X-33's innovative aerospike engine undergoes a similar firing test on February 3. Photo: NASA/SSC

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. NASAšs Marshall Space Flight Center in Huntsville, Ala., manages the X-33 program for NASA.