Uploads from NASA's Marshall Space Flight Center, tagged spacelaunchsystem

NASA Day in Baton Rouge, Louisiana (NASA, Space Launch System, 05/14/12)

nobody@flickr.com (NASA's Marshall Space Flight Center) — Tue, 14 May 2013 13:51:04 -0700

NASA's Marshall Space Flight Center posted a photo:

Marshall Space Flight Center Director Patrick Scheuermann talks to KLFY-10 Lafayette reporter, Rob Malia, about the Space Launch System (SLS) Program at the NASA Day in Baton Rouge event.

Image credit: NASA/MSFC

More about SLS:
www.nasa.gov/exploration/systems/sls/index.html

Space Launch System Flickr photoset:
www.flickr.com/photos/28634332@N05/sets/72157627559536895/

_____________________________________________
These official NASA photographs are being made available for publication by news organizations and/or for personal use printing by the subject(s) of the photographs. The photographs may not be used in materials, advertisements, products, or promotions that in any way suggest approval or endorsement by NASA. All Images used must be credited. For information on usage rights please visit: www.nasa.gov/audience/formedia/features/MP_Photo_Guidelin...

A-1 Test Stand Houses First Full Engine in Nearly a Decade (NASA, J-2X, SLS, 05/14/13)

nobody@flickr.com (NASA's Marshall Space Flight Center) — Tue, 14 May 2013 10:33:58 -0700

NASA's Marshall Space Flight Center posted a photo:

Engineers install J-2X engine E10002 in the A-1 test stand at NASA's Stennis Space Center. The installation is in preparation for a new series of tests, where the engine will be gimbaled, or pivoted, during test firings.

Gimbal tests are an important part of the design process. When this upper stage engine is used in space, it will need to be able to move freely to steer NASA's Space Launch System, or SLS -- an advanced heavy-lift launch vehicle that will provide an entirely new national capability for human exploration beyond Earth’s orbit. This is the first full engine to be installed in the A-1 test stand in almost a decade and the first time gimbal tests will be performed since testing on the space shuttle main engines.

A series of tests was completed on the E10002 engine in the A-2 test stand prior to its installation on the A-1 test stand at Stennis. Once this series of tests is complete, the engine will be removed, and preparations will be made to begin testing the RS-25 engine on the A-1 stand in 2014. RS-25 engines from the Space shuttle inventory will power the core stage of SLS, while the J-2X engine will power the upper stage of the evolved launch vehicle. The SLS Program is managed at NASA’s Marshall Space Flight Center. The J-2X engine is being built by Pratt & Whitney Rocketdyne.

Image credit: NASA/SSC

View original image/caption:
www.nasa.gov/exploration/systems/sls/j2x/j2x_full_1.html

More about the J-2X Engine Development:
www.nasa.gov/j2x

There's a Flickr photoset about the J-2X egnine development, if you'd like to know more: www.flickr.com/photos/28634332@N05/sets/72157625345364038/

_____________________________________________
These official NASA photographs are being made available for publication by news organizations and/or for personal use printing by the subject(s) of the photographs. The photographs may not be used in materials, advertisements, products, or promotions that in any way suggest approval or endorsement by NASA. All Images used must be credited. For information on usage rights please visit: www.nasa.gov/audience/formedia/features/MP_Photo_Guidelin...

A-1 Test Stand Houses First Full Engine in Nearly a Decade (NASA, J-2X, SLS, 05/14/13)

nobody@flickr.com (NASA's Marshall Space Flight Center) — Tue, 14 May 2013 10:33:58 -0700

NASA's Marshall Space Flight Center posted a photo:

Archive: Test of the Saturn V First Stage, 1967 (NASA, Space Launch System, 04/29/13)

nobody@flickr.com (NASA's Marshall Space Flight Center) — Mon, 29 Apr 2013 07:54:38 -0700

NASA's Marshall Space Flight Center posted a photo:

A test of the Saturn V first stage, S-1C-5, is conducted on Aug. 25, 1967 on the B-1/B-2 Test Stand at NASA's John C. Stennis Space Center. The test involved simultaneous firing of five F-1 engines. NASA now is preparing the B-2 position on the stand to test the core stage of its new Space Launch System, which will involve the simultaneous firing of four RS-25 engines.

