Sierra Space, a leading commercial space and defense technology company, has announced the successful completion of the test campaign for its VR35K-A upper stage engine, marking a significant advancement in next-generation propulsion systems. The testing was conducted under contract with the Air Force Research Laboratory’s (AFRL) Rocket Propulsion Division at Edwards Air Force Base, California.
Sierra Space announced the successful completion of the test campaign for its fully integrated VR35K-A upper stage engine, marking a major step forward in the company's development of advanced propulsion systems. Credit: Sierra Space
The VR35K-A engine, designed for high-performance space launch applications, utilizes liquid oxygen (LOX) and liquid hydrogen (LH2) as propellants. Its fuel-rich staged combustion cycle, combined with an advanced turbopump system and patented VORTEX® combustion chamber, delivers 35,000 pounds of thrust while maximizing efficiency and reliability.
$16 Million AFRL Contract to Further Engine Development
Building on this achievement, Sierra Space has secured a $16 million firm-fixed-price contract from AFRL to further mature the VR35K-A for future National Security Space Launch (NSSL) missions. This follows a $22 million contract awarded in July 2023 by the Air Force Test Center at Edwards AFB, reinforcing Sierra Space’s role in enhancing U.S. space launch capabilities.
“Our powerful new upper stage engine, the VR35K-A, represents a groundbreaking advancement in propulsion technology,” said Dan Polis, Vice President of Engineering Solutions and Propulsion Systems at Sierra Space. “By leveraging our VORTEX combustion chamber, we have achieved unprecedented efficiency, reliability, and affordability. This engine enables up to 30% more payload mass to orbit, a game-changer for our customers and partners.”
Cutting-Edge Features and Performance
The VR35K-A’s key innovations include:
-VORTEX® Combustion Chamber: Ensures stable, efficient combustion with active cooling for higher performance and durability.
-Single-Shaft Turbopump Assembly: Simplifies start-up and shutdown procedures for enhanced reliability.
-Mechanically-Coupled Mixture Ratio Control: Provides precise fuel and oxidizer balance.
-Additive Manufacturing: Reduces costs and lead times for complex components, improving production scalability.
The 2024 test campaign at Sierra Space’s Badger Propulsion Test Facility in Wisconsin successfully demonstrated:
-Stable and efficient thrust chamber operation
-High-performance turbomachinery functionality
-Throttle and mixture ratio control
-Overall engine efficiency and system robustness
Sierra Space collaborated with Florida Turbine Technologies (FTT), a subsidiary of Kratos Defense & Security Solutions, Inc., to develop and test the engine’s turbomachinery. Prior to full integration, the company conducted an extensive standalone turbomachinery test campaign to validate performance predictions.
“Kratos is a leader in propulsion technology, dedicated to the rapid development and deployment of cutting-edge solutions,” said Stacey Rock, President of Kratos’ Turbine Technologies Division. “Our partnership with Sierra Space is a cornerstone of our long-term strategic initiatives.”
Expanding Applications in Space Propulsion
The VR35K-A is designed to support larger payload deliveries to Low Earth Orbit (LEO) and beyond, addressing a critical need in the space industry. Additionally, Sierra Space is adapting its VORTEX combustion chamber technology for a range of in-space propulsion applications, including:
-Orbital maneuvering engines for spacecraft.
-Extraterrestrial landers for future Moon and Mars missions.
-Reaction control thrusters, like those used on Sierra Space’s Dream Chaser® spacecraft.
With the successful completion of engine component testing in 2023, Sierra Space has now advanced to full engine hot fire testing. The next phase involves an extensive qualification program, further solidifying the VR35K-A’s role in next-generation launch systems.
Add comment
Comments