Define "human rated" in a way that isn't 1) talking about an entire system (i.e. launch vehicle) or 2) cargo cult nonsense.
Good article by Eric Berger on the NDAA funding language and thus the flexibility it does, and does not, give the USAF:https://arstechnica.com/science/2017/11/a-new-law-gives-air-force-some-wiggle-room-in-picking-its-new-rockets/Two crucial quotes:QuoteFurther, the bill defines “rocket propulsion system” as a main booster, first-stage rocket engine, or motor. The term does not include a launch vehicle, an upper stage, a strap-on motor, or related infrastructure.QuoteAnother provision in the bill relates to the engines under development for Vulcan. This language states that the Air Force may terminate funding for other rocket propulsion systems when “the Secretary of the Air Force certifies to the congressional defense committees that a successful full-scale test of a domestic rocket engine has occurred.”So first stage funding is fine, but not second or other stages, and AR-1 funding can be dropped once BE-4 achieves a 'full-scale test'.
Further, the bill defines “rocket propulsion system” as a main booster, first-stage rocket engine, or motor. The term does not include a launch vehicle, an upper stage, a strap-on motor, or related infrastructure.
Another provision in the bill relates to the engines under development for Vulcan. This language states that the Air Force may terminate funding for other rocket propulsion systems when “the Secretary of the Air Force certifies to the congressional defense committees that a successful full-scale test of a domestic rocket engine has occurred.”
Latest BE-4 engine test footage where we exceeded our Isp targets. We continue to exercise the deep throttling of our full scale 550,000 lbf BE-4, the reusability of our hydrostatic pump bearings and our stable start/stop cycles. More to follow from ongoing tests. #BE4 #NewGlenn
Have they done full power test yet? Even for few seconds.
Nice progress to see Blue!You can see clear improvements across all aspects of engine operation visible....
Quote from: Space Ghost 1962 on 01/08/2018 03:21 pmNice progress to see Blue!You can see clear improvements across all aspects of engine operation visible....Can you describe the 'improvements' that you see?
Quote from: TrevorMonty on 01/08/2018 03:56 pmHave they done full power test yet? Even for few seconds.Probably not.That wouldn't be a priority right now, and likely not useful. From the data accumulated, likely they can tell the bounds of engine performance they can reach.Most important is that they determine that the engine operates like expected/model, through various conditions. Plenty to do for that.There's many concurrent issues before you treat a propulsion system like it might be used on a LV. For you want it to work for the right reasons, not just any reason, for it to be a reliable/proven system that you need.This is the right amount of progress, in the right way.
Quote from: AncientU on 01/08/2018 04:24 pmQuote from: Space Ghost 1962 on 01/08/2018 03:21 pmNice progress to see Blue!You can see clear improvements across all aspects of engine operation visible....Can you describe the 'improvements' that you see?Not blowing up? Wasn't there a breach in the power pack in the previously released information on testing?
Short article to mark these tests:https://www.nasaspaceflight.com/2018/01/blue-origin-be-4-engine-testing/
a gigantic production facility nearly competition on Merritt Island.
Interestingly, L2 information notes Blue Origin’s BE-3E engine is making progress in a trade study being conducted at NASA’s Marshall Space Flight Center (MSFC) for use on the Space Launch System’s Exploration Upper Stage (EUS).This option is competing against the current baseline of the RL-10 and an alternative MB-60 LOX-LH2 engine from Japan.
AFAIK It's still the only cryogenic SC (of any variant) to be developed in the US (before Blue and SX).
Quote from: Chris Bergin in said short article Interestingly, L2 information notes Blue Origin’s BE-3E engine is making progress in a trade study being conducted at NASA’s Marshall Space Flight Center (MSFC) for use on the Space Launch System’s Exploration Upper Stage (EUS).Marking the tests, and throwing in just the slightest bit of eyebrow-raising and tree-shaking I see
Interestingly, L2 information notes Blue Origin’s BE-3E engine is making progress in a trade study being conducted at NASA’s Marshall Space Flight Center (MSFC) for use on the Space Launch System’s Exploration Upper Stage (EUS).
Quote from: theinternetftw on 01/08/2018 08:33 pmQuote from: Chris Bergin in said short article Interestingly, L2 information notes Blue Origin’s BE-3E engine is making progress in a trade study being conducted at NASA’s Marshall Space Flight Center (MSFC) for use on the Space Launch System’s Exploration Upper Stage (EUS).Marking the tests, and throwing in just the slightest bit of eyebrow-raising and tree-shaking I see Yes, what is the BE-3E. Previously we only heard about the BE-3U being worked on.