Kelly Space and Technology, Inc. has announced the successful completion of a series of rocket engine hot-fire tests at its Aerospace Research and Development Center. The tests, conducted in the only indoor commercial jet and rocket test facility of its type in the United States, involved the successful demonstration of rocket engine technology, utilizing environmentally-friendly cryogenic liquid propellants, developed for a U.S. government program.
"Today's successful test firing at Kelly Space and Technology's new facility heralds a new era in the availability of safe, cost-effective and commercially responsive rocket engine testing services," said Michael J. Gallo, CEO of Kelly Space and Technology, Inc.
"America now has an indoor commercial engine test facility that will enable price-sensitive and capital-constrained customers to test new ground-breaking technologies for rocket and space propulsion systems at a fraction of the price of government-owned test facilities. Our cost-effective test services will advance the efforts of many entrepreneurial companies seeking a breakthrough in propulsion technology necessary for opening space to the masses," he added.
Some of the programmatic benefits of testing at the Kelly Space Aerospace Research and Development Center include:
+ Availability of experienced technical personnel capable of effectively meeting customer test objectives while optimizing cost effectiveness
+ Ability to control the testing environment which eliminates weather and climatic disruption risks inherent in outdoor test facilities
+ Superior security and safety mechanisms over outdoor test facilities
Over 18,000 square feet in size, the jet and rocket engine test facility contains four separate enclosed test cells and two control rooms that house state-of-the-art instrumentation and support equipment. The facility is capable of testing rocket engines with a thrust of up to 20,000 pounds and jet engines of up to 30,000 pounds of thrust.
Kelly Space and Technology's 20 acre Aerospace Research and Development Center is located at the former Norton Air Force Base, which supported the maintenance of C-141 aircraft engines for the 63rd Military Airlift Wing.
