NASA Steps Up Rotating Detonation Rocket Power Tests

Shock diamonds emanate from an additively made aerospike nozzle during initial NASA RDRE tests in 2022.

NASA is taking rotating detonation rocket engine technology to the next level, with development underway on reusable 10,000-lb.-thrust-class demonstration engines for potential use in future human landers and interplanetary vehicles. Based on the same unsteady-flow pressure-gain combustion principle...
Guy Norris

Guy is a Senior Editor for Aviation Week, covering technology and propulsion. He is based in Colorado Springs.

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