The RL10E-1 rocket engine will be used in the second stage of the ULA Vulcan rocket (supplied by L3Harris Technologies)
The RL10 is an efficient upper stage engine that uses additive manufacturing technology to reduce the number of thrust chamber parts by 98%. And it can fire multiple times into space to place spacecraft in precise orbits or propel them to interplanetary destinations. This delivery is the first RL10E-1 engine in L3Harris’ latest contract, with a total of 116 units to be delivered.
The new L3Harris RL10E-1 rocket engine uses an additively manufactured copper thrust chamber, reducing parts count by 98% compared to the traditional RL10 engine (supplied by L3Harris Technologies).
Kristin Houston, director of L3Harris, said: “The RL10 engine has a history spanning more than 60 years, powering hundreds of military, civil and commercial satellites and helping spacecraft explore every planet in the solar system. Now, thanks to 3D printing, they can not only maintain engine performance and reliability, but also shorten the delivery cycle and better adapt to the needs of the modern market.
The engine is expected to be flown aboard ULA’s Vulcan rocket for flight testing next year. The two RL10 engines, with a total thrust of about 48,000 pounds, will power the upper stage of each Vulcan rocket.
