For release: 11-20-03
Photo release #: 03-203

NASA, Air Force achieve key milestones on next-generation engine

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The Integrated Powerhead Demonstrator's fuel turbopump is test-fired at NASA's Stennis Space Center near Bay St. Louis, Miss. The liquid-hydrogen fuel turbopump was developed for NASA and the Air Force by the Rocketdyne Propulsion and Power division of the Boeing Company of Canoga Park, Calif. Testing of the turbopump was completed in October — a critical milestone in the development of innovative engine systems that could, within decades, power a new generation of American space launch vehicles. (Stennis Space Center)

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The oxidizer preburner — intended to initiate the fuel combustion process for the Integrated Powerhead Demonstrator — was designed and tested for NASA and the Air Force by Aerojet Corp. of Sacramento, Calif., facilities. The preburner generates oxygen-rich steam for use by the oxygen turbopump's turbine. Testing of the preburner was completed in October — a critical milestone in the development of innovative engine systems that could, within decades, power a new generation of American space launch vehicles. (Aerojet Corp.)

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An artist's rendering of the Integrated Powerhead Demonstrator, a joint NASA/Air Force research effort intended to lead to development of innovative engine systems that could, within decades, power a new generation of American space launch vehicles. Incorporating components designed and tested by the Rocketdyne Propulsion and Power division of the Boeing Company of Canoga Park, Calif., and Aerojet Corp. of Sacramento, Calif., the project is led by NASA's Next-Generation Launch Technology program and by the U.S. Department of Defense's Integrated High Payoff Rocket Propulsion Technology program. (NASA/MSFC)