Risk-Reduction Testing for the DESLA Upper Stage Engine (ACO: DESLA)

The purpose of this project was to conduct risk-reduction testing of the Dual Expander Short-Length Aerospike (DESLA) engine. Produced ignition, combustion, and hot-gas expansion data with the objective to identify subassembly integration issues among the thrust cells and nozzle on the thrust chamber assembly. Produce dynamic performance data and operational loads in the LOX pump with the objective of enabling Exquadrum to finalize the hydraulic design of the TPA and progress to fabrication of heavyweight pump hardware. Exquadrum was primarily responsible for the design and fabrication of both test articles, while MSFC was responsible for conducting the test programs and performing associated performance data analysis. The project finished in 2020.

The purpose of this program is for risk-reduction testing of the Dual Expander Short-Length Aerospike (DESLA) engine. The program is an agreement between Exquadrum, Inc and NASA to collaborate on two tasks; a pressure-fed engine test (i.e., Task 1), and a water-flow test (i.e., Task 2) of the liquid oxygen (LOX) turbopump assembly (TPA) flow path. Task 1 will produce ignition, combustion, and hot-gas expansion data with the objective to identify subassembly integration issues among the thrust cells and nozzle on the thrust chamber assembly (TCA). Task 2 will produce dynamic performance data and operational loads in the Lox pump with the objective of enabling Exquadrum to finalize the hydraulic design of the TPA and progress to fabrication of heavyweight pump hardware. Exquadrum will primarily be responsible for the design and fabrication of both test articles, while NASA-MSFC will be responsible for conducting the test programs and performing associated performance data analysis.

This is a mature technology (TRL 7+) — the realistic path in is usually NASA's Technology Transfer Program: licensing an existing NASA patent, or a Space Act Agreement to use NASA facilities/expertise directly. NASA also runs a startup licensing program with no upfront fee for companies formed to commercialize a specific NASA technology.

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