Aerojet Rocketdyne has successfully completed hot-fire qualification tests on an engine that demonstrates the ability to meet reusability requirements for Boeing’s Crew Space Transportation-100 (CST) Starliner crew module propulsion system.
The tests were conducted on Aerojet Rocketdyne’s MR-104J hydrazine monopropellant engine in Redmond, Washington. For NASA service missions to the International Space Station, Boeing’s Starliner spacecraft will carry up to four astronauts and time-critical scientific research.
The Starliner crew module propulsion system will use 12 MR-104J engines for reaction control to orient the vehicle during re-entry of the Earth’s atmosphere. Prior to re-entry, attitude control is provided by the Service Module Engines, also provided by Aerojet Rocketdyne.
The MR-104J, designed by Aerojet Rocketdyne, was developed and tested under the company’s Commercial Crew Transportation Capability (CCtCap) subcontract to Boeing. Similar to other reaction control system engines, the MR-104J includes additional features to increase redundancy that meet critical requirements and improved strength to withstand multiple shocks at operating temperatures. The engine upgrades also provide reusability for Boeing as it certifies Starliner crew modules for multiple missions.
April 27, 2017
