Advanced technology for Space Shuttle Auxiliary Propellant Valves.

Abstract

Propellant shutoff valves required for the operation of the pulse modulated gaseous hydrogen/gaseous oxygen rocket engines for the Space Shuttle Auxiliary Propulsion System are specified to operate for one million cycles over a ten-year period with zero maintenance, very fast response, very low leakage, and over a wide temperature range. Based on an analytical leakage and wear model, sealing configurations were conceived, sized, and developed. Two prototype valves featuring different components were designed, built, and evaluated for 100,000 cycles. Design concepts and test results are presented.