It’s official, NASA has successfully tested the first full-scale rotating detonation rocket engine (RDRE), an advanced design that could be used for future deep space missions. Unlike traditional rocket engines that generate thrust using a supersonic combustion phenomenon known as a detonation, the RDRE design generates more power while using less fuel by incorporating a NASA-developed copper-alloy GRCop-42 with the powder bed fusion additive manufacturing process. This enables the engine to operate under extreme conditions for longer durations without overheating.
Another goal achieved during the test include the successful performance of both deep throttling and internal ignition. Due to the success of this test, NASA is closer than ever to bringing the technology to be used with future flight vehicles, which means the ability for the agency and commercial companies to move more payload to deep space destinations, an essential component to making space exploration more sustainable.
- INTERMEDIATE MODEL ROCKET SET: This Estes rocket-building set offers kids ages 10+ and experienced builders the chance to make a 1/66th-scale model of...
- SOARS UP TO 700 FT.: The Blue Origin New Shepard rocket has a light weight and a projected altitude of up to 700 ft. (213 m) using a C6-5 engine (sold...
- READY TO ASSEMBLE: Rocket building inspires creativity and a passion for science and outer space! Our intermediate-skill rocket kit comes ready to...
Because of NASA’s recent success with the RDRE, follow-on work is being conducted by NASA engineers to develop a fully reusable 10,000-pound class RDRE to identify performance benefits over traditional liquid rocket engines,” said the agency.
