"Astrobotic" company has completed testing of its "Chakram" rotational detonation rocket engine (RDRE) at NASA's Marshall Space Flight Center in Alabama. As part of the campaign, two prototypes of the engine underwent eight hot-fire tests and operated for a total of more than 470 seconds. Ixbt.com reports.
During the tests, a continuous burn lasting 300 seconds was singled out. According to company representatives, this figure may be the current world record for rotational detonation engines.
Each engine demonstrated more than 1.8 tons of thrust (about 18 kN).
Unlike conventional liquid-fueled rocket engines, rotational detonation units use rotating supersonic detonation waves in an annular combustion chamber. This technology makes it possible to use fuel energy much more efficiently.
"Astrobotic" plans to use the "Chakram" engine in the future in "Griffin" lunar landers, reusable "Xodiac" and "Xogdor" rockets, and new orbital vehicles. Engineers said the successful tests would provide a solid foundation for the next stage.
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