Liquid Rocket Engine Test Stand Planning
- Paper number
IAC-05-C4.1.01
- Author
Dr. Jeffery Emdee, The Aerospace Corporation, United States
- Coauthor
Dr. Michael Adams, The Aerospace Corporation, United States
- Coauthor
Dr. Shamim Rahman, National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA)/Stennis Space Center, United States
- Year
2005
- Abstract
The testing of liquid propulsion engine systems is a significant element of launch vehicle development. However, the lack of development of new liquid propulsion systems due to reduced space launch demand has resulted in an uncertain future for domestic liquid rocket engine (LRE) test centers. To aid in U.S. test center planning, U.S. liquid rocket engine test needs were evaluated and roadmaps were developed for possible architectures including NASA initiatives. Previous rocket engine development efforts over the last 20 years were reviewed to estimate expected test rates for new component and engine programs. The data show considerable scatter, indicating that test rates are strongly influenced by programmatic (e.g., cost, schedule) and technical (e.g., material development) factors. Nonetheless, these test rates and proposed programs were used to generate best estimate roadmaps for propulsion test needs. Test roadmaps were developed for both existing flight programs as well as anticipated programs such as NASA space exploration initiatives for liquid engines with 45 KN (10,000 lbf) thrust and higher and their major components including turbopumps, chambers and preburners. The system roadmaps show a potentially significant demand for test stands from 2012 to 2014. The process for development of the test roadmaps will be discussed as well as the development programs expected to support the NASA space initiatives. The impacts of these programs on the test infrastructure will also be discussed.
- Abstract document
- Manuscript document
IAC-05-C4.1.01.pdf (🔒 authorized access only).
To get the manuscript, please contact IAF Secretariat.