Pratt & Whitney Wins Contract for Future Exploration In-Space Cryogenic Propulsion System

Pratt & Whitney (P&W) Space Propulsion announced today that it has begun work on a multi-year $40 million program (including options) from NASA’s Exploration Systems Mission Directorate to develop the Common Extensible Cryogenic Engine (CECE), a deep throttling 15 thousand-pound thrust-class demonstrator liquid-oxygen and hydrogen cryogenic rocket engine.

“Given the relative maturity achieved since the Apollo era, along with the operational and performance benefits, cryogenic propulsion is a key capability needed to execute NASA’s Vision for Space Exploration in an affordable manner,” said P&W Space and Russian Programs President Joe Adams. “The CECE will build upon the demonstrated reliability and flexibility of P&W’s RL10 cryogenic engine, enabling key technologies that will support a wide range of in-space applications such as the Crew Exploration Vehicle (CEV), deep throttling landing systems, and in-space transfer systems.”

Key teammates for this activity include NASA’s Marshall Space Flight Center and Glenn Research Center who will provide support for requirements definition, combustion devices, turbomachinery and Engine Health Management System risk reduction.

Pratt & Whitney Space Propulsion, a leader in liquid and hypersonic propulsion, is located in West Palm Beach, Fla. Pratt & Whitney, http://www.pw.utc.com, a United Technologies company (NYSE: UTX – News), is a world leader in the design, manufacture and service of aircraft engines, space propulsion systems and industrial gas turbines.

Contact: Patrick Louden

(561) 796-6793

email: patrick.louden@pw.utc.com