A Delta II rocket carrying the MiTEx satellite was launched from the Cape Canaveral Air Force Station today by an RS-27A booster rocket engine, built by Pratt & Whitney Rocketdyne (PWR), a business unit of United Technologies Corporation. Today’s launch continues a three-decade legacy and again demonstrates why the RS-27 family has long been regarded as among the world’s most reliable propulsion systems.
MiTEx — or Micro-Satellite Technology Experiment — is a joint technology concept demonstration between the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA), United States Air Force (USAF), United States Navy (USN) and private industry to develop innovative satellite and launch technologies supporting Department of Defense (DoD) rapid and responsive access to space.
The PWR RS-27 family has built a 100-percent flight success record over its long service history. The RS-27A version, rated at 200,000 pounds of thrust (sea level), uses liquid oxygen and kerosene as propellants.
“Today’s flawless performance of the RS-27A engine is a reflection of the continuing dedication and professionalism of the entire PWR RS-27A team,” said Elizabeth Jones, program manager for the engine. “We’re looking forward to a very busy time supporting a heavy launch schedule in 2006 and 2007.”
Among the many missions already boosted by the RS-27 are GPS, Mars Pathfinder, Mars Global Surveyor, Deep Impact and Stardust. In addition, the Mars Rovers “Spirit” and “Opportunity” — still working on the Red Planet — were sent on their way by the RS-27A.
Pratt & Whitney Rocketdyne, Inc. offers a complete line of propulsion products for launch vehicles to missile defense to advanced hypersonic propulsion. These have been used in a wide variety of government and commercial applications, including the main engines for the space shuttle, Atlas and Delta launch vehicles, and high altitude defense systems. Pratt & Whitney is a world leader in the design, manufacture and service of aircraft engines, space propulsion systems and industrial gas turbines. United Technologies provides high-technology products and services to the aerospace and building industries.
