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Space Shuttle Main Engine (SSME) Systems Operation Overview and EvolutionThe Space Shuttle Main Engine (SSME) is a large thrust class, reusable, staged combustion cycle rocket engine employing liquid hydrogen and liquid oxygen propellants. A cluster of three SSMEs is used on every space shuttle mission to propel the space shuttle orbiter vehicle into low earth orbit. Development of the SSME began in the early 70's and the first flight of the space shuttle occurred in 1981. Today, the SSME has accrued over one million seconds of ground test and flight operational time, launching 129 space shuttle missions. The systems operation of the SSME was developed and evolved to support the specific requirements of the Space Shuttle Program (SSP). This paper provides a systems operation overview of the SSME, including: engine cycle, propellant flowpaths, and major components; control system; operations during pre-start, start, mainstage, and shutdown phases; launch commit criteria (LCCs) and operational redlines. Furthermore, this paper will discuss how changes to the SSME over its history have impacted systems operations.
Document ID
20100023058
Acquisition Source
Marshall Space Flight Center
Document Type
Conference Paper
Authors
Benefield, Philip A.
(NASA Marshall Space Flight Center Huntsville, AL, United States)
Kan, Kenneth C.
(Pratt and Whitney Rocketdyne United States)
Date Acquired
August 24, 2013
Publication Date
May 4, 2010
Subject Category
Spacecraft Design, Testing And Performance
Report/Patent Number
M10-0253
Meeting Information
Meeting: 57th JANNAF Joint Propulsion Meeting
Location: Colorado Springs, CO
Country: United States
Start Date: May 3, 2010
End Date: May 7, 2010
Sponsors: Department of the Air Force, Department of the Navy, NASA Headquarters, Department of the Army
Distribution Limits
Public
Copyright
Other

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