Image credit: NASA/SSC

Read more:
www.nasa.gov/exploration/systems/sls/multimedia/gallery/b...

More about SLS:
www.nasa.gov/exploration/systems/sls/index.html

Space Launch System Flickr photoset:
www.flickr.com/photos/28634332@N05/sets/72157627559536895/

_____________________________________________
These official NASA photographs are being made available for publication by news organizations and/or for personal use printing by the subject(s) of the photographs. The photographs may not be used in materials, advertisements, products, or promotions that in any way suggest approval or endorsement by NASA. All Images used must be credited. For information on usage rights please visit: www.nasa.gov/audience/formedia/features/MP_Photo_Guidelin...

Archive: Apollo Saturn S-IC Rocket Stage on Test Stand, 1968 (NASA, Space Launch System, 04/29/13)

nobody@flickr.com (NASA's Marshall Space Flight Center) — Mon, 29 Apr 2013 07:50:40 -0700

NASA's Marshall Space Flight Center posted a photo:

An Apollo Saturn S-IC rocket stage is removed from the B-1/B-2 Test Stand at NASA's John C. Stennis Space Center on Aug. 28, 1968. The Saturn V stages were used on Apollo missions that carried humans to the moon in the late 1960s and early 1970s.

Image credit: NASA/SSC

Read more:
www.nasa.gov/exploration/systems/sls/multimedia/gallery/b...

More about SLS:
www.nasa.gov/exploration/systems/sls/index.html

Space Launch System Flickr photoset:
www.flickr.com/photos/28634332@N05/sets/72157627559536895/

_____________________________________________
These official NASA photographs are being made available for publication by news organizations and/or for personal use printing by the subject(s) of the photographs. The photographs may not be used in materials, advertisements, products, or promotions that in any way suggest approval or endorsement by NASA. All Images used must be credited. For information on usage rights please visit: www.nasa.gov/audience/formedia/features/MP_Photo_Guidelin...

Archive: Test Stands at Stennis Space Center, 1960s (NASA, Space Launch System, 04/29/13)

nobody@flickr.com (NASA's Marshall Space Flight Center) — Mon, 29 Apr 2013 07:48:46 -0700

NASA's Marshall Space Flight Center posted a photo:

The B-1/B-2 Test Stand is a dual-position, vertical, static-firing structure built at NASA's John C. Stennis Space Center in the 1960s. First stages of the Apollo Saturn V rocket were tested on the stand from 1967 to 1970. Stennis now leases the B-1 test position to Pratt & Whitney Rocketdyne for testing of RS-68 engines. It is preparing the B-2 test position to test the core stage of NASA's Space Launch System in late 2016 and early 2017. The SLS stage, with four RS-25 rocket engines, will be installed on the stand for propellant fill and drain testing and two hot-fire tests.

Image credit: NASA/SSC

Read more:
www.nasa.gov/exploration/systems/sls/multimedia/gallery/b...

More about SLS:
www.nasa.gov/exploration/systems/sls/index.html

Space Launch System Flickr photoset:
www.flickr.com/photos/28634332@N05/sets/72157627559536895/

_____________________________________________
These official NASA photographs are being made available for publication by news organizations and/or for personal use printing by the subject(s) of the photographs. The photographs may not be used in materials, advertisements, products, or promotions that in any way suggest approval or endorsement by NASA. All Images used must be credited. For information on usage rights please visit: www.nasa.gov/audience/formedia/features/MP_Photo_Guidelin...

New Record for J-2X Engine Testing (NASA, J-2X, SLS, 04/22/13)

nobody@flickr.com (NASA's Marshall Space Flight Center) — Mon, 22 Apr 2013 11:58:53 -0700

NASA's Marshall Space Flight Center posted a photo:

A new record was set on April 4 for J-2X engine test firings when the engine was fired for 570 seconds on the A-2 test stand at Stennis. With the completion of the test series on this stand, the engine will now be moved to the A-1 test stand where it will undergo gimbaling tests to ensure it can pivot safely, much like it will do as the steering propulsion for the second stage of NASA's Space Launch System.

