Aerojet Rocketdyne has successfully completed the hot-fire static test of LEO-46, the first-stage solid propellant rocket motor of its Low Earth Orbiting Nanosatellite Integrated Defense Autonomous System’s (LEONIDAS).
The latest move marks the LEO-46 firing’s successful completion of a series of three LEO motor ground test demonstrations, with the LEO-7 second stage motor and the LEO-1 third stage motor successfully assessed in August 2012 and September 2013 respectively.
During the 73-second test, carried out at the Air Force Research Laboratory (AFRL) at Edwards Air Force Base in California, US, the 40ft-long motor generated approxiomately 300,000lbf of thrust.
Aerojet Rocketdyne Rocket ShopSM defence advanced programmes vice-president Tyler Evans said: "This final LEO hot-fire test highlights the success of our robust, affordable, large motor development efforts.
"With the advent of the LEO family of motors, along with our recent large-class second-stage static tests, Aerojet Rocketdyne is an industry leader in newly developed, large, solid rocket motors."
LEO-46 motor is the first stage of a three-stage propulsion system, which will power the Super Strypi rail-launched, spin-stabilised launch vehicle.
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By GlobalDataAccording to Aerojet, the solid rocket motors and the ease of the launch vehicle architecture allows economical space access for smaller satellite packages of approximately 250kg-300kg.
The company is also set to complete the final build-up of a flight motor set this year for ORS-4 launch mission, which will be launched from Kauai, Hawaii.
The maiden flight is claimed to signify the largest propulsion system ever launched from a rail system.
Aerojet Rocketdyne advanced programmes and business development senior vice-president Paul Meyer said: "The LEO motors and their variants will serve applications in small launch vehicles, target vehicles and national defence architectures.
"This tremendous effort was accomplished in our Rocket ShopSM by a small team of dedicated personnel working closely with colleagues in industry, academia and government agencies."
