SpaceX Set to Test Raptor Engine Components at NASA Stennis

SpaceRef.biz ^ | 24APR2014 | Marc Boucher

[PA Engineer]

Fuel cell technology has come a long way since the Apollo days.

It really has. My professional (original) responsibilities were in electrochemical field morphed into corrosion, morphed into materials, morphed into non-destructive technology (patents), morphed sadly into project management.

I kept following dual fuel cell and electrolytic units. There is a place in space travel for that.

[Jack Hydrazine]

Sounds like you should work for SpaceX.

[PA Engineer]

Sounds like you should work for SpaceX.

That would be a dream. We are in Western Pa, a Daughter in college (P&G Eng) and a Wife with a very large Neurology practice. I will brag and say my Daughter got a paid internship for the summer. I'm a bit stuck right now, but who knows. Fifty is the new thirty I have been told.

[Mariner]

"No one will be able to compete with the Raptor engine. It outclasses everything."

After they get the motor certified they'll have to certify a rocket. That's a whole 'nuther ball game.

They can get by on a lot of things for commercial-only lift. But when they step up to cert on National Security and/or manned flight it's a much more expensive proposition. And it take a long damn time.