sign in sign up
<<
Home , Viking program

December 3, 2004

Aerojet Tests Engine Design for New Rover

SACRAMENTO, Calif., Dec 3, 2004 /PRNewswire-FirstCall via COMTEX/ -- , a GenCorp Inc. (NYSE: GY) company, recently test-fired a Viking flight spare assembly in order to help design a new engine which will deliver the next rover to the surface of Mars in 2009. The rocket engine used in the test was originally built, tested and delivered in 1973 for the Viking program. The engine was put into storage after the successful of the and on Mars in 1976.

"Aerojet hardware has flown on every U.S. mission to Mars," said Aerojet President Michael Martin. "We are extremely proud that the hot fire testing of the Viking rocket engine assembly further proved Aerojet's heritage capabilities in design, manufacture, test and production of propulsion systems. Our role in the mission will bring our work full-circle."

Under contract with NASA's Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL), Aerojet received the engine for five hot fire tests that were conducted to evaluate engine capabilities as well as general "health checks." The hot fire tests determined that the key elements and features within the Viking engine are relevant to and meet the requirements of NASA's Mars Science Laboratory mission.

Aerojet is building three new 700 pound thrust monopropellant rocket engine assemblies to further evaluate design changes made to increase mission flexibility and life capability. Testing is planned to continue through 2005 to support technology development for JPL. The most significant feature of the monopropellant engine is its ability to throttle from 15-100 percent thrust with a fixed propellant inlet .

The Mars Science Laboratory will be a long-range, long-duration, mobile lab that will continue the study of martian geology from the surface. The lab will be delivered by next-generation landers using precision landing systems. The Mars Science Laboratory is part of JPL's Mars Focused Technology Program, which is targeting a 2009 launch to deliver the new, larger rover to the surface of Mars.

Aerojet is a world-recognized aerospace and defense leader principally serving the missile and space propulsion, and defense and armaments markets. GenCorp is a leading technology-based manufacturer of aerospace and defense products and systems with a real estate business segment that includes activities related to the development, sale and leasing of the Company's real estate assets. Additional information about Aerojet and GenCorp can be obtained by visiting the Companies' web sites at http://www.aerojet.com and http://www.GenCorp.com .

Forward-Looking Statements

This press release contains forward-looking statements based on current management expectations. Numerous factors, including those related to market conditions and those detailed from time to time in GenCorp's filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission, may cause results to differ materially from those anticipated in the forward-looking statements. Many of the factors that will determine GenCorp's future results are beyond the ability of GenCorp to control or predict. These statements are subject to risks and uncertainties and, therefore, actual results may differ materially. Readers should not place undue reliance on forward-looking statements, which reflect management's views only as of the date hereof. GenCorp undertakes no obligation to revise or update any forward-looking statements, or to make any other forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise.

SOURCE Aerojet

Susan Bassett of Aerojet, +1-916-355-2310, or [email protected]; or Linda Cutler of GenCorp, +1-916-351-8650, or [email protected] http://www.GenCorp.com