Spaceflight Now | Breaking News | Hybrid rocket test at Edwards AFB is successful

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Hybrid rocket test at Edwards AFB is successful
AIR FORCE NEWS RELEASE
Posted: June 14, 2005

A hybrid rocket motor intended to provide a low-cost responsive small launch vehicle (SLV) was recently tested for the second time here at Edwards Air Force Base, California.

The second in a series of hybrid rocket motor firings on Air Force Research Laboratory's massive Edwards Research Site test stands provided a preview of future small satellite launch capabilities and missions. Credit: Air Force

The test took place on the Air Force Research Laboratory's Test Stand 2-A, which sits on Leuhman Ridge overlooking Edward's Rodgers dry lakebed and the surrounding Mojave Desert. The hybrid motor, which uses a rubberized fuel and liquid oxygen to create approximately 23,500 pounds of thrust was successfully tested on June 10 at 1304 local time. The test ran for the planned duration of 120 seconds and an initial review of the data indicated that the program objectives were met.

The test was part of the joint Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA) and Air Force program called Falcon/SLV. Its goal is to develop an affordable, responsive launcher capable of placing a small satellite into a low earth orbit.

Lockheed Martin Space Systems - Michoud Operations, one of four companies awarded the DARPA/AF contracts to explore a range of SLV designs, successfully tested a similar hybrid rocket for the first time, January 21, this year, on the Lab's Test Stand 2-A. As the program progresses, Falcon/SLV candidates will be selected for additional development efforts that will culminate in a launch demonstration.

Credit: Air Force

Test Stand 2-A is the Department of Defense's most capable rocket component development facility, able to test the family of rockets proposed for the program. The AFRL's Edwards Research Site encompasses 65 square miles of Edwards AFB. Its personnel and unique research and development facilities provide state-of-the-art capabilities for researchers who generate the latest rocket propulsion technology possible for the nation.