Space and Missile Systems Center (SMC) will review the status of the Booster Propulsion Technology Maturation (BPTM) projects during a specialist session at the 22-26 May 2017 JANNAF Meeting, Kansas City MO.

As part of a comprehensive Air Force plan to transition U.S. space launch systems from the use of the Russian RD-180 propulsion system, the Air Force Space and Missile Systems Center, Advanced Systems and Development Directorate (SMC/AD) has initiated several BPTM projects in support of SMC Launch Systems Enterprise Directorate (SMC/LE). The intent of the BPTM is to invest in technologies essential for risk reduction and development of domestic booster propulsion system capabilities in order to solidify U.S. assured access to space. The BPTM efforts are focused on four areas: a full-scale Oxygen Rich Staged Combustion (ORSC) pre-burner and thrust chamber demonstration, Combustion Stability Tool Development (CSTD), Broad Agency Announcements (BAA) to fund industry to mature critical propulsion technologies, and relevant studies and lab experiments performed by The Aerospace Corporation. This JANNAF specialist session will highlight the accomplishments achieved by industry as part of the BPTM BAA efforts. In addition, SMC/AD will discuss validation efforts and transition plans for the CSTD project, as the current effort ends in April 2017. Finally, the progress of the full-scale ORSC pre-burner and thrust chamber project will be discussed. Further details, as they exist, for the JANNAF meetings in May 2017 where these presentations and discussions will occur can be found at https://www.jannaf.org/meetings . If you have any questions about this specialist session please contact Mr. Harry DuRette, SAF-AQ(US), 571-304-8738, harry.c.durette.civ@mail.mil.