NASA Loans Engine to Industry Partner

nasa ^ | 01/24/06

[KevinDavis]

NASA is loaning a rocket engine to Rocketplane Limited, Inc. of Oklahoma City as part of an innovative industry partnership program.

The program highlights NASA’s efforts to share advanced aeronautics, space and related technologies with the private sector to use ideas and investments that can lead to new capabilities.

NASA’s Johnson Space Center, Houston, and the company signed a Space Act Agreement for use of an RS-88 engine in tests of its Rocketplane XP vehicle for three years. The company will provide NASA with design, test and operational information from the development.

The Rocketplane XP is a four-seat, modified Lear executive jet. It will incorporate a rocket engine for acceleration to achieve a planned peak altitude of almost 300,000 feet.

"We are always looking for ways to partner with the private sector to foster new commercial opportunities, such as this chance to work with Rocketplane on a commercial reusable launch vehicle," said Helen Lane, acting director of Johnson’s Office of Technology Transfer. "NASA strives to ensure the products of its research and development benefit the public to the greatest extent possible."

[KevinDavis]

Smart Move....

[KevinDavis]

[phoenix0468]

Who'da thunk it. Our tax dollars actually being recycled into the private sector. Now there's a novel idea.

[phoenix0468]

"We are always looking for ways to partner with the private sector to foster new commercial opportunities, such as this chance to work with Rocketplane on a commercial reusable launch vehicle," said Helen Lane, acting director of Johnson’s Office of Technology Transfer. "NASA strives to ensure the products of its research and development benefit the public to the greatest extent possible."

I mean we did get Tang, didn't we. Just kidding. I believe that NASA and it's research has done quite a bit to benefit the private sector. Kudos to the agency.

[KevinDavis]

I agree Kudos to NASA.... I support Human space exploration and I have been critical of NASA, however, I like the direction that NASA is going...

[wyattearp]

Now *this* is my idea of a Lear Jet! Gives a whole new meaning to "kick the tires and light the fires". I wonder how much a ride costs? Not that I can afford it, just curious.

[SunkenCiv]

Sounds like a revived "orient express" type project...

[Sundog]

The PAD RS-88 development engine exhibits its characteristic sapphire blue plume in successful testing at the Marshall Space Flight Center in Huntsville, Ala. The blue plume results from the burning of the liquid oxygen and ethanol propellants. Credit: NASA/MSFC

[Bean Counter]

So how big is an RS-88?? Millse sized or SME size?

[r9etb]

Who'da thunk it. Our tax dollars actually being recycled into the private sector. Now there's a novel idea.

Yeah -- you'd think they'd have thought of that at least 20 years ago.... Oh, wait. They did.

[phoenix0468]

Please refer to posts #4 and #5, thank you.