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Aerospike Engines – Why Aren't We Using Them Now?
- gardenfelder 3y ago>Over 50 years ago an engine was designed that overcame the inherent design inefficiencies of bell-shaped rocket nozzles, but despite much research in the 60's, 70's and 90's and was to power the replacement for the Space Shuttle. But 50 years on and it still yet to be flight tested. So why aren't we using Aerospike rocket engines? See also https://www.popularmechanics.com/space/rockets/a43756195/aerospike-engine/ https://www.popularmechanics.com/space/rockets/a43756195/aer...
- cratermoon 3y agoMy understanding is that in addition to extra weight and difficulties with cooling, aerospike engines do worst around Mach 1-3. Also, they aren't steerable. They need to either be throttleable to provide attitude control or supplemented with steerable thrusters like Soyuz. Both bring additional weight penalties. In short, like almost everything in rocketry, the devil is in the details, and a percent of two of performance either way can make or break a design.