Controls, Health Assessment, and Condition Monitoring for Large, Reusable, Liquid Rocket Engines

The Space Shuttle Main Engine (SSME) represents the state-of-the-art for application of controls, health assessment, and condition monitoring technology to large, reusable, liquid rocket engines. Advances in the technologies that form engine control system along with experience gained in the development and deployment of the SSME point to opportunities for significant improvement in current and future engines. Identification of current engine shortcomings, of future engine requirements, and how control systems technology may be applied to improve life and performance while reducing life cycle costs provides motive for control systems improvement. This paper will derive research and development needs from a survey of liquid rocket control systems technology. The prospects for advanced liquid rocket control systems will be illuminated through discussion of current NASA programs and efforts. Applicable literature is reviewed.