Stennis completes first hot-fire test of aerospike engine technology for Space Launch Initiative.

0 Comments | M2 Presswire, July, 2001

M2 PRESSWIRE-17 July 2001-NASA: Stennis completes first hot-fire test of aerospike engine technology for Space Launch Initiative (C)1994-2001 M2 COMMUNICATIONS LTD RDATE:16072001 Stennis Space Center, Miss., has successfully completed a critical initial test in a three-part series for a Space Launch Initiative (SLI) test program of the Electro-Mechanical Actuator (EMA) technology used on the former X-33 program's Linear Aerospike XRS-2200 flight engine set.

The July 12 test was a "start-sequence" test and went the full scheduled duration of 5.32 seconds. The test was a unique opportunity for NASA to effectively gain valuable experience and data from existing commercial technology. EMAs electronically regulate the amount of propellant (fuel and...