Friday, December 14, 2012

Powerpack tests concluded

J-2X powerpack test at Stennis Space Center
NASA photo
STENNIS SPACE CENTER, Miss. -- Engineers conducted the final test-firing of the J-2X powerpack assembly Thursday at NASA's Stennis Space Center. The powerpack assembly, a system of components on top of the engine that feeds propellants to the bell nozzle of the engine to produce thrust, has burned millions of pounds of propellants during a series of 13 tests totaling more than an hour and a half in 2012. The testing team set several records for hot-firing duration at Stennis test stands during the summer. NASA engineers will remove the assembly from the test stand to focus on tests of the fully integrated engine. Installation on a test stand at Stennis will begin in 2013. The J-2X, developed by Rocketdyne, will power the upper stage of the Space Launch System that will take astronauts into deep space missions. (Source: NASA, 12/14/12)