The Air Force Research Laboratory (AFRL) has awarded Pratt and Whitney Rocketdyne a $2.35 million contract to perform risk-reduction tests on key components of the Third Generation Reusable Booster (3GRB) rocket engine design.
The 3GRB is a technology demonstration program for future U.S. Air Force spaceflight missions. Pratt and Whitney Rocketdyne is a United Technologies Corp company.
"Pratt and Whitney Rocketdyne has a successful history in the development of reusable rocket engines," said Brian Lariviere, program manager for Advanced Programs, Pratt and Whitney Rocketdyne.
"We're honored that AFRL recognizes our technical approach in providing a reliable, high-performance and innovative rocket engine solution that meets its hydrocarbon booster propulsion goals."
Last year, Pratt and Whitney Rocketdyne won the first phase of the 3GRB contract to study and evolve the concept design of an innovative reusable rocket engine using liquid-oxygen and methane.
The second phase will focus on risk-reduction tests aimed at maturing the most critical technologies to that engine's design, and will run through 2013.
Share This Article With Planet Earth