Image credit: NASA/SSC

View original image/caption:
www.nasa.gov/exploration/systems/sls/j2x/hotfire1.html

More about the J-2X Engine Development:
www.nasa.gov/j2x

There's a Flickr photoset about the J-2X egnine development, if you'd like to know more: www.flickr.com/photos/28634332@N05/sets/72157625345364038/

_____________________________________________
These official NASA photographs are being made available for publication by news organizations and/or for personal use printing by the subject(s) of the photographs. The photographs may not be used in materials, advertisements, products, or promotions that in any way suggest approval or endorsement by NASA. All Images used must be credited. For information on usage rights please visit: www.nasa.gov/audience/formedia/features/MP_Photo_Guidelin...

Scale Model Acoustic Testing for Space Launch System (NASA, Space Launch System, 04/15/13)

nobody@flickr.com (NASA's Marshall Space Flight Center) — Thu, 18 Apr 2013 08:35:03 -0700

NASA's Marshall Space Flight Center posted a photo:

A collection of four thrusters representing the core stage engines of the new Space Launch System are ignited at Test Stand 115 at the Marshall Space Flight Center in Huntsville, Ala. The green flame is a result of the ignition fluid that is burned along with the propellant during this short duration test. The completed scale model of the SLS vehicle, planned for testing later this year, will help design the water suppression system for the launch pad facility at the Kennedy Space Center in Florida.

Image credit: NASA/MSFC

Read more:
www.nasa.gov/exploration/systems/sls/multimedia/gallery/s...

More about SLS:
www.nasa.gov/exploration/systems/sls/index.html

Space Launch System Flickr photoset:
www.flickr.com/photos/28634332@N05/sets/72157627559536895/

_____________________________________________
These official NASA photographs are being made available for publication by news organizations and/or for personal use printing by the subject(s) of the photographs. The photographs may not be used in materials, advertisements, products, or promotions that in any way suggest approval or endorsement by NASA. All Images used must be credited. For information on usage rights please visit: www.nasa.gov/audience/formedia/features/MP_Photo_Guidelin...

Big Dreams of a Bright Space Future (NASA, Space Launch System, 10/30/12)

nobody@flickr.com (NASA's Marshall Space Flight Center) — Wed, 10 Apr 2013 08:39:55 -0700

NASA's Marshall Space Flight Center posted a photo:

A tiny visitor to the California Science Center in Los Angeles dreams big during the space shuttle Endeavour celebration Oct. 30-Nov. 4, 2012.

Image credit: NASA/MSFC/K. Pierce

More about SLS:
www.nasa.gov/exploration/systems/sls/index.html

Space Launch System Flickr photoset:
www.flickr.com/photos/28634332@N05/sets/72157627559536895/

_____________________________________________
These official NASA photographs are being made available for publication by news organizations and/or for personal use printing by the

subject(s) of the photographs. The photographs may not be used in materials, advertisements, products, or promotions that in any way suggest

approval or endorsement by NASA. All Images used must be credited. For information on usage rights please visit: www.nasa.gov/audience/formedia/features/MP_Photo_Guidelin...

Space Launch System Model and Shuttle Atlantis (NASA, Space Launch System, 11/02/12)

nobody@flickr.com (NASA's Marshall Space Flight Center) — Wed, 10 Apr 2013 08:33:26 -0700

NASA's Marshall Space Flight Center posted a photo:

A 6-foot-tall model of NASA's Space Launch System – which is managed at the Marshall Space Flight Center -- stands near the space shuttle Atlantis as the orbiter makes its final voyage on Nov. 2, 2012, rolling from the Kennedy Space Center's orbiter processing facility to its permanent home at Kennedy's visitor's center. Thousands of people from across the country and as far away as New Zealand, Europe and South America were on hand for the "Atlantis Rollover" celebration Nov. 2-4, and were given the opportunity to learn about the Space Launch System.

