RS-68
Engine · USA
Original archive entry. The text, images and links below are kept as they were written.
Credit: Boeing / Rocketdyne
Rocketdyne LOx/LH2 rocket engine. In production. First new large liquid-fueled rocket engine developed in America in more than 25 years. Powered the Delta IV booster. First flight 2002.
In the 1990's Rocketdyne was simultaneously developing the first two new large liquid-fueled rocket engines in the United States in more than 25 years. One of these - the RS-68 - would power the Delta IV evolved expendable launch vehicle (EELV) being developed by The Boeing Company. The bell nozzle RS-68 is a liquid hydrogen-liquid oxygen booster engine that develops 650,000 lb. of sea level thrust. The RS-68 utilizes a simplified design philosophy resulting in a drastic reduction in parts compared to current cryogenic engines. This design approach results in lower development and production costs. The engine can be throttled to 60% of full thrust level. Designed for booster applications. Gas generator, pump-fed.
Engine: 6,597 kg (14,543 lb). Chamber Pressure: 95.92 bar. Area Ratio: 21.5. Thrust to Weight Ratio: 51.2.
Subtopics
- RS-68 Regen Rocketdyne LOx/LH2 rocket engine. Design concept -2004. Upgrade to basic RS-68 for Delta IV Heavy growth versions. Would use a regeneratively-cooled expansion nozzle, allowing it to run hotter, with higher thrust and specific impulse.
- RS-68B Rocketdyne LOx/LH2 rocket engine. Design concept -2004. Upgrade (details not specified) to basic RS-68 for Delta IV Heavy growth versions.
- RS-800 Rocketdyne LOx/LH2 rocket engine. Design concept -2004. New high-thrust cryogenic engine for Delta IV Heavy growth versions.
Related
- Country
- USA
- Launch Vehicles
- Delta 4M+(4,2), Delta 4M, Delta 4H, Delta IV Small, Delta 4M+(5,4), Delta 4M+(5,2)
- Propellants
- Lox/LH2
- Stages
- Delta RS-68
- Agency
- Rocketdyne