NASA's Full-Scale Detonation Engine Achieves 5,800 Pounds of Thrust in Sustained Test

Huntsville, Alabama – NASA has successfully conducted a significant test of its full-scale Rotating Detonation Rocket Engine (RDRE), reaching over 5,800 pounds of thrust during a 251-second firing. The test, which took place at NASA’s Marshall Space Flight Center, marks a crucial step in developing advanced propulsion systems for future space missions. As noted by Chris Combs, an "iterative design enjoyer," in a recent social media post, the test demonstrated a "Full-scale rotating detonation rocket engine (RDRE) test from NASA!!!"

The RDRE represents a revolutionary departure from conventional rocket engines by utilizing a supersonic combustion phenomenon known as detonation. This design promises enhanced efficiency and reduced fuel consumption compared to current propulsion systems. Theoretically, rotating detonation engines could boost efficiency by up to 25%, offering a more compact and powerful alternative for space travel.

Engineers at Marshall Space Flight Center, in collaboration with partners like IN Space LLC and Purdue University, have been rigorously testing the RDRE. An earlier test on January 25, 2023, saw the engine produce 4,000 pounds of thrust for nearly a minute. The more recent December 20, 2023, test, which achieved 5,800 pounds of thrust, showcased the engine’s ability to sustain long burns, a critical requirement for lunar lander touchdowns or deep-space maneuvers.

A key aspect of this development is the use of novel additive manufacturing, or 3D printing, techniques to construct the engine's hardware. This includes the use of NASA-developed copper-alloy GRCop-42, enabling the engine to withstand extreme heat and pressure for extended periods. This manufacturing approach streamlines development and allows for complex integrated structures.

The successful RDRE tests bring NASA closer to its vision of enabling larger payloads and more sustainable space exploration, particularly for Moon and Mars missions. The agency plans further research to develop a 10,000-pound-force thrust unit, aiming to identify additional performance benefits over traditional liquid rocket engines and scale the technology for diverse applications.