Image credit: NASA/KSC

More about SLS:
www.nasa.gov/exploration/systems/sls/index.html

Space Launch System Flickr photoset:
www.flickr.com/photos/28634332@N05/sets/72157627559536895/

_____________________________________________
These official NASA photographs are being made available for publication by news organizations and/or for personal use printing by the

subject(s) of the photographs. The photographs may not be used in materials, advertisements, products, or promotions that in any way suggest

approval or endorsement by NASA. All Images used must be credited. For information on usage rights please visit: www.nasa.gov/audience/formedia/features/MP_Photo_Guidelin...

Orion Spacecraft Adapter (NASA, Space Launch System, 03/26/13)

nobody@flickr.com (NASA's Marshall Space Flight Center) — Tue, 26 Mar 2013 08:26:34 -0700

NASA's Marshall Space Flight Center posted a photo:

An adapter for the Orion spacecraft is under construction at NASA's Marshall Space Flight Center in Huntsville, Ala., for the capsule's first test flight in 2014. The same design will be used for the flight test of the full-size Space Launch System rocket in 2017.

Image credit: NASA/MSFC

Read more:
www.nasa.gov/exploration/systems/sls/multimedia/gallery/r...

More about SLS:
www.nasa.gov/exploration/systems/sls/index.html

Space Launch System Flickr photoset:
www.flickr.com/photos/28634332@N05/sets/72157627559536895/

_____________________________________________
These official NASA photographs are being made available for publication by news organizations and/or for personal use printing by the subject(s) of the photographs. The photographs may not be used in materials, advertisements, products, or promotions that in any way suggest approval or endorsement by NASA. All Images used must be credited. For information on usage rights please visit: www.nasa.gov/audience/formedia/features/MP_Photo_Guidelin...

J-2X Engine and New Turbo Pump Exhaust Port Cover (NASA, Space Launch System, 03/20/13)

nobody@flickr.com (NASA's Marshall Space Flight Center) — Wed, 20 Mar 2013 13:35:00 -0700

NASA's Marshall Space Flight Center posted a photo:

The J-2X engine before installation at the Stennis Space Center. The engine's new turbo pump exhaust port cover (detailed inset) was recently built by Pratt & Whitney Rocketdyne of Canoga Park, Calif., using a pioneering manufacturing process called Selective Laser Melting.

Image credit: NASA/MSFC

Read more:
www.nasa.gov/exploration/systems/sls/j2x/3d_print.html

More about J-2X:
www.nasa.gov/exploration/systems/sls/j2x/

More about SLS:
www.nasa.gov/exploration/systems/sls/index.html

Space Launch System Flickr photoset:
www.flickr.com/photos/28634332@N05/sets/72157627559536895/

_____________________________________________
These official NASA photographs are being made available for publication by news organizations and/or for personal use printing by the subject(s) of the photographs. The photographs may not be used in materials, advertisements, products, or promotions that in any way suggest approval or endorsement by NASA. All Images used must be credited. For information on usage rights please visit: www.nasa.gov/audience/formedia/features/MP_Photo_Guidelin...

Full-Duration Test for J-2X Engine (NASA, J-2X, SLS, 02/27/13)

nobody@flickr.com (NASA's Marshall Space Flight Center) — Thu, 28 Feb 2013 12:21:45 -0800

NASA's Marshall Space Flight Center posted a photo:

J-2X rocket engine testing continues at NASA's Stennis Space Center in Mississippi with the second in a series of tests conducted on Feb. 27. The 550-second, full-duration test provided critical information on the combustion stability of the engine and on its performance with the nozzle extension. Engineers also continued evaluation of the test stand's clamshell configuration, as well as calibration of the facility's cryogenic flow meters. J-2X engine testing allows engineers to collect additional data on the next-generation engine that will provide upper-stage power for the new Space Launch System (SLS) under development. NASA's new SLS rocket is being developed to enable missions farther into space than ever. The SLS Program is managed by the NASA's Marshall Space Flight Center in Huntsville, Ala. Following this series of tests on the A-2 Test Stand, Engine No. 10002 will be transferred to the site's A-1 stand to undergo gimbal (or pivot) tests for the first time. The J-2X engine is the first human-rated liquid oxygen and liquid hydrogen engine developed in the United States in four decades. It is being designed and built for NASA by Pratt & Whitney Rocketdyne of Canoga Park, Calif.

