XRS-2200 Linear Aerospike Engine Test Status Report

Dave Drachlis
Media Relations Department
(256) 544-0034
dave.drachlis@msfc.nasa.gov

RELEASE: 00-130

The innovative aerospike engine that will power the X-33 Advanced Technology
Demonstrator successfully completed its 12th of 14 scheduled single-engine tests
April 6 at NASA’s Stennis Space Center, Miss. The 250-second test was the
longest to date.

All test objectives appear to have been met, pending final data review. There were
no anomalies or engine issues. Post-test inspections are under way. All remaining
single-engine aerospike tests scheduled at Stennis are planned to be
250-seconds in duration.

The XRS-2200 Aerospike engine was developed and assembled by Boeing
Rocketdyne Propulsion & Power, Canoga Park, Calif. The engine will power the
X-33, a half-scale, sub-orbital technology demonstrator of Lockheed Martin’s
proposed, commercial reusable launch vehicle called VentureStarTM.

The X-33 is being developed in partnership with NASA and Lockheed Martin
Aeronautics Company, Palmdale, Calif. NASA’s Marshall Space Flight Center in
Huntsville, Ala., manages the X-33 program for NASA.