Linear Aerospike SR-71 Experiment (LASRE): Aerospace Propulsion Hazard Mitigation Systems

Mizukami, Masashi and Corpening, Griffin P. and Ray, Ronald J. and Hass, Neal and Ennix, Kimberly A. and Lazaroff, Scott M. (1998) Linear Aerospike SR-71 Experiment (LASRE): Aerospace Propulsion Hazard Mitigation Systems. Technical Report NASA/TM-1998-206561, Research Engineering, NASA Dryden Flight Research Center.

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Abstract

A major hazard posed by the propulsion system of hypersonic and space vehicles is the possibility of fire or explosion in the vehicle environment. The hazard is mitigated by minimizing or detecting, in the vehicle environment, the three ingredients essential to producing fire: fuel, oxidizer, and an ignition source. The Linear Aerospike SR-71 Experiment (LASRE) consisted of a linear aerospike rocket engine integrated into one-half of an X-33-like lifting body shape, carried on top of an SR-71 aircraft. Gaseous hydrogen and liquid oxygen were used as propellants. Although LASRE is a one-of-a-kind experimental system, it must be rated for piloted flight, so this test presented a unique challenge. To help meet safety requirements, the following propulsion hazard mitigation systems were incorporated into the experiment: pod inert purge, oxygen sensors, a hydrogen leak detection algorithm, hydrogen sensors, fire detection and pod temperature thermocouples, water misting, and control room displays. These systems are described, and their development discussed. Analyses, ground test, and flight test results are presented, as are findings and lessons learned.

EPrint Type:	NASA Technical Memorandum
Keywords:	Fire prevention, Flight safety, Hypersonic vehicles, LASRE, Reusable launch vehicles, Rocket engines
Subjects:	Aircraft/Project: LASRE (12 - 20) Astronautics: (20) Spacecraft Propulsion And Power
ID Code:	168
Deposited On:	08 June 2004
Additional Information:	21 pages. Presented at the 34th AIAA/ASME/SAE/ASEE Joint Propulsion Conference, Cleveland, Ohio, July 13–15, 1998. Masashi Mizukami, Griffin P. Corpening, Ronald J. Ray, Neal Hass and Kimberly A. Ennix, NASA Dryden Flight Research Center, Edwards, California; Scott M. Lazaroff, NASA Johnson Space Center, Houston, Texas.