The X-33 Technology Demonstrator's linear aerospike engine has been test fired for 125s at NASA's Stennis Space Center in Mississippi. It was the longest test to date at 100% power for the Boeing Rocketdyne engine, exceeding a previous run by 30s.
The test also featured the first demonstration of 15% thrust vector control. The exercise also demonstrated engine operation at varied power levels and tested different mix ratios of the cryogenic liquid oxygen and liquid hydrogen propellants.
The XRS-2200 engine will power the X-33 half-scale, suborbital demonstrator for Lockheed Martin's proposed VentureStar commercial, reusable single-stage-to-orbit vehicle.
On completion of testing of four XRS-2200 powerplants, the flight engines will be tested before the maiden flight of the X-33, probably in mid-2001.
Lockheed Martin has yet to confirm a decision on the replacement of the composite propellant tanks with aluminium tanks, which will dictate the timing of the maiden flight, to be made from Edwards AFB, California.
Source: Flight International
