Alliant Techsystems (ATK) has completed the second ground test for a full-scale attitude control motor (ACM) for the launch abort system (LAS) of Nasa’s Orion crew exploration vehicle.
Orion, which is being developed by Lockheed, will become the next-generation space flight vehicle for missions to destinations throughout the solar system.
The attitude control motor provides steering for the Orion launch abort system that will safely lift and steer the Orion crew module away from the launch vehicle in case of an emergency.
The ATK-built motor comprises a solid propellant gas generator with eight valves that can exert up to 7,000lb of steering force to the vehicle and are controlled by a redundant power and control system.
Performance of the motor, environment extremes and robustness of the ignition system were all evaluated in the test.
The control motor test paves the way for the upcoming first launch abort system flight test for Orion.
US Tariffs are shifting - will you react or anticipate?
Don’t let policy changes catch you off guard. Stay proactive with real-time data and expert analysis.
By GlobalData
