Chemical Propulsion: Greater than 60 Years of Leadership and Innovation at NASA Glenn Research Center
Publication: Journal of Aerospace Engineering
Volume 26, Issue 2
Abstract
The National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) Glenn Research Center (GRC) was built during World War II with the primary objective of catching up with the Germans in jet engine technology. A decade later, it seemed only natural that these same aeropropulsion engineers would progress into the largely unexplored field of space chemical propulsion. Starting before the launch of Sputnik set off the great space race, researchers at the GRC were testing and flying cryogenic hydrogen-fueled engines that were an eventual key to the success of the Apollo manned missions to the moon. In the 60 years since this first foray into chemical propulsion, engineers at the GRC have made countless innovations and contributions to every component of rocket engine technology. From energetic propellants to green fuels, from innovative metallic alloys to ceramic composites, from seals and bearings to igniters and injectors, and from upper stages and satellites to launch vehicles and planetary landers, the dedicated and creative people at the GRC have propelled the United States to the forefront of space exploration and continue to work toward an even more exciting future. Some of the highlights of this illustrious and ongoing journey are explored in this paper.
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Acknowledgments
The authors gratefully acknowledge contributions from many former and current employees of the GRC, including Kevin J. Breisacher, Michael V. Nathal, Margaret P. Proctor, Bruce M. Steinetz, and Erwin V. Zaretsky.
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Information & Authors
Information
Published In
Journal of Aerospace Engineering
Volume 26 • Issue 2 • April 2013
Pages: 317 - 333
Copyright
© 2013 American Society of Civil Engineers.
History
Received: Jul 2, 2012
Accepted: Nov 21, 2012
Published online: Mar 15, 2013
Published in print: Apr 1, 2013
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