Fri, Nov 11, 2011
J-2X Engine To Carry Orion Spacecraft Into Orbit, Beyond
NASA conducted a successful 500-second test firing of the J-2X
rocket engine on Wednesday, Nov. 9, marking another important step
in development of an upper stage for the heavy-lift Space Launch
System (SLS). SLS will carry the Orion spacecraft, its crew, cargo,
equipment and science experiments to destinations in deep space.
SLS will be safe, affordable and sustainable to continue America's
journey of discovery from the unique vantage point of space.
"The J-2X engine is critical to the development of the Space
Launch System," Dan Dumbacher, NASA's deputy associate
administrator for exploration systems development, said after the
test at NASA's Stennis Space Center in Mississippi. "Today's test
means NASA is moving closer to developing the rocket it needs if
humans are to explore beyond low-Earth orbit."
Data from the test will be analyzed as operators prepare for
additional engine firings. The J-2X and the RS-25D/E engines for
the SLS core stage will be tested for flight certification at
Stennis. Both engines use liquid hydrogen and liquid oxygen
propellants. The core stage engines were developed originally for
the space shuttle. "The J-2X engine team and the SLS program as a
whole are extremely happy that we accomplished a good, safe and
successful test today," said Mike Kynard, Space Launch System
Engines Element Manager at NASA's Marshall Space Flight Center in
Huntsville, AL. "This engine test firing gives us critical data to
move forward in the engine's development."
Stennis has tested engines that carried Americans to space in
both the Apollo and Space Shuttle programs. The J-2X engine is
being developed for Marshall by Pratt & Whitney Rocketdyne of
Canoga Park, CA. "We look forward to adding to the legacy as we
fulfill our responsibility to test engines that will power
America's next launch vehicle," said Stennis Director Patrick
Scheuermann.
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