De-risk assessment: LEROS ACE-25 Engine Development

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.

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.