Saturday, May 2, 2009

LLTB completed in 14 weeks

Teledyne Brown Engineering and Orion Propulsion, Inc. (OPI) successfully demonstrated the Lunar Lander Test Bed today, capping the delivery of this unique hardware to the Von Braun Center for Science and Innovation (VCSI).

The LLTB was presented, complete with rocket engine firings, at the dedication of TBE’s Space Systems Manufacturing Center. The LLTB will be used to demonstrate and mature technologies required for future NASA robotic space exploration.

OPI conceived, designed, built, tested, and delivered the LLTB propulsion system in only 14 weeks, providing an innovative solution to customer requirements both on-schedule and on-budget. OPI designed the complete propulsion system, designed and fabricated new components not available commercially, managed vendors and subcontractors, tested all components and subassemblies, verified system performance against requirements, and delivered a complete acceptance data package with the hardware to TBE, the prime contractor and vehicle integrator.

OPI developed the propulsion system at its facilities in Madison, Alabama. TBE completed vehicle integration in Huntsville, Alabama. VCSI will conduct LLTB flight testing at Marshall Space Flight Center later this spring and summer.

Headquartered in Huntsville, AL, Orion Propulsion, Inc. (OPI), is a small woman-owned aerospace company specializing in spacecraft and rocket propulsion design and fabrication, testing services, ground support equipment, and launch operations support. For more information about OPI, visit www.orionpropulsion.com.

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