A new powerful cryogenic upper stage engine is to be developed by Pratt&Whitney, the company said at the show.
The liquid oxygen/liquid hydrogen engine, called the RL-50, could be used as the powerplant on both US and international launch vehicles, the company says.
The engine will complement the current RL-10 engine, versions of which are used on Centaur upper stages and as the upper stage of the Delta III.
The RL-50 will have double the thrust, however, reaching levels greater than 20,000kg (90kN) but being the same size as the RL-10. It will be ready for service in 2003, the company says.
The engine will be the first new liquid upper stage engine development by the USA since the early 1960s.
Source: Flight Daily News
