This presentation provides a brief history of the linear aerospike engine including how heritage hardware from the J-2 and J-2S engines was incorporated into the XRS-2200 engine to reduce cost, schedule and technical risk. The X-33 vehicle will also be discussed along with photos of the assembly area, operations center, and engine testing. Pro/Engineer models will be used to illustrate the engine components and engine integration into the vehicle.

The XRS-2200 is a fast track rocket engine program which utilizes existing J-2 and J-2S hardware and aerospike technology. Two XRS-2200 engines will provide the main propulsion for the vertical launch and ascent of the X-33 vehicle. Liquid oxygen and liquid hydrogen propellant tanks will be integrated within the X-33 vehicle. The XRS-2200 is a high performance engine which utilizes a simple gas generator cycle. Turbine exhaust gases and thrust cells combine to produce a high efficiency nozzle. This is also the first time Rocketdyne has used Pro/Engineer as the primary 3-dimensional computer modeling tool for a major program.

Maureen Rowbotham is a Mass Properties Engineer for The Boeing Company - Rocketdyne Propulsion and Power. She holds a BS in Civil Engineering from California State University at Northridge and MS in Structural Engineering (May 2000), also at CSUN. She previously worked in a civil engineering firm doing inspection for structural damage on single family dwellings. Since this involved going under houses to inspect the foundation she decided she needed to find a "cleaner and less claustrophobic" occupation. This led her to Rocketdyne where she has been employed for over 3 years working as the lead Mass Properties Engineer on the X33 and RLV programs. She is also the Secretary for the San Fernando Valley Chapter of the Society of Allied Weight Engineers.

Ms. Rowbotham is a gold medallist competitive figure skater who trains four mornings a week at a local ice rink. She is also the trainer/handler for her golden retriever, Tyler, at American Kennel Club sanctioned dog shows.

The LA Section is holding a special Member Get-A-Member Event. If you invite a friend or co-worker to the February Dinner meeting on February 16, 2000 and convince them to join AIAA at the meeting, you get a free meal and your guest will save $10 on their membership dues for the first year. The new member will also get their dinner at the member cost of $10, another $5 savings. You save $10 and your friend saves $15. So, help yourself, help a friend, and help the LA Section boost their membership.