Monday, January 4, 2010

Work continues on A-3 stand

STENNIS SPACE CENTER, Miss. – This year will bring several milestones in the construction of the A-3 stand that will be used to test the next generation of rocket engines. Lonnie Dutreix, A-3 project manager, said some of the deadlines are tentative as the future direction of NASA’s exploration program is decided. A-3 will be used to test the J-2X engine, a key propulsion system for NASA’s Constellation Program. This year workers will install the stand’s test cell and diffuser, which let operators simulate altitudes of up to 100,000 feet using a series of chemical steam generators to create a vacuum. The test cell and diffuser is being manufactured by American Tank and Vessel Inc. at its facility in Lucedale, Miss. The stand is slated to be finished in late 2011. (Source: NASA, 01/04/10)