De-risk assessment: LEROS ACE-25 Engine Development
Programme
GSTP
Programme Reference
G617-241TAdn
Prime Contractor
Nammo (U.K.) Limited
Start Date
End Date
Status
Closed
Country
United Kingdom
Objectives
As a subpart of the overall engine development program GSTP funded the investigation of alternative ‘high performance’ injectors. While NAMMO funded their lower risk more classical approach. The design performances were to be determine by hotfire testing of the selected injectors with appropriate chambers.
Description
Current main engine strategy for space craft is a single point failure. NAMMO customers have requested a multiple engine capability. This required a new class of engine.
Multiple high risk candidates were design and hydraulically screened. Three candidates were put through hotfire testing for performance characterization. Multiple chamber length studies were conducted to identify the correct chamber and injector combination. The alternative injectors proved to be better performers than the classical approach. Thermal margins also give grounds for optimism that they will be ultimately successful for this application.
Potential performance benefit for main engines for the next generation of spacecraft. Alternative architecture now open to manage mission critical risks associated with main engine operations.
Follow on activity is in preparatio.
Application Domain
Generic Technologies
Technology Domain
19 - Propulsion
Competence Domain
7-Propulsion, Space Transportation and Re-entry Vehicles
Initial TRL
TRL 2
Target TRL
TRL 6
Achieved TRL
TRL 4
Public Document
Executive Summary