Space Shuttle main engine progress through the first flight

Abstract

A system overview is presented for the Space Shuttle Main Engine (SSME), and extensive performance comparisons are made with the Saturn V booster powerplant showing (1) staged-combustion turbopump pressures of 7,500 vs 1,100 psi for the Saturn V first stage; (2) a specific impulse of 455 vs 300; (3) power density of 100 vs 20 hp/lb; and (4) chamber pressures of 3200 vs 1000 psia. An account is then given of the SSME testing program, engine certification process and flight aboard the Space Shuttle Columbia, with attention to anomalies detected during flight in turbopump operation and mixture ratio sensor function.