Summer Heat

August 6, 2009 -- A white-hot flame surrounded by red hot exhaust shoots from a recent test of the J-2X engine "workhorse" gas generator at NASA's Marshall Space Flight Center, Huntsville, Ala. The workhorse gas generator simulates the flow path inside the actual J-2X gas generator that powers the engine's turbo machinery. Testing to ensure stable combustion and uniform gas temperature in this component translates into a safer, more durable J-2X engine, which will power the second stage of the new Ares I rocket.

Image credit: NASA/MSFC

For more information about Ares, visit:

http://www.nasa.gov/ares


Jennifer Morcone, Marshall Space Flight Center, Huntsville, Ala.
256-544-0034
jennifer.j.morcone@nasa.gov