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dave.drachlis@msfc.nasa.gov

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For Release: April 2, 2002

Radio Interview: 02-072
 

Attention: News Directors
Interviews Available
 Wednesday - Thursday, April 3-4

They lift up the Space Shuttle: New main engines to give astronauts safer and more reliable ride on next mission

  • For the first time three new engines will be working together for a safer, more reliable journey when Space Shuttle Atlantis lifts off April 4 for the STS-110 mission.


  • NASA's new Space Shuttle engines feature improved turbopumps, stronger shafts, better disks and new glass bearings.


  • The new turbopump isn't much larger than an automobile engine, yet generates 360 times the horsepower.


  • Space Shuttle main engines consume 1,000 gallons of fuel every second during the trip to space. They shut off just before the Shuttle reaches orbit 17,000 miles in space.


  • They operate at temperatures ranging from a frigid minus 423 degrees Fahrenheit to an iron-boiling 6,000 degrees Fahrenheit.


  • Talk to an expert about the new engines and what they mean for the nation's space program.

Who:

George Hopson Manager,
Space Shuttle Main Engine Project
Marshall Space Flight Center

To schedule interviews :

Grant Thompson,
Media Relations
(256) 544-4159

Story information:

Dave Drachlis,
Media Relations
(256) 544-0034

Visit the Marshall News Center for news media at: