|
|
|
|
Author
|
Topic: NK-33 engines, N-1 rocket and George Mueller
|
HistoryDiscussion
unregistered
|
posted 06-05-2015 05:38 AM
 
Does anyone know how former NASA Office of Manned Space Flight Administrator George Mueller found out that Soviet rocket engineers were selling NK-33 engines built for the N-1 launch vehicle?The N-1 program was stopped in 1974 and had four mishaps — all engine related. The engines were not reliable. But the ones that Mueller saw demonstrated were. When did the Soviets have time to perfect these engines? |
Jim Behling
Member Posts: 1463
From: Cape Canaveral, FL
Registered: Mar 2010
|
posted 06-05-2015 06:46 AM
 
The issues weren't "engine" related. They were launch vehicle integration or engine control system (KORD) issues. - First flight - voltage transient and pogo
- Second - engine related but likely debris ingestion.
- Third - uncontrolled vehicle roll
- Fourth - propulsion system water hammer effect
|
chris_petty
Member Posts: 14
From:
Registered: Nov 2015
|
posted 11-16-2015 06:07 AM
Yes, agree with Jim here. The original engine design for the N-1 was Kuznetzov's NK-15 and was actually a very advanced closed cycle design. It was an impressive achievement as Kuznetzov was predominantly an aviation designer so didn't have the background in rocket propulsion that Glushko did.The NK-33 engine was an improved design but never flew on an N-1. It was to have been used on booster 8L but the project was cancelled prior to this launch taking place. There were many reasons for the four N-1 failures, including foreign object ingestion into engine pumps, but the actual design was sound. As Jim mentions, the KORD system was responsible for many problems resulting in failures. There are more details on the N-1 and its issues in this article. Also, you may be interested on this documentary about the NK-33. | |
Contact Us | The Source for Space History & Artifacts
Copyright 2020 collectSPACE.com All rights reserved.
Ultimate Bulletin Board 5.47a
|
|
|
 advertisement
|
