Dynetics, Aerojet Rocketdyne Test Rocket Engine’s 3D-Printed Gas Generator Injector Under SLS Program; David King Comments

Aerojet Rocketdyne and Dynetics have completed a second hot-fire test on the F-1 rocket engine’s gas generator at NASA’s Marshall Space Flight Center.

The companies carried out the test series under the Advanced Booster Engineering Demonstration and/or Risk Reduction contract that aims to reduce risks in rocket boosters for the Space Launch System program, the companies said Wednesday.

Aerojet Rocketdyne used what it calls a Selective Laser Melting technique to build the gas generator injector component of the F-1 engine.

SLM is a three-dimensional printing or additive manufacturing process that aims to shorten the time and reduce the cost of developing parts for rocket engines, the companies said.

Tests on the F-1 engine gas generator injector will help establish the foundation for “future rocket engine development – both for NASA and for others who want the most affordable space solutions,” said Dynetics CEO David King.

Dynetics is the primary contractor on the ABEDRR program and built the cryogenic tank.

In August, Dynetics performed tests on the tank to validate the system’s structural design.