations? . Did NASA staff responsible for the source selection violate Executive Order 11222, which provides standards for federal employees to follow in avoiding conflicts of interest? l Did the membership of NASA's Source Evaluation Board for the solid rocket booster motor comply with the Federal Advisory Committee Act? We briefed your representatives on February 10, March 23, April 17, and August 6, 1987. At our final briefing, we agreed to provide you with a report summarizing our work. The results of our work are discussed below and in appendix I. NASA’S reply to our 1974 decision was not in violation of applicable bid protest regulations and procedures. Also, our review of the limited number of available documents and discussions with government and industry officials did not disclose violations of Executive Order 11222 or related statutes, regulations, and rulings concerning conflicts of interest on the part of the NASA Administrator or Source Evaluation Board mem- bers.
    [Show full text]
  • Acquisition Story 54 Introduction 2 Who We Were 4 194Os 8 195Os 12
    table of contents Introduction 2 Who We Were 4 194Os 8 195Os 12 196Os 18 197Os 26 198Os 30 199Os 34 2OOOs 38 2O1Os 42 Historical Timeline 46 Acquisition Story 54 Who We Are Now 58 Where We Are Going 64 Vision For The Future 68 1 For nearly a century, innovation and reliability have been the hallmarks of two giant U.S. aerospace icons – Aerojet and Rocketdyne. The companies’ propulsion systems have helped to strengthen national defense, launch astronauts into space, and propel unmanned spacecraft to explore the universe. ➢ Aerojet’s diverse rocket propulsion systems have powered military vehicles for decades – from rocket-assisted takeoff for propeller airplanes during World War II – through today’s powerful intercontinental ballistic missiles (ICBMs). The systems helped land men on the moon, and maneuvered spacecraft beyond our solar system. ➢ For years, Rocketdyne engines have played a major role in national defense, beginning with powering the United States’ first ICBM to sending modern military communication satellites into orbit. Rocketdyne’s technology also helped launch manned moon missions, propelled space shuttles, and provided the main power system for the International Space Station (ISS). ➢ In 2013, these two rocket propulsion manufacturers became Aerojet Rocketydne, blending expertise and vision to increase efficiency, lower costs, and better compete in the market. Now, as an industry titan, Aerojet Rocketdyne’s talented, passionate employees collaborate to create even greater innovations that protect America and launch its celestial future. 2011 A Standard Missile-3 (SM-3) interceptor is being developed as part of the U.S. Missile Defense Agency’s sea-based Aegis Ballistic Missile Defense System.
    [Show full text]
  • Aerojet Rocketdyne Delivers RL10 Engines That Will Help Send NASA Astronauts to Deep Space
    Aerojet Rocketdyne Delivers RL10 Engines That Will Help Send NASA Astronauts to Deep Space February 3, 2020 WEST PALM BEACH, Fla., Feb. 03, 2020 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Aerojet Rocketdyne recently delivered four RL10 upper stage engines to NASA’s Stennis Space Center that will help power NASA’s Space Launch System (SLS) rocket as it carries astronauts aboard the Orion spacecraft to deep space. These missions are part of NASA’s Artemis program, which will land the first woman and next man on the Moon, and set the stage to send astronauts to Mars. Four Aerojet Rocketdyne RL10 rocket engines – shown here at the company’s facility in West Palm Beach, Florida – were recently delivered to NASA. The engines will be used to help power the upper stage of the agency’s Space Launch System (SLS) rocket. “Nearly 500 Aerojet Rocketdyne RL10 engines have powered launches into space,” said Eileen Drake, Aerojet Rocketdyne CEO and president. “Aerojet Rocketdyne continues to upgrade and improve this highly-reliable, flight-proven engine. The RL10’s we just delivered to NASA will power the SLS upper stage on missions that safely launch our astronauts to explore deep space destinations.” A single RL10 engine will provide nearly 25,000 pounds of thrust and serve as the main propulsion for the Interim Cryogenic Propulsion Stage (ICPS) that will fly atop the SLS rocket Block 1 in support of each of the first three Artemis missions. Later Artemis missions will use the evolved SLS Block 1B rocket configuration that includes the Exploration Upper Stage (EUS) powered by four RL10 engines to send Orion and large cargos to the Moon.
