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Masten Space Systems Makes Propulsion Strides
Masten Space Systems successfully tests a regeneratively cooled Katana class engine, the KA6A. The Katana class engines are rated up to 4,000lbf of thrust with this engine running at ~2,800lbf during this test. Masten has been designing, testing and improving several key pieces of enabling flight hardware and during this test evolution they demonstrate the successful integration of some of those items.
Key hardware in this test include:
- The Katana KA6A, an all aluminum regeneratively cooled LOX/IPA 3,000lbf rated engine– fully designed in-house.
- Masten’s test trailer was outfitted with an already flight proven 600psi cryo rated aluminum ball valve that was designed entirely by the Masten team, including the ball. The ball valve unit is actuated by a Masten designed and built lightweight aluminum pneumatic actuator assembly that includes an integral pressure accumulator and features a positive fail-safe return.
- Their newest spark exciter design is also integrated; a low power, small footprint, lightweight and adaptable form factor device.
- The test trailer has also been validating their new brushless DC throttle valve motors, brushless DC motor controllers and new engine control code.
Moonandback
reports on spaceflight daily and our documentary project interviews \”the people who are making space happen\”.
2012-12-13 04:02:14
Source: http://moonandback.com/2012/12/12/masten-space-systems-makes-propulsion-strides/
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