The RS-83 was a rocket engine design for a reusable liquid hydrogen/liquid oxygen rocket larger and more powerful than any other. The RS-83 was designed to last 100 missions, and was intended for use on the first stage of a two-stage-to-orbit reusable launch vehicle.[1]
Development
It was developed by Rocketdyne Propulsion and Power, located in Canoga Park, California to power the launch vehicle as part of the Space Launch Initiative (SLI) program. This engine was designed to produce a thrust of 664000 lbf at sea level and 750000 lbf in a vacuum with an Isp of 395 isp and 446 isp respectively.
The engine was designed to use many new technologies including ones developed for the Space Shuttle Main Engine (SSME). Technologies include channel wall regenerative nozzles, hydrostatic bearings, and turbine damping.[2]
The RS-83 is loosely based on the RS-68 that powers the