Three Pratt & Whitney Rocketdyne Space Shuttle Main Engines (SSME) today successfully powered the launch of Space Shuttle Endeavour on Mission STS-130 to deliver a third connecting module and a seven-windowed cupola to the International Space Station. The SSME is the only fully reusable high-performance rocket engine rated for human space flight. Pratt & Whitney Rocketdyne is a United Technologies Corp. (NYSE:UTX) company.
Endeavour launched from NASA’s Kennedy Space Center on the 32nd flight to the space station for a mission that will include three spacewalks to install Tranquility, a pressurized Italian-built module that will provide additional living and work space for crews aboard the space station. Astronauts will also install the cupola, a robotic control station with a circular bay window that will allow the crew to monitor spacewalks and docking operations with a 360-degree view.
“Pratt & Whitney Rocketdyne congratulates NASA on another successful launch,” said Jim Paulsen, SSME program manager, Pratt & Whitney Rocketdyne. “The Space Shuttle Main Engines continue to demonstrate our commitment to safety, mission assurance and the advancement of human space exploration. Their success stems directly from the extensive knowledge and understanding we have gained during the shuttle program.”
Pratt & Whitney Rocketdyne, Inc., a part of Pratt & Whitney, is a preferred provider of high-value propulsion, power, energy and innovative system solutions used in a wide variety of government and commercial applications, including the main engines for the space shuttle, Atlas and Delta launch vehicles, missile defense systems and advanced hypersonic engines.
Pratt & Whitney is a world leader in the design, manufacture and service of aircraft engines, space propulsion systems and industrial gas turbines. United Technologies, based in Hartford, Conn., is a diversified company providing high technology products and services to the global aerospace and commercial building industries.
