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LOX/Ethanol Reaction Control System
Northrop Grumman is developing an 870-lbf liquid oxygen/ethanol Reaction Control System (RCS) thruster for use as on-orbit propulsion to maneuver second-generation launch and space transportation vehicles during payload deployment and docking.
An advanced, uncoated platinum-iridium chamber was designed built and tested in September 2003. This long-life chamber material promises to increase thruster reliability by eliminating oxidation-resistent coatings. Testing at Northrop Grumman's Capistrano test site has successfully demonstrated performance and thermal evaluations. A five second engine burn of the liquid oxygen/ethanol thruster can be seen below.
Northrop Grumman is conducting additional research and testing on long-life chamber materials to increase thruster reliability by eliminating oxidation resistant coatings.
LOX/Ethanol Reaction Control System Firing
These videos are available as MediaPlayer files. To view and save these files, you will need the latest version of the Windows MediaPlayer plug-in installed on your computer.
South View
(736 kb; duration - 18 sec)
Lower Stand View
(635 kb; duration - 15 sec)
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