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Marshall Space Flight Center Propulsion Systems Design Engineering Solutions for Space Science and Exploration

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National Aeronautics and Space Administration Marshall Space Flight Center Propulsion Systems Design Engineering Solutions for Space Science and Exploration Liquid Propulsion Systems Solid Propulsion Systems Propulsion Component Propulsion Structural, Thermal, Design & Integration Design & Development & Fluid Analysis Marshall established and has maintained NASA’s leadership position in For both Earth-to-orbit and in-space applications, Marshall’s propul- space propulsion for more than five decades. These contributions enable sion research, systems engineering, and testing capabilities support the exploration and development of space while dramatically increasing current and future missions unique to the nation’s civil space program. program and mission safety and reliability and reducing overall cost. Marshall’s propulsion systems development and test capabilities ensure responsible government oversight and insight into technology and life- Marshall’s managers and engineers have designed, developed, integrated, cycle challenges related to NASA’s cutting-edge missions. and sustained propulsion systems for a range of applications since the beginning of America’s space program. The Propulsion Systems Department (ER) • Apollo Program: F-1 engines from testing to flight and J-2 engines • Propulsion Systems Department from concept development to flight • Resource Management Office • Inertial Upper Stage (IUS): placed in orbit a number of science • Propulsion Systems Design & Integration Division missions including Magellan, Galileo, Ulysses, and Chandra, as well • Engine Systems Branch as several Department of Defense (DOD) missions • Main Propulsion Systems Branch • Space Transportation Program (Shuttle): external tank, space • Spacecraft & Auxiliary Propulsion Systems Branch shuttle main engine, and reusable solid rocket boosters • Propulsion Research & Technology Branch • Constellation Program: design, development, and testing of the • Propulsion Component Design & Development Division Ares I-X; Orion Launch Abort System; J-2X upper stage engine; • Turbomachinery Design & Development Branch 5-segment solid rocket boosters; and upper stage main propulsion • Combustion Devices Design & Development Branch system, reaction control system, and small solids • Valves, Actuators, & Ducts Design & Development Branch • Space Launch System: propulsion system design, development, and • Propulsion Detailed Design Branch testing as well as system integration and operation • Thrust Vector Control Systems Integration & Components Branch • Propulsion Structural, Thermal & Fluid Analysis Division Marshall also developed new propulsion technologies such as the Fastrac • Structural & Dynamics Analysis Branch engine system, which was developed in only three years, and provided • Fluid Dynamic Branch early development for the hydrogen-fueled RS-83 and the hydrocarbon- • Thermal & Combustion Analysis Branch fueled RS-84 engines. This Fastrac engine is the foundation for the • Solid Propulsion Systems Division Space Exploration Technologies (SpaceX) Merlin engine. • Solid Launch Systems & Analysis Branch • Solid Separation & Maneuvering Systems Branch NASA Mission Benefit Marshall maintains a wealth of experience — from concept to opera- tion — for propulsion systems ranging from traditional chemical boost to advanced in-space systems including chemical, nuclear, high-power electric, solar and propellant-free systems, and other support technolo- gies such as alternate fuels and advanced manufacturing and materials. Capabilities Liquid Propulsion Systems Solid Propulsion Systems Design & Integration The Solid Propulsion Systems Division The Propulsion Systems Design & (ER50) performs engineering devel- Integration Division (ER20) per- opment, oversight, and integration forms engineering development, of solid propulsion systems for space oversight, and integration of propul- transportation applications, ensuring sion systems for space transportation the sustained, safe operation of exist- applications, ensuring the sustained, ing systems as well as the successful safe operations of existing systems as development of new systems. well as the successful development of new systems. Propulsion Component Propulsion Structural, Design & Development Thermal, & Fluid Analysis The Component Design and The Propulsion Structural, Thermal & Development Division performs engi- Fluid Analysis Division provides engi- neering development and oversight of neering analysis and assessment of all space transportation subsystems and propulsion systems and components, components. Engineering efforts con- and predicts performance and life of ducted assure the safe operation and solid rocket motors and liquid engine development of existing and future systems with detailed analyses. space transportation. Propulsion Research and Development Laboratory Component Development Area (CDA) Thrust Vector Control Lab Component Development Area Blast Cells For more information, please visit www.nasa.gov/centers/marshall/about/business.html National Aeronautics and Space Administration George C. Marshall Space Flight Center Huntsville, AL 35812 www.nasa.gov/marshall www.nasa.gov FL-2013-09-094-MSFC G–28367d.
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