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.
Space Shuttle Main Engine Start with Off-Nominal Propellant Inlet Pressures
Joint Propulsion ; 1997 ; Seattle, WA, United States
1997-07-07
Report
No indication
English
Start with off-nominal propellant inlet pressures
AIAA | 1997
|Space Shuttle Main Engine Off-Nominal Low Power Level Operation
British Library Conference Proceedings | 1997
|