Lander Technology: LOX/CH4 Engine
Project Description
Hotfire testing is being performed of a MSFC-developed 4500-lbf thrust regeneratively cooled LOX/CH4 engine with additively-manufactured thrust chamber. Testing of the 4500-lbf thruster will demonstrate methane-based regenerative cooling, verify performance, and anchor thermal models. The design can be scaled and fabricated for higher thrust levels (e.g. 100 kN / 22 klbf class engine). A parallel effort is underway witha 1000 lbf LOX/CH4 thruster with both additively-manufactured thrust chamber and injector.
More »Anticipated Benefits
This technology has potential application to human and robotic missins to the Moon and Mars. The benefits include enabling the development of space propulsion systems that use non-toxic ("green") propellants, potentially producible from space resources. Liquid oxygen/methane (LOX/CH4) engines feature high performance including high specific impulse (Isp), and are being produced using new, lower-cost additive manufacturing techniques (3-D printing). These qualities improve the operability, affordability, and sustainability of space systems.
More »Project Library
Primary U.S. Work Locations and Key Partners
| Organizations Performing Work | Role | Type | Location |
|---|---|---|---|
Marshall Space Flight Center
(MSFC)
|
Lead Organization | NASA Center | Huntsville, Alabama |
| Co-Funding Partners | Type | Location |
|---|---|---|
| Masten Space Systems, Inc. | Industry | Mojave, California |
Primary U.S. Work Locations
-
Alabama
-
California
