Difference between revisions of "space shuttle main engine"
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| − | The Space Shuttle orbiter has three main engines (SSMEs), constructed by Rocketdyne. They are very sophisticated power plants that burn [[liquid hydrogen]] and [[liquid oxygen]] from the Space Shuttle external tank. They are used for propulsion during its ascent, in addition to the two more powerful Solid Rocket Boosters. Each engine can generate almost 1.8 MN (400,000 pounds) of thrust at liftoff. The engines are capable of generating a specific impulse (Isp) of 453 seconds in a vacuum, or 363 seconds at sea level. The engines are removed after every flight and taken to the Space Shuttle Main Engine Processing Facility (SSMEPF) for inspection and replacement of any necessary components. | + | The Space Shuttle orbiter has three main engines (SSMEs), constructed by [[Rocketdyne]]. They are very sophisticated power plants that burn [[liquid hydrogen]] and [[liquid oxygen]] from the Space Shuttle external tank. They are used for propulsion during its ascent, in addition to the two more powerful Solid Rocket Boosters. Each engine can generate almost 1.8 MN (400,000 pounds) of thrust at liftoff. The engines are capable of generating a specific impulse (Isp) of 453 seconds in a vacuum, or 363 seconds at sea level. The engines are removed after every flight and taken to the Space Shuttle Main Engine Processing Facility (SSMEPF) for inspection and replacement of any necessary components. |
A much longer and detailed article at Wikipedia: [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Space_shuttle_main_engines] | A much longer and detailed article at Wikipedia: [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Space_shuttle_main_engines] | ||
Revision as of 21:21, 25 April 2006
The Space Shuttle orbiter has three main engines (SSMEs), constructed by Rocketdyne. They are very sophisticated power plants that burn liquid hydrogen and liquid oxygen from the Space Shuttle external tank. They are used for propulsion during its ascent, in addition to the two more powerful Solid Rocket Boosters. Each engine can generate almost 1.8 MN (400,000 pounds) of thrust at liftoff. The engines are capable of generating a specific impulse (Isp) of 453 seconds in a vacuum, or 363 seconds at sea level. The engines are removed after every flight and taken to the Space Shuttle Main Engine Processing Facility (SSMEPF) for inspection and replacement of any necessary components.
A much longer and detailed article at Wikipedia: [1]