This paper describes Rocketdyne's successful analysis and demonstration of the Space Shuttle Main Engine (SSME) operation at off-nominal propellant inlet conditions during the Reusable Launch Vehicle (RLV) evaluation tests. The nominal inlet condition range is: 103 to 111 psia and 170.5 to 178 deg. R for the oxidizer and 43 to 47 psia and 37 to 40 deg. R for the fuel. The SSME start was successfully demonstrated with engine inlet pressures of 50 psia liquid oxygen (LOX) with subcooled LOX at 160 deg R and 38 psia fuel at 38 deg. R. Four tests were used to incrementally modify the start sequence to demonstrate the final goal.


    Access

    Access via TIB

    Check availability in my library


    Export, share and cite



    Title :

    Space Shuttle Main Engine Start with Off-Nominal Propellant Inlet Pressures


    Contributors:

    Conference:

    Joint Propulsion ; 1997 ; Seattle, WA, United States


    Publication date :

    1997-07-07


    Type of media :

    Report


    Type of material :

    No indication


    Language :

    English






    Space Shuttle Main Engine Off-Nominal Low Power Level Operation

    Bradley, M. / American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics / Society of Automotive Engineers et al. | British Library Conference Proceedings | 1997


    Summary of Results from Space Shuttle Main Engine Off-Nominal Testing

    Megivern, Jeffrey / Horton, James / McNutt, Leslie | AIAA | 2011


    Summary of Results from Space Shuttle Main Engine Off-Nominal Testing

    Horton, James F. / Megivern, Jeffrey M. / McNutt, Leslie M. | NTRS | 2011