NASA Next Generation Launch Technology (NGLT) Background

REP
NASA's Rocket Engine Prototype (REP) effort seeks to deliver a large-scale, prototype liquid-oxygen/kerosene engine system that will enable development of full-scale, flight-ready engines for a next generation reusable booster.

IPD
The Integrated Powerhead Demonstrator (IPD) project — which seeks to double the capability of booster engines providing access to space — is contributing new engine technologies for NGLT and Department of Defense propulsion research.

X-43A
The first demonstrator vehicle in NASA's "Hyper-X" series of experimental hypersonic ground and flight test vehicles, the X-43A will demonstrate "air-breathing" engine technologies for future hypersonic aircraft and/or reusable space launch vehicles, achieving speeds above Mach 5, or five times the speed of sound.

TBCC/RTA
The Turbine-Based Combined Cycle (TBCC) engine project seeks to deliver a Mach 4+ hypersonic propulsion system in this decade. Prime among its enabling technologies: the Revolutionary Turbine Accelerator (RTA), intended to demonstrate high mach turbine and TBCC propulsion for space access.

RBCC/ ISTAR
NASA is developing a Rocket-Based Combined Cycle (RBCC) engine system for ground demonstration in this decade. The Integrated System Test of an Air-breathing Rocket (ISTAR) project is NASA's first flight-type system development and ground test of an RBCC propulsion system.

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NGLT EXPLAINED

The foundation of America’s future space fleet...

The Next Generation Launch Technology program combines elements of two previous research efforts: the original Space Launch Initiative program -- which sought to reduce the risk associated with flying a second-generation reusable launch vehicle in the 2012 timeframe -- and NASA’s former Advanced Space Transportation Program, which pursued propulsion, launch and flight technologies intended to yield options for third-generation launch vehicle concepts capable of flight in the 2025 timeframe.

Now, the Next Generation Launch Technology program seeks to develop and mature innovative technologies based on these predecessors. The program is pursuing new research in the areas of propulsion, structures, vehicle systems, and ground and flight operations. Overall, the NGLT program will focus on the development of new technologies that provide NASA the means of improving safety and lowering launch costs -- thereby revitalizing the nation’s space transportation capabilities and dramatically improving NASA’s ability to conduct science and exploration missions in space..

Download the Next Generation Launch Technology program brochure (PDF) Page 1 Page 2

For more information...

Next Generation Launch Technology fact sheet (PDF)

Hypersonics Research & Development (PDF)

Integrated System Test of an Air-breathing Rocket [ISTAR] (PDF)

X-43A Flight Demonstrator (PDF)

X-43 Flight Testing at NASA Dryden

Integrated Powerhead Demonstrator project

RS-84 Engine Prototype

TR107 Engine Prototype

SLI fact sheet
SLI fact sheet, historical
SLI summary

Introduction to SLI