Rolls-Royce, easyJet to perform hydrogen testing at NASA in Mississippi
23rd Jul 2024 | In News | By Michael Tyrrell
Rolls-Royce has broken ground on a new engine test site to perform outdoor, full-scale gas turbine hydrogen testing. The development of the site and engine testing is in partnership with easyJet and will be located at NASA’s Stennis Space Center in Mississippi.
This will be the third Rolls-Royce test stand at NASA Stennis, expanding a relationship with NASA that goes back decades and includes joint research on a variety of aerospace technologies.
This programme is part of Rolls-Royce’s goal to develop technologies that meet the world’s growing demand for power while enabling net zero by 2050. The testing will demonstrate the integration of technologies required for 100% hydrogen fuel operation on a modified Rolls-Royce Pearl 15 engine. Tata Consultancy Services (TCS) is providing engineering expertise to Rolls-Royce to achieve this milestone.
In addition to hydrogen research, Rolls-Royce continues to focus on other key elements of its technology strategy – specifically the enhancement of gas turbine engines; promoting and enabling the incorporation of sustainable aviation fuels (SAF); and other forms of power including increased electrification.
Deborah Robinson, director – test and experimental engineering for Rolls-Royce, said: “Rolls-Royce is at the forefront of developing technologies that will be needed to reach net zero by 2050. We are excited to partner with other global leaders like easyJet and NASA to explore the viability of aviation decarbonization through the introduction of hydrogen as an alternative fuel."
David Morgan, chief operating officer at easyJet, added: “We are delighted with the progress our partnership with Rolls-Royce has made and where greater place to do this next phase of testing than at one of NASA’s facilities. It’s a truly remarkable feat to – in just a few short years – go from conceptual design stage to full engine testing with 100% hydrogen, helping take us a step closer to our vision of operating zero-carbon hydrogen-powered aircraft technology in the years to come.”
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