The testing demonstrated a measure of efficiency called specific impulse (Isp) of 325 seconds, five to ten seconds above currently available technology in this engine class. This performance increase provides significant advantages to spacecraft designers looking to reduce propellant mass, increase payload capability and potentially reduce launch costs.

The TR312 model is designed with a patented iridium-coated rhenium thrust chamber, which is better able to withstand the extreme temperatures associated with high performance levels. The rhenium thrust chamber is formed using a powder metallurgy process, which delivers superior material strength, reliability and product yield compared to chemical vapor deposition (CVD) rhenium.

"These tests provide a clear demonstration of TRW's rhenium engine technology in a flight configuration," said Robert Sackheim, manager of TRW's Propulsion Systems Center. "The results give us high confidence as we enter the qualification phase for the TR312. We believe the capabilities of this engine are ideal for high-efficiency orbit insertion of large geosynchronous satellites as well as other spacecraft requiring high-performance propulsion."

The recent tests were conducted at TRW's Capistrano Test Site using a flight-like prototype of the engine. The prototype included a 245:1 nozzle, flight valves and a full complement of instrumentation. The hot fire tests, conducted in a vacuum chamber to simulate space conditions, demonstrated performance, stability and lifetime over a range of operating conditions typical of potential spacecraft applications.

The high-performance engine burns a combination of fuels -- monomethylhydrazine (MMH) and nitrogen tetroxide (NTO) -- and operates at a nominal thrust of 110 pounds. It also can be easily configured to run with hydrazine and NTO.

TRW plans to complete qualification of the TR312 with MMH/NTO in early 2000. The company has future plans to qualify a hydrazine/NTO version of the TR312, which can deliver an Isp of 330 seconds.

TRW has been building liquid apogee engines for 20 years. The company's spacecraft propulsion products include a wide range of monopropellant and bipropellant rocket engines for spacecraft, launch vehicle and tactical applications.

Launcher - SpaceDaily Special Report

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