Full power level development of the Space Shuttle main engineDevelopment of the Space Shuttle main engine for nominal operation at full power level (109 percent rated power) is continuing in parallel with the successful flight testing of the Space Transportation System. Verification of changes made to the rated power level configuration currently being flown on the Orbiter Columbia is in progress and the certification testing of the full power level configuration has begun. The certification test plan includes the accumulation of 10,000 seconds on each of two engines by early 1983. Certification testing includes the simulation of nominal mission duty cycles as well as the two abort thrust profiles: abort to orbit and return to launch site. Several of the certification tests are conducted at 111 percent power to demonstrate additional safety margins. In addition to the flight test and development program results, future plans for life demonstration and engine uprating will be discussed.
Document ID
19820051474
Acquisition Source
Legacy CDMS
Document Type
Conference Paper
Authors
Johnson, J. R. (Rockwell International Corp. Canoga Park, CA, United States)
Colbo, H. I. (Rockwell International Corp. Rocketdyne Div., Canoga Park, CA, United States)