    [Show full text]
  • In-Space Propulsion Data Sheets
    In-Space Propulsion Data Sheets Updated: 4/8/20 Package cleared for public release Monopropellant Propulsion > 17,000 flight monopropellant thrusters delivered MR-103 0.2 lbf REA MR-111 1.0 lbf REA MR-106 5.0 lbf REA MR-107 60 lbf REA MR-104 100 lbf REA Aerojet Rocketdyne produces monopropellant rocket engines MR-80 700 with thrust ranges from 0.02 lbf to 600 lbf lbf REA 11411 139th Place NE • Redmond, WA 98052 (425) 885-5000 FAX (425) 882-5747 MR-401 0.09 N (0.02 lbf) Rocket Engine Assembly 232.727 mm 9.16” 55.800 mm 2.20” Design Characteristics Performance • Propellant…………………………………………… Hydrazine • Specific Impulse, steady state……. 180 - 184 sec (lbf-sec/lbm) • Catalyst…………………………………………………... S-405 • Specific Impulse, cumulative……...1 50 - 177 sec (lbf-sec/lbm) • Thrust/Steady State………..0.07 – 0.09 N (0.016 - 0.020 lbf) • Total Impulse…………………. 199,693 N-sec (44,893 lbf-sec) • Feed Pressure………………14.8 – 18.6 bar (215 - 270 psia) • Total Starts/Pulses………………………………………… ..5,960 • Flow Rate……… 154.2 – 181.4 g/hr (0.34 – 0.40 lbm/hr) • Min Impulse Bit…………. 4.0 N-sec @ 14.8 bar & 60 sec ON • Valve………………………………………………… Dual Seat ………………………… (0.9 lbf-sec @ 215 psia & 60 sec ON) • Valve Power…………….. 8.25 Watts Max @ 28 Vdc & 21°C • Steady State Firing................... 0 - 900 sec Single Firing • Valve Heater Power……. 1.9 Watts Max @ 28 Vdc & 21°C ………………………………. 720 hrs Cumulative • Cat. Bed Heater Pwr…… 1.8 Watts Max @ 28 Vdc & 21°C Status • Mass………………………………………. 0.60 kg (1.32 lbm) • Flight Proven • Engine……………………………… 0.33 kg (0.74 lbm) • Currently in Production • Valve………………………………… 0.20 kg (0.44 lbm) Reference • Heaters…………………………… 0.065 kg (0.14 lbm) • JANNAF, 2011, paper 2225 11411 139th Place NE • Redmond, WA 98052 (425) 885-5000 FAX (425) 882-5747 MR-103G 1N (0.2 lbf) Rocket Engine Assembly Design Characteristics Performance • Propellant…………………………………………… Hydrazine • Specific Impulse…………………….
    [Show full text]
  • 'Rocket City' Is the Right Choice for US Space Command HQ the US Air
    January 27, 2021 Why Alabama’s ‘Rocket City’ is the right choice for U.S. Space Command HQ The U.S. Air Force’s decision on where to locate the headquarters of the U.S. Space Command has generated controversy, but it shouldn’t have. The Jan. 13 announcement was the culmination of a complex, time-consuming process as the Air Force selection team considered a wide range of key factors related to the Command’s mission, examining workforce availability, costs, the presence of Department of Defense assets, and much more. In the end, the Air Force made the right decision: Huntsville, Alabama. In its official statement, the Air Force explicitly stated that Huntsville’s Redstone Arsenal was the best choice for Space Command. It said: “Huntsville compared favorably across more of these factors than any other community, providing a large, qualified workforce, quality schools, superior infrastructure capacity, and low initial and recurring costs. Additionally, Redstone Arsenal offered a facility to support the headquarters, at no cost, while the permanent facility is being constructed.” That is no surprise to me. Redstone Arsenal, the cradle of the nation’s rocket program, is a thriving, 38,000-acre federal campus, home to more than 70 military commands and government agencies. These include the Army Aviation and Missile Command, the U.S. Missile Defense Agency, the Defense Intelligence Agency/Missile and Space Intelligence Center, Army Space and Missile Defense Command and the Army Combat Capabilities Development Command Aviation & Missile Center. Redstone Arsenal also houses the Marshall Space Flight Center, NASA’s largest installation and the beating heart of its propulsion research.
