Shuttle Main Engine Test to be Webcast

spamacon writes "Periodically, the Space Shuttle Main Engines (SSMEs) get tested, and sometimes the public is invited to witness the event. Well, now they've gone and done it right: this Friday, they are going to broadcast the test over the internet (with audio, so go out and buy that big subwoofer you've had your eye one). The webcast link is here, and a little history of the SSME is located here. If you are in southern Mississississ(stop me!)ippi on Friday, go have a peek. Should be a blast (ugh)."

Comments

Aerospike Engines

[turgid]

Whatever happened to Linear Aerospike rocket engines, that were supposed to be more efficient than conventional ones with bell-shaped nozzles? In theory they could be made anular as well as linear. Wouldn't these make good replacements for the shuttles main engines, making it more efficient? What's holding back their development? I once read that they were considered for the space shuttle when it was being designed but they were considered too new and radical.