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Lunar Surface Access Module Descent Engine Turbopump Technology: Detailed DesignThe need for a high specific impulse LOX/LH2 pump-fed lunar lander engine has been established by NASA for the new lunar exploration architecture. Studies indicate that a 4-engine cluster in the thrust range of 9,000-lbf each is a candidate configuration for the main propulsion of the manned lunar lander vehicle. The lander descent engine will be required to perform multiple burns including the powered descent onto the lunar surface. In order to achieve the wide range of thrust required, the engines must be capable of throttling approximately 10:1. Working under internal research and development funding, NASA Marshall Space Flight Center (MSFC) has been conducting the development of a 9,000-lbf LOX/LH2 lunar lander descent engine technology testbed. This paper highlights the detailed design and analysis efforts to develop the lander engine Fuel Turbopump (FTP) whose operating speeds range from 30,000-rpm to 100,000-rpm. The capability of the FTP to operate across this wide range of speeds imposes several structural and dynamic challenges, and the small size of the FTP creates scaling and manufacturing challenges that are also addressed in this paper.
Document ID
20100021995
Acquisition Source
Marshall Space Flight Center
Document Type
Conference Paper
Authors
Alvarez, Erika
(NASA Marshall Space Flight Center Huntsville, AL, United States)
Forbes, John C.
(NASA Marshall Space Flight Center Huntsville, AL, United States)
Thornton, Randall J.
(NASA Marshall Space Flight Center Huntsville, AL, United States)
Date Acquired
August 24, 2013
Publication Date
May 3, 2010
Subject Category
Spacecraft Propulsion And Power
Report/Patent Number
M10-0091
Meeting Information
Meeting: 57th JANNAF Propulsion Meeting
Location: Colorado Springs, CO
Country: United States
Start Date: May 3, 2010
End Date: May 7, 2010
Sponsors: Department of the Navy, Department of the Army, Department of the Air Force, NASA Headquarters
Distribution Limits
Public
Copyright
Work of the US Gov. Public Use Permitted.

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