Aerojet announced Tuesday it has been awarded a five year contract to develop technology for a rocket-powered landing system for the crew module of NASA's new Crew Exploration Vehicle the spacecraft intended to replace the space shuttle fleet after 2010.
The contract, funded by NASA's Langley Research Center in Hampton, Va., includes options for fabrication, system development and demonstration tests at Langley's impact test facility. The contract is capped at $4.25 million dollars.
During the first contract phase, Aerojet will provide consulting services and controllable thrust expertise to help NASA demonstrate the benefits of using its controllable solid propulsion systems to enhance the safety of ground landings for the CEV.
The rocket-powered landing system would provide a soft and controlled landing for astronauts returning to Earth by reducing both the downward velocity and sideways motion in order to prevent tipping or roll-over during touchdown.
Controllable rocket power technology proposed for CEV originally was developed for missile-defense applications, Aerojet explained in a news release.
"Aerojet has an established record in the development and production of controllable solid propulsion systems for missile defense applications and looks forward to applying this expertise to a CEV landing system," said Julie Van Kleeck, Aerojet vice president of space programs. "The availability of this technology will enable NASA to verify astronaut safety in time to meet the CEV program schedule."
