Rocketdyne Engine Sends Satellite to Space

A rocket engine from Canoga Park-based Pratt & Whitney Rocketdyne lofted a military communications satellite into Earth orbit Saturday. 

Rocketdyne officials said this is the fifth in a series of Wideband Global Satcome communication satellites in orbit for the U.S. military. The rocket was launched from Cape Canaveral Air Force Station, FL.

A Pratt & Whitney Rocketdyne RL10B-2 engine provided the upper-stage propulsion flawlessly, the company announced.

Last October, a similar launch was impacted by a fuel leak that reduced thrust levels. On-board computers compensated, and the leaky engine was able to lift its satellite into the proper Earth orbit, trade publications reported. Saturday's launch was accomplished without a repeat of an engine fuel leak that had marred the last mission.    

"The RL10B-2 performed flawlessly, providing the upper stage power to loft this key spacecraft into orbit,'' said Christine Cooley, the program manager at the Canoga Park plant. "I am especially proud of the team's very professional and tireless support to thoroughly investigate and address the anomaly experienced on the last Delta IV launch.''

The RL10B-2 engine can provide 24,750 pounds of thrust, and it boosted off the pad by the powerful RS-68 Rocketdyne first stage engine designed for heavy lift, with 663,000 pounds of thrust on launch, the company said.

The military satellites increase communications capabilities for U.S. and allied forces deployed worldwide, and relay data that includes intelligence, surveillance and the execution of tactical command and control of aircraft.

-- City News Service