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A new variable-thrust engine was recently tested with different rates of propellant flowing through it, controlled by a new system of\u00a0valves to control the flow of propellant along with a movable \u2018pintle\u2019 injector, all being commanded by an electronic control system.\u00a0<\/p>\n
A throttleable engine like this has many future applications, from\u00a0landing rocket stages on Earth\u00a0to upper stage \u2018kick\u00a0stages\u2019\u00a0and\u00a0exploration missions requiring a descent onto a moon or planet.<\/p>\n
The bright nodules visible in the engine exhaust are \u2018mach\u00a0diamonds\u2019 (or shock diamonds), a phenomenon created when supersonic engine exhausts are \u2018squeezed\u2019 by the outside air pressure. With the engine on the lower, 30% thrust, more diamonds are seen compared with when it fires at 50% and full throttle, as the lower thrust exhaust is more susceptible to outside pressure.<\/p>\n
The new\u00a0Throttleable Liquid Propulsion Demonstrator\u00a0(TLPD)\u00a0engine will\u00a0now be dismounted and inspected, and the results will be analysed at the site of the prime contractor\u00a0\u2018\u0141ukasiewicz\u00a0Research Network \u2013 Institute of Aviation\u2019 (Lukasiewicz-ILOT)\u00a0in Poland before the next phase of testing begins.<\/p>\n<\/p><\/div>\n
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