Firm To Build J-2X Altitude Simulator

A Mobile, Ala., firm will install a test cell diffuser on the new A3 test stand at NASA's Stennis Space Center to permit simulated high-altitude tests of the J-2X engine for the planned Ares I crew launch vehicle.

American Tank and Vessel Inc. won a five-year, indefinite delivery, indefinite quantity contract for the work, which will equip the new stand to generate steam at about 4,620 pounds per second and reduce test-cell pressure with it.

The facility will be able to simulate startup altitudes as high as 100,000 feet for the Ares I upper stage engine, which is based on Saturn V upper-stage engine technology.

The liquid oxygen/liquid hydrogen J-2X is baselined as the main engine for both the Ares I and the Earth Departure stage of the planned heavy-lift Ares V lunar-cargo launch vehicle.

J-2X photo: NASA