Tests begin for the AJ26 rocket engine
Two space technology corporations, Orbital Sciences Corporation and Aerojet, have announced the initiation of the AJ26 rocket engine testing process for Orbital's Taurus II, medium-class launch vehicle with the delivery of a “pathfinder” engine to NASA's Stennis Space Center in Mississippi.
The AJ26 is Aerojet's liquid-fuel rocket engine that Orbital will use to power the first stage of the Taurus II space launch vehicle currently in development. The pathfinder engine will be used to verify test stand interfaces, engine handling processes, and test configurations prior to the commencement of the series of “hot fire” tests that are planned to begin in April.
“Our team is very excited to begin the ground testing of the AJ26 engine here at Stennis, one of the great rocket engine testing facilities in the world,” said Mr J.R. Thompson, Orbital's president and chief operating officer. “We have worked with NASA's Stennis staff and our Aerojet partner to develop and install facility upgrades to accommodate our particular needs, and we are pleased with the results. Each of the AJ26 engines that will be used aboard our Taurus II rocket will come through the Stennis facility for pre-launch acceptance testing prior to being integrated with the rocket. We expect this extensive testing process and related activities will provide the Stennis Space Center with a meaningful boost in on-site activity.”
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