Aerojet Rocketdyne has successfully completed the hot-fire static test of LEO-46, the first-stage solid propellant rocket motor of its Low Earth Orbiting Nanosatellite Integrated Defense Autonomous System’s (LEONIDAS).

The latest move marks the LEO-46 firing’s successful completion of a series of three LEO motor ground test demonstrations, with the LEO-7 second stage motor and the LEO-1 third stage motor successfully assessed in August 2012 and September 2013 respectively.

During the 73-second test, carried out at the Air Force Research Laboratory (AFRL) at Edwards Air Force Base in California, US, the 40ft-long motor generated approxiomately 300,000lbf of thrust.

"This final LEO hot-fire test highlights the success of our robust, affordable, large motor development efforts."

Aerojet Rocketdyne Rocket ShopSM defence advanced programmes vice-president Tyler Evans said: "This final LEO hot-fire test highlights the success of our robust, affordable, large motor development efforts.

"With the advent of the LEO family of motors, along with our recent large-class second-stage static tests, Aerojet Rocketdyne is an industry leader in newly developed, large, solid rocket motors."

LEO-46 motor is the first stage of a three-stage propulsion system, which will power the Super Strypi rail-launched, spin-stabilised launch vehicle.

According to Aerojet, the solid rocket motors and the ease of the launch vehicle architecture allows economical space access for smaller satellite packages of approximately 250kg-300kg.

The company is also set to complete the final build-up of a flight motor set this year for ORS-4 launch mission, which will be launched from Kauai, Hawaii.

The maiden flight is claimed to signify the largest propulsion system ever launched from a rail system.

Aerojet Rocketdyne advanced programmes and business development senior vice-president Paul Meyer said: "The LEO motors and their variants will serve applications in small launch vehicles, target vehicles and national defence architectures.

"This tremendous effort was accomplished in our Rocket ShopSM by a small team of dedicated personnel working closely with colleagues in industry, academia and government agencies."

Defence Technology