Image credit: NASA/SSC

View original image/caption:
www.nasa.gov/exploration/systems/sls/j2x/j2x_feb27_2.html

More about the J-2X Engine Development:
www.nasa.gov/j2x

There's a Flickr photoset about the J-2X egnine development, if you'd like to know more: www.flickr.com/photos/28634332@N05/sets/72157625345364038/

_____________________________________________
These official NASA photographs are being made available for publication by news organizations and/or for personal use printing by the subject(s) of the photographs. The photographs may not be used in materials, advertisements, products, or promotions that in any way suggest approval or endorsement by NASA. All Images used must be credited. For information on usage rights please visit: www.nasa.gov/audience/formedia/features/MP_Photo_Guidelin...

Full-Duration Test for J-2X Engine (NASA, J-2X, SLS, 02/27/13)

nobody@flickr.com (NASA's Marshall Space Flight Center) — Thu, 28 Feb 2013 12:21:44 -0800

NASA's Marshall Space Flight Center posted a photo:

J-2X rocket engine testing continues at NASA's Stennis Space Center in Mississippi with the second in a series of tests conducted on Feb. 27. The 550-second, full-duration test provided critical information on the combustion stability of the engine and on its performance with the nozzle extension. Engineers also continued evaluation of the test stand's clamshell configuration, as well as calibration of the facility's cryogenic flow meters. J-2X engine testing allows engineers to collect additional data on the next-generation engine that will provide upper-stage power for the new Space Launch System (SLS) under development. NASA's new SLS rocket is being developed to enable missions farther into space than ever. The SLS Program is managed by the NASA's Marshall Space Flight Center in Huntsville, Ala. Following this series of tests on the A-2 Test Stand, Engine No. 10002 will be transferred to the site's A-1 stand to undergo gimbal (or pivot) tests for the first time. The J-2X engine is the first human-rated liquid oxygen and liquid hydrogen engine developed in the United States in four decades. It is being designed and built for NASA by Pratt & Whitney Rocketdyne of Canoga Park, Calif.

Image credit: NASA/SSC

View original image/caption:
www.nasa.gov/exploration/systems/sls/j2x/j2x_feb27_1.html

More about the J-2X Engine Development:
www.nasa.gov/j2x

There's a Flickr photoset about the J-2X egnine development, if you'd like to know more: www.flickr.com/photos/28634332@N05/sets/72157625345364038/

_____________________________________________
These official NASA photographs are being made available for publication by news organizations and/or for personal use printing by the subject(s) of the photographs. The photographs may not be used in materials, advertisements, products, or promotions that in any way suggest approval or endorsement by NASA. All Images used must be credited. For information on usage rights please visit: www.nasa.gov/audience/formedia/features/MP_Photo_Guidelin...

New Round of J-2X Testing (NASA, J-2X, SLS, 02/15/13)

nobody@flickr.com (NASA's Marshall Space Flight Center) — Fri, 15 Feb 2013 18:47:10 -0800

NASA's Marshall Space Flight Center posted a photo:

NASA engineers conducted the first in a new round of tests on the next-generation J-2X rocket engine Feb. 15 at Stennis Space Center. The 35-second test continued progress in development of the engine that will provide upper-stage power for NASA's new Space Launch System, which will enable missions farther into space than ever. The SLS Program is managed at NASA's Marshall Space Flight Center in Huntsville, Ala. The new round of tests on J-2X engine number 10002 on the A-2 Test Stand at Stennis will provide critical performance data for the engine. Once the series is completed, the engine will be transferred to the A-1 Test Stand at Stennis to undergo a series of gimbal (or pivot) tests for the first time. The J-2X engine is the first human-rated liquid oxygen and liquid hydrogen engine developed in the United States in decades. It is being designed and built by NASA and partner Pratt & Whitney Rocketdyne of Canoga Park, Calif.

