The US Space Shuttle uses three reusable rocket engines which utilize Liquid Oxygen and Liquid Hydrogen as propellants. The engines are attached to the space shuttle orbiter.
SSME Specifications:
Weight:
3, 150Kg
Length:
4.2 meters
Diameter:
2.25 meters
Engine Thrust: 488, 000
pounds
The Space Shutle Main Engine was developed in the 1970s by NASA's Marshall Space Flight Center in Huntsville, Alabama, USA.
Enhancements to the Space Shuttle Main Engines are in progress. NASA continues to increase their reliability and safety.
The latest modifications include new high-pressure fuel and oxidizer turbopumps, a two-duct powerhead, a single-coil heat exchanger and a large-throat main combustion chamber.
Reference:
Goto Propulsion Guide Home Page
Goto Space Projects and Info Home Page
Copyright © 2000-2008 Vic Stathopoulos. All rights reserved.
Updated: Saturday 5th, July, 2008