Space Launch Initiative

The Space Launch Initiative (SLI) was a NASA and U.S. Department of Defense joint research and technology project to determine the requirements to meet all the nation's hypersonics, space launch and space technology needs. It was also known as the "2nd Generation Reusable Launch Vehicle (RLV) program.".^[1] The program began with the award of RLV study contracts in 2000.^[1]

The primary goal of the research was to increase safety and reliability and to reduce overall costs associated with building, flying and maintaining the nation's next generation of space launch vehicles. NASA anticipated that these advances would revitalize the nation's space transportation capabilities, and dramatically improve NASA's ability to conduct science and exploration missions in space.^[2] This program was evolved into the Orbital Space Plane Program and the Next Generation Launch Technology program in November 2002.^[3]

In 2004 NASA moved on to the Constellation Program, part of the Vision for Space Exploration, after the Columbia disaster.

"Co-optimized Booster for Reusable Applications".^[4]: 139

The RS-83 was a rocket engine design for a reusable LH2/LOX rocket larger and more powerful than any other. The RS-83 was developed by Rocketdyne Propulsion and Power in Canoga Park, California to power the launch vehicle as part of the Space Launch Initiative program. This engine was designed to produce a thrust of 664,000 lbf (2,950 kN) at sea level and 750,000 lbf (3,300 kN) in a vacuum with an I_sp of 395 and 446 seconds (3.87 and 4.37 kN·s/kg), respectively.^[4]: 139

The RS-83 is loosely based on the RS-68 that powers the Delta IV expendable launch vehicle. The RS-83 design is more efficient, lighter, slightly stronger, and yet reusable. The RS-83 was designed to last 100 missions, and was intended for use on the first stage of a two-stage-to-orbit reusable launch vehicle.

As part of the Space Launch Initiative, Rocketdyne developed a plan for the RS-84 rocket engine. It would have been the first reusable, staged combustion cycle, liquid rocket engine produced by the US to use a hydrocarbon fuel.^[5] In contrast, the Soviet Union developed the RD-170 reusable staged combustion hydrocarbon engine for the Energia rocket in the 1980s.

The prototype engine would have 4,732 kN (1,064,000 lbf) at sea level; 5,026 kN (1,130,000 lbf) in vacuum; an 8-shift turn time; a specific impulse of 305 at sea level and 324 in vacuum.^[4]: 141

NASA cancelled further development in 2005.^[6]

The TR-106 or Low Cost Pintle Engine (LCPE) was a developmental LH2/LOX rocket engine designed by TRW under the Space Launch Initiative. It had a planned sea-level thrust of 650,000 lbf.^[4]: 144 It was tested at NASA John C. Stennis Space Center throughout 2000. The Stennis test stand results demonstrated that the engine was stable over a wide variety of thrust levels and propellant ratios.^[7] Development of the engine was temporarily discontinued with the cancellation of the Space Launch Initiative.^[7]

Since 2000, TRW has been acquired by Northrop Grumman and development of the TR-107 RP-1/LOX rocket engine began in 2001 for potential use on next-generation launch and space transportation vehicles is continuing under contract to NASA.^[8][9]

Technology lessons^{[clarification needed]} from the Low Cost Pintle Engine project assisted subcontractor development of engines by SpaceX.^{[citation needed]} Tom Mueller was a lead engineer on the LCPE project, and later designed the Merlin engine for SpaceX.

The Air Force Reusable Booster System program initiated in 2010, and cancelled in 2012, was hoped to renew interest in further development of these engines.^{[10][needs update]}

• List of space launch system designs
• TR-106 - Low Cost Pintle Engine (LPCE) using LOX/LH2 developed by TRW in 2000
• TR-107 - LOX/RP-1 engine developed in 2002

• "GAO-02-1020: Challenges Facing NASA's Space Launch Initiative". GAO. September 2002. Archived from the original (PDF) on 2012-12-12.
• Main Engines of SLI program NASA Sept 2002
• "RS-84" Encyclopedia Astronautica
• RS-84 Engine Passes Preliminary Design Milestone Space Daily, Jul 16, 2003
• Boeing Tests Future Rocket Engine Component to Record Levels Space Daily, Dec. 11, 2003
• NASA FY 2004 operating plan - page 6, cancellation of RS-84
• A Review of United States Air Force and Department of Defense Aerospace Propulsion Needs. 2006