The Space Shuttle Main Engine (SSME) has been launched 51 times during 17 launches of the Space Shuttle through May 1985. The engine performance during those launches is described revealing successful engine operation under nominal and off-nominal conditions. Engine maintenance is discussed, explaining the cause for each engine removed and replaced. Turbopump maintenance, life, and mean time between replacement are all analyzed. Life improvement plans are outlined. Overall cost per flight experienced to date in both manpower and material is revealed. Overall accomplishments of the SSME in launch operations to date are summarized.
Space Shuttle Main Engine operational status
1985-07-01
Conference paper
No indication
English
Space Shuttle Main Engine operational status
AIAA | 1985
|Space Shuttle Main Engine (SSME) Operational Capability
NTRS | 2010
|Space Shuttle Main Engine program status
NTRS | 1973
|Space Shuttle Main Engine program status
AIAA | 1973
|