Liquid Oxygen/Liquid Methane Ascent Main Engine Technology Development
- Paper number
IAC-08.C4.1.2
- Author
Mr. Joel W. Robinson, NASA Marshall Space Flight Center, United States
- Coauthor
Mr. David D. Stephenson, NASA Marshall Flight Space Center, United States
- Year
2008
- Abstract
NASA has identified that Liquid Oxygen (LOX)/Liquid Methane (LCH4) as a potential propellant combination for future space vehicles based upon the Exploration Systems Architecture Studies (ESAS) and other activities. The technology is estimated to have higher performance and lower overall systems mass compared to existing hypergolic propulsion systems. Besides existing in-house risk reduction activities, NASA recently solicited from industry their participation on this technology based on the potential application to the lunar ascent main engine (AME). Currently, the AME is anticipated to be an expendable, pressure-fed engine to provide an abort capability prior to landing and ascent from the moon at completion of the 210 day lunar stay. To achieve this abort function, the AME must achieve full thrust and safe separation from the descent stage in rapid time. For the ascent phase from the moon, the engine would perform two burns including a circularization burn to achieve docking with the orbiting module. The engine is expected to produce 5500 lbf thrust with variable inlet temperatures due to the cryogenic nature of the fuel and oxidizer. For the next two years, NASA is investigating the technology readiness of this propellant combination. The primary technology risks include: A) establishing reliable and robust ignition in vacuum conditions B) maximizing specific impulse C) developing rapid start capability for the descent abort D) providing the capability for two starts E) producing a total engine burn time over 500 seconds The selected contractor coupled with in-house risk reduction activities will address the feasibility of this technology for this application. The lunar lander project office is anticipated to review the progress of this technology in early 2009 to address on-going technical trades for their system architecture. The paper will provide insight into the efforts being undertaken to evaluate this concept.
- Abstract document
- Manuscript document
IAC-08.C4.1.2.pdf (🔒 authorized access only).
To get the manuscript, please contact IAF Secretariat.