Image credit: NASA/SSC

View original image/caption:
www.nasa.gov/exploration/systems/sls/j2x/j2x_feb15_2.html

More about the J-2X Engine Development:
www.nasa.gov/j2x

There's a Flickr photoset about the J-2X egnine development, if you'd like to know more: www.flickr.com/photos/28634332@N05/sets/72157625345364038/

_____________________________________________
These official NASA photographs are being made available for publication by news organizations and/or for personal use printing by the subject(s) of the photographs. The photographs may not be used in materials, advertisements, products, or promotions that in any way suggest approval or endorsement by NASA. All Images used must be credited. For information on usage rights please visit: www.nasa.gov/audience/formedia/features/MP_Photo_Guidelin...

J-2X Engine 'Gets a Lift' at Stennis (NASA, J-2X, SLS, 02/11/13)

nobody@flickr.com (NASA's Marshall Space Flight Center) — Tue, 12 Feb 2013 09:38:48 -0800

NASA's Marshall Space Flight Center posted a photo:

Test engineers hoist the J-2X engine for installation into the A-2 Test Stand at the Stennis Space Center in Mississippi.

Image credit: NASA/SSC

View original image/caption:
www.nasa.gov/exploration/systems/sls/j2x/j2x_engine10002_...

More about the J-2X Engine Development:
www.nasa.gov/j2x

There's a Flickr photoset about the J-2X egnine development, if you'd like to know more: www.flickr.com/photos/28634332@N05/sets/72157625345364038/

_____________________________________________
These official NASA photographs are being made available for publication by news organizations and/or for personal use printing by the subject(s) of the photographs. The photographs may not be used in materials, advertisements, products, or promotions that in any way suggest approval or endorsement by NASA. All Images used must be credited. For information on usage rights please visit: www.nasa.gov/audience/formedia/features/MP_Photo_Guidelin...

J-2X Engine Prepares for Testing (NASA, J-2X, SLS, 02/11/13)

nobody@flickr.com (NASA's Marshall Space Flight Center) — Tue, 12 Feb 2013 08:53:45 -0800

NASA's Marshall Space Flight Center posted a photo:

A J-2X engine, right, is being transported to the A-2 Test Stand at the Stennis Space Center in Mississippi.

Image credit: NASA/SSC

View original image/caption:
www.nasa.gov/exploration/systems/sls/j2x/j2x_engine10002_...

More about the J-2X Engine Development:
www.nasa.gov/j2x

There's a Flickr photoset about the J-2X egnine development, if you'd like to know more: www.flickr.com/photos/28634332@N05/sets/72157625345364038/

_____________________________________________
These official NASA photographs are being made available for publication by news organizations and/or for personal use printing by the subject(s) of the photographs. The photographs may not be used in materials, advertisements, products, or promotions that in any way suggest approval or endorsement by NASA. All Images used must be credited. For information on usage rights please visit: www.nasa.gov/audience/formedia/features/MP_Photo_Guidelin...

J-2X Engine in A-2 Test Stand (NASA, J-2X, SLS, 02/11/13)

nobody@flickr.com (NASA's Marshall Space Flight Center) — Tue, 12 Feb 2013 08:55:18 -0800

NASA's Marshall Space Flight Center posted a photo:

Saturn V F-1 Gas Generator Hot-fire Test (NASA, Space Launch System, 01/10/13)

nobody@flickr.com (NASA's Marshall Space Flight Center) — Fri, 08 Feb 2013 08:52:06 -0800

NASA's Marshall Space Flight Center posted a photo:

Happy Friday, Flickr friends. Found one more really good "smoke and fire image" from the Jan. 10 test. Have a great weekend.

On Jan. 10, 2013, the Saturn V F-1 gas generator completed a 20-second hot-fire test. Engineers are completing a series of tests at Test Stand 116 located in the East Test Area at NASA's Marshall Space Flight Center in Huntsville, Ala. The primary test objectives are to gather performance data from the refurbished gas generator and to demonstrate new test stand capabilities for conducting future tests with liquid oxygen and rocket grade kerosene fuel, known as Rocket Propellant 1. This digital data also will help engineers refine engine combustion computer models and analyze different fuel mixture ratios and soot production. All data will be valuable for the development of advanced propulsion systems.

Image credit: NASA/MSFC

Read more:
www.nasa.gov/exploration/systems/sls/f1_sls.html

Original image:
www.nasa.gov/exploration/systems/sls/multimedia/gallery/f...

More about SLS:
www.nasa.gov/exploration/systems/sls/index.html

Space Launch System Flickr photoset:
www.flickr.com/photos/28634332@N05/sets/72157627559536895/

_____________________________________________
These official NASA photographs are being made available for publication by news organizations and/or for personal use printing by the subject(s) of the photographs. The photographs may not be used in materials, advertisements, products, or promotions that in any way suggest approval or endorsement by NASA. All Images used must be credited. For information on usage rights please visit: www.nasa.gov/audience/formedia/features/MP_Photo_Guidelin...

F-1 Engine Gas Generator Test at Marshall (NASA, Space Launch System, 01/24/13)

nobody@flickr.com (NASA's Marshall Space Flight Center) — Thu, 24 Jan 2013 14:35:25 -0800

NASA's Marshall Space Flight Center posted a photo:

To help develop the nation’s future heavy lift rocket, NASA resurrected the world's most powerful rocket engine ever flown -- the mighty F-1 that powered the Saturn V rocket-- and test fired it's gas generator today at the Marshall Space Flight Center in Huntsville, Ala.

NASA engineers ran the gas generator at the Marshall Center's Test Stand 116. The test is part of a series that will push the gas generator to limits beyond prior Apollo-era tests. Modern instruments on the test stand measured performance and combustion properties to allow engineers a starting point for creating a new, more affordable, advanced propulsion system.

"Our young engineers are getting their hands dirty by working with one of NASA's most famous engines," said Tom Williams, Director of the Propulsion Systems Department in Marshall Engineering Directorate. "These tests are only the beginning. As SLS research activities progress, these young NASA engineers will continue work with our industry partners to test and evaluate the benefits of using a powerful propulsion system fueled by liquid oxygen and rocket grade kerosene, a propellant we haven't tested with in some time."

The gas generator tested at Marshall today is a key F-1 rocket component that burns liquid oxygen and kerosene and is the part of the engine responsible for supplying power to drive the giant turbopump. The gas generator is often one of the first pieces designed on a new engine because it is a key part for determining the engine's size, which is a factor in the engine's power and ability to lift heavy payloads and send them to space.

NASA's Space Launch System will provide an entirely new capability for human exploration beyond low Earth orbit. The initial 77-ton (70-metric-ton) SLS configuration will use two 5-segment solid rocket boosters similar to the boosters that helped power the space shuttle to orbit. The evolved 143-ton (130-metric-ton) SLS vehicle will require an advanced booster with more thrust than any existing U.S. liquid- or solid-fueled boosters. Last year, NASA awarded three contracts aimed at improving the affordability, reliability and performance of the rocket’s advanced booster, including one focused on the F-1 engine.

Image credit: NASA/MSFC

Read more:
www.nasa.gov/exploration/systems/sls/f1_test.html

Original image:
www.nasa.gov/exploration/systems/sls/multimedia/gallery/f...

More about SLS:
www.nasa.gov/exploration/systems/sls/index.html

Space Launch System Flickr photoset:
www.flickr.com/photos/28634332@N05/sets/72157627559536895/

_____________________________________________
These official NASA photographs are being made available for publication by news organizations and/or for personal use printing by the subject(s) of the photographs. The photographs may not be used in materials, advertisements, products, or promotions that in any way suggest approval or endorsement by NASA. All Images used must be credited. For information on usage rights please visit: www.nasa.gov/audience/formedia/features/MP_Photo_Guidelin...