Terry Lorier: Aerojet Rocketdyne Puts CST-100 Propulsion Tech Through Launch Abort, Hot Fire Tests

Aerojet Rocketdyne has finished work on a service module propulsion system for a human spaceflight program that Boeing holds a contract with NASA for.

Aerojet Rocketdyne built the service module and launch abort propulsion system for Boeing’s CST-100 spacecraft, the company said Thursday.

Terry Lorier, Aerojet Rocketdyne’s CST-100 service module propulsion system program manager, said the company has worked to help “mature the system design” prior to qualification testing in the next phase of the program.

“In total, during the CCiCap contract period of performance, Aerojet Rocketdyne conducted eight launch abort engine, 49 orbital maneuvering and attitude control system and 33 reaction control system hot fire tests,” added Lorier.

The LAE launch abort system works to push a spacecraft toward safety during a launch abort.

Aerojet Rocketdyne developed the CST-100 propulsion system at its Los Angeles- and Carlstadt, New Jersey-based facilities.