    [Show full text]
  • Table of Contents
    THE CAPE Military Space Operations 1971-1992 by Mark C. Cleary 45th Space Wing History Office Table of Contents Preface Chapter I -USAF Space Organizations and Programs Table of Contents Section 1 - Air Force Systems Command and Subordinate Space Agencies at Cape Canaveral Section 2 - The Creation of Air Force Space Command and Transfer of Air Force Space Resources Section 3 - Defense Department Involvement in the Space Shuttle Section 4 - Air Force Space Launch Vehicles: SCOUT, THOR, ATLAS and TITAN Section 5 - Early Space Shuttle Flights Section 6 - Origins of the TITAN IV Program Section 7 - Development of the ATLAS II and DELTA II Launch Vehicles and the TITAN IV/CENTAUR Upper Stage Section 8 - Space Shuttle Support of Military Payloads Section 9 - U.S. and Soviet Military Space Competition in the 1970s and 1980s Chapter II - TITAN and Shuttle Military Space Operations Section 1 - 6555th Aerospace Test Group Responsibilities Section 2 - Launch Squadron Supervision of Military Space Operations in the 1990s Section 3 - TITAN IV Launch Contractors and Eastern Range Support Contractors Section 4 - Quality Assurance and Payload Processing Agencies Section 5 - TITAN IIIC Military Space Missions after 1970 Section 6 - TITAN 34D Military Space Operations and Facilities at the Cape Section 7 - TITAN IV Program Activation and Completion of the TITAN 34D Program Section 8 - TITAN IV Operations after First Launch Section 9 - Space Shuttle Military Missions Chapter III - Medium and Light Military Space Operations Section 1 - Medium Launch Vehicle and Payload Operations Section 2 - Evolution of the NAVSTAR Global Positioning System and Development of the DELTA II Section 3 - DELTA II Processing and Flight Features Section 4 - NAVSTAR II Global Positioning System Missions Section 5 - Strategic Defense Initiative Missions and the NATO IVA Mission Section 6 - ATLAS/CENTAUR Missions at the Cape Section 7 - Modification of Cape Facilities for ATLAS II/CENTAUR Operations Section 8 - ATLAS II/CENTAUR Missions Section 9 - STARBIRD and RED TIGRESS Operations Section 10 - U.S.
    [Show full text]
  • Aerojet Rocketdyne's RS-25 Engine Completes Key Full-Duration Test
    August 13, 2015 Aerojet Rocketdyne's RS-25 Engine Completes Key Full-Duration Test SACRAMENTO, Calif., Aug. 13, 2015 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Aerojet Rocketdyne (NYSE:AJRD) announced today that it successfully completed a full duration (535 seconds) verification test of its RS-25 rocket engine that will power NASA's Space Launch System (SLS), America's next generation heavy-lift launch vehicle. Today's test, conducted at NASA's Stennis Space Center, was the sixth test in a seven-test series that began in January 2015 to validate the engine for use on the SLS. "It is great to see this revered engine back in action and progressing full steam ahead for launch aboard Exploration Mission-1 in 2018," said Julie Van Kleeck, vice president of Aerojet Rocketdyne's Advanced Space & Launch Programs business unit. "The RS-25 is the world's most reliable and thoroughly tested large liquid-fueled rocket engine ever built." The RS-25, previously known as the Space Shuttle Main Engine (SSME), successfully powered the space shuttle during 30 years of operation. The RS-25 uses a staged-combustion engine cycle that burns liquid hydrogen and liquid oxygen propellants to achieve performance never previously attained in a production rocket engine. Interestingly, the only exhaust produced by the RS-25 is water vapor in the form of steam. The RS-25 will continue to serve the nation's human exploration propulsion needs as the core stage engines for SLS. The SLS program has 16 engines in inventory at Aerojet Rocketdyne's facility within NASA's Stennis Space Center, with 14 of them previously flown aboard the space shuttle.
    [Show full text]