Aerojet Rocketdyne Powers Second Mission for U.S. Space Force
Aerojet Rocketdyne successfully supported the USSF-7 mission for the U.S. Space Force, launching the X-37B space plane aboard a United Launch Alliance Atlas V rocket. Key propulsion products included the RL10C-1 upper-stage engine, helium pressurization tanks, and MR-106 thrusters, marking the 1,000th MR-106 thruster deployed. CEO Eileen Drake noted this as the second successful launch for the newly established military branch, emphasizing Aerojet's future support for Space Force missions, crucial for protecting U.S. and allied interests in space.
- Successful support of the USSF-7 mission for the U.S. Space Force.
- Launch included the 1,000th MR-106 thruster on an Atlas V rocket.
- Aerojet Rocketdyne's products demonstrated robust performance with the RL10C-1 engine delivering 22,890 pounds of thrust.
- None.
CAPE CANAVERAL SPACE FORCE STATION, Fla., May 17, 2020 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Aerojet Rocketdyne supported the successful launch of the USSF-7 mission for the recently formed U.S. Space Force today. The mission carried the military’s X-37B space plane into orbit aboard a United Launch Alliance (ULA) Atlas V rocket.
Aerojet Rocketdyne propulsion products supporting the launch included an RL10C-1 upper-stage engine, helium pressurization tanks on the rocket and a dozen MR-106 thrusters on the Centaur upper stage that provided roll, pitch and yaw control, as well as settling burns. This launch will carry the 1,000th MR-106 thruster to fly on an Atlas V launch vehicle.
“This launch marks the second successful launch for the United States Space Force since the new branch of our military was officially established last year,” said Eileen Drake, Aerojet Rocketdyne’s CEO and president. “We look forward to supporting many more launches in the coming years for this new organization, which has the critical task of protecting U.S. and allied interests in space.”
After the Atlas V lifted off the pad and the upper stage separated from the first stage booster, a single RL10C-1 engine ignited to place the payload into orbit. The RL10C-1 engine delivers 22,890 pounds of thrust to power the upper stage, using cryogenic liquid hydrogen and liquid oxygen propellants during its operation. ARDÉ, a subsidiary of Aerojet Rocketdyne based in New Jersey, provides the pressure vessels on the first and second stages on the launch vehicle.
About Aerojet Rocketdyne: Aerojet Rocketdyne, a subsidiary of Aerojet Rocketdyne Holdings, Inc. (NYSE:AJRD), is a world-recognized aerospace and defense leader that provides propulsion systems and energetics to the space, missile defense and strategic systems, and tactical systems areas, in support of domestic and international customers. For more information, visit www.Rocket.com and www.AerojetRocketdyne.com. Follow Aerojet Rocketdyne and CEO Eileen Drake on Twitter at @AerojetRdyne and @DrakeEileen.
Media Contacts:
Todd McConnell, Aerojet Rocketdyne, 561-882-5395
todd.mcconnell@rocket.com
Mary Engola, Aerojet Rocketdyne, 571-289-1371
mary.engola@rocket.com
FAQ
What did Aerojet Rocketdyne announce on May 17, 2020?
What propulsion products did Aerojet Rocketdyne use in the USSF-7 mission?
What is the significance of the 1,000th MR-106 thruster launched?
Who is the CEO of Aerojet Rocketdyne?
What are Aerojet Rocketdyne's future plans regarding the U.S. Space Force?
What role does Aerojet Rocketdyne play in the U.S. Space Force missions?
