Space Transport Corp. News: STC develops 12-inch engine

On Feb. 3, STC conducted the first static development test of their 12″-diameter engine. In static tests, the engines are oriented “nozzle-up” and the engine does not move.
Within 1 second of ignition, the engine over-pressurized resulting in a bulkhead blowout. The engine was properly restrained to the test fixture during subsequent burnout. The test provided information that will lead to improvements in STC’s proprietary manufacturing procedure. Another test is planned before the end of February.
STC has encountered similar over-pressure issues with smaller engines. Experience has shown that this sort of problem is easily resolved without significant redesign and is not related to repeatability or quality control.
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