RL-10 Rocket Engine Jan-Mar 1965

[Homer J Simpson]

[brucehoult]

RL10 was a great program and great engine. Versions are still in use today.

Go-ahead to first engine firing in 6 months! Prototype delivered in 18 months and production two years after go-ahead.

I particularly enjoyed their use in the DC-X in the mid 90's, the first rocket to demonstrate fine throttle control of hovering and propulsive landing in atmosphere, as well as powered manoeuvring and using rockets firing against the direction of travel to slow a craft from near-supersonic speeds. SpaceX probably wouldn't be doing their landings today if it wasn't for the DC-X.

DC-X used four RL-10 engines, and had a total program budget of only $60 million.