J-2X starts test series

J-2X test April 26, 2012. NASA/SSC photo

STENNIS SPACE CENTER, Miss. -- NASA kicked off the next round of testing on the Pratt and Whitney Rocketdyne J-2X rocket engine Thursday, gathering data on the performance of the newly-installed engine nozzle extension and test stand "clamshell" as well as on the engine start and shutdown sequences. The test on the A-2 Test Stand begins a second, more extensive round of testing for the next-generation engine selected as part of the Space Launch System. The nozzle extension and clamshell equipment allow operators to test the engine at simulated altitudes up to 50,000 feet. (Source: NASA/SSC, 04/26/12)