This is not directly linked to the question however it is surely a result. This extract from NASA regarding engines is mind boggling.
I will post the full piece on Rocketry in the "General Forum".
Quote:
The space shuttle main engines are among the most powerful, most
sophisticated devices ever invented. They represent a quantum leap in
technology advancement over the engines which powered the Saturn
V. Each of the three main engines in tail of the shuttle can provide
almost a half-million pounds of thrust, a thrust equal to that
produced by all eight of the Saturn I's first stage engines. Unlike
most previous rocket engines, which were designed to be used only once
-- and then for only a few minutes -- the space shuttle's main engines
are designed to be used again and again, for up to 7.5 hours. The
thrust to weight ratio for these engines is the best in the world --
each engine weighs less than 7,000 pounds but puts out the power
equivalent of seven Hoover Dams! |