NASA - National Aeronautics and Space Administration

NASA Tests Engine Technology for Landing Astronauts on the Moon

The Common Extensible Cryogenic Engine, or CECE, is fueled by a mixture of liquid oxygen and liquid hydrogen chilled to sub-zero temperatures. Image Credit: Pratt & Whitney Rocketdyne
+ View large image
+ View Video (Windows, streaming)

A technology development engine that may help NASA safely return astronauts to the lunar surface has successfully completed its third round of testing. The goal of these tests is to reduce risk and advance technology for a reliable and robust rocket engine that could enable America's next moon landing.

The tests by Pratt & Whitney Rocketdyne in West Palm Beach, Fla., helped to gather data on this concept engine that might play a role in the next stage of human exploration of the moon. Most rockets make spacecraft travel faster. The goal of a lunar lander descent engine is to slow the vehicle so astronauts can land safely.

+ Read more

Three crew members work in the area of their lunar lander on the lunar surface in this NASA artist's rendering. Please note that this artwork is not precise. NASA currently is seeking input from industry experts and is developing conceptual designs for Altair. Image credit: NASA
+ View hi-res image
+ View lo-res image

NASA has selected Altair as the name of the lunar lander the Constellation Program will use to put humans on the moon.

Altair will be capable of landing four astronauts on the moon, providing life support and a base for weeklong initial surface exploration missions, and returning the crew to the Orion spacecraft that will bring them home to Earth. Altair will launch aboard an Ares V rocket into low Earth orbit, where it will rendezvous with the Orion crew vehicle.